We explore two powerful shifts redefining how we design experiences and earn guest loyalty: wellness-based event planning and the evolution of loyalty programs from points to presence.
The traditional conference model—cramming in sessions, networking, and content—is getting a wellness wake-up call. At Skift Meetings’ latest Backstage Briefing, industry experts shared how event design is moving away from rigid agendas toward energy-focused programming that supports how people actually process information.
Event leaders like Samantha T. Marie of OmniEra Events and Sepideh Eivazi of Dawn of the Earth are championing more intentional experiences built around:
Breathwork and movement to reduce fatigue
Natural light and calming design to enhance focus
Snack stations and wellness breaks to support sustained attention
Rainy day guides and mindful amenities in hotel rooms to foster calm
This isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about aligning the event rhythm with human energy cycles. Planners are now rethinking everything from room layouts to registration flow, not as logistical hurdles but as opportunities for connection and restoration.
Whether you're running a meeting space, boutique hotel, or STR property with event potential, your value isn’t just in your location—it’s in how you support well-being.
Ask yourself:
Do your spaces allow for calm, light, and movement?
Could your amenities double as wellness touchpoints?
Can you collaborate with local providers to offer yoga, massage, or nature-based experiences?
The future of high-performing events isn’t louder—it’s lighter, smarter, and more human.
In hospitality, the loyalty conversation is shifting fast. According to new insights shared across the industry, guests—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are no longer motivated by delayed points or elite tiers. Instead, they want real-time, personalized recognition that shows the brand understands and values them now.
Boutique hotel brand Staypineapple has gone all-in on flexible, non-points-based loyalty. Their program focuses on:
Best-rate guarantees
Exclusive perks like welcome drinks or pet-friendly extras
Elevated guest service over traditional points accumulation
This mirrors a broader trend where brands are blending technology and emotional intelligence to deliver more intuitive, human-centred experiences.
Platforms like Cloudbeds’ Signals are helping hotels:
Detect real-time behavioral cues (like booking history or time spent on-site)
Trigger micro-rewards or flash offers—a free upgrade, late check-out, or surprise amenity
Personalize at scale, without overwhelming frontline teams
But leaders stress one key point: technology is the enabler, not the heart of loyalty. As Staypineapple leadership put it:
“SOPs don’t build loyalty—empathetic, empowered teams do.”
The brands that will thrive are those that use AI to amplify human connection, not replace it.
Whether you host business travelers, leisure guests, or small events, these trends offer clear, actionable insights:
Use natural materials, good lighting, and flexible layouts to support mental and physical wellness
Partner with local wellness providers to offer value-added services
Create quiet zones or sensory-friendly touches for longer stays and group retreats
Surprise your regulars with early check-ins, welcome gifts, or local treats
Use your booking data to tailor offers, experiences, and communication
Don’t wait for a “tier”—give guests a reason to feel connected from visit one
Whether it’s a packed conference schedule or a first-time guest check-in, the new rule is simple: energy and empathy outperform automation and routine.
Wellness is no longer a niche—it’s a strategy. And loyalty isn’t about how many nights someone books—it’s about how seen and supported they feel when they do.
Ready to elevate your direct booking game? Visit the Boostly website for the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed in 2025 and beyond. And remember: Book Direct.
