Meet the Trends Writers for
The Future of Wellness 2022
Each year, the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) trends forecasting team predicts new directions in health and wellness. No other forecast is based on the perspectives of so many experts worldwide, including economists, academics, futurists and the CEOs of international corporations from all related fields within the multitrillion dollar wellness economy. This unique input makes for a powerfully informed set of global predictions.
GWS uses a methodology that encompasses a profound respect for evidence-based science and a keen eye on the most powerful demographic, cultural and socioeconomic shifts defining the future. As a result, GWS has been the first to predict the rise of wellness trends that have fueled explosive growth, such as wellness real estate and communities.
In addition to this unique methodology, the thought leadership and experience of our trends writers sets GWS’ The Future of Wellness 2022 report apart.
Meet our 2022 Trends writers:
Cassandra Cavanah
Founder of Cavanah Communications
Cassandra Cavanah runs a boutique communications and public relations agency that specializes in wellness. She has been part of the Global Wellness Summit team for over 7 years and has written numerous wellness trends for the organization. In addition, Cassandra serves as co-chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Hydrothermal Initiative, giving her unique insights into bathing practices all around the globe. She is also the editor of the “Guide to Hydrothermal Spa & Wellness Development Standards”, a design and build manual for wet spa areas that is now in its 3rd edition.
Susie Ellis
Chair & CEO, Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute
Susie Ellis is the Co-Founder, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit, the foremost gathering of international business, academic and government leaders in the $4.5 trillion global wellness economy. She is also chair and CEO of the nonprofit Global Wellness Institute, considered the industry’s leading global research and educational resource. Recognized as a leading authority on wellness trends and initiatives, Susie initiated spa and wellness forecasting over 15 years ago, when she introduced the industry’s first trends report. She sits on numerous academic and industry boards and holds an MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Cecelia Girr
Director of Cultural Strategy, TBWA\Worldwide
Cecelia Girr is both a journalist and strategy director for Backslash, the cultural intelligence unit powered by TBWA\Worldwide. For the past three years, she has led strategy for the unit’s annual report on global cultural shifts. She is also the co-founder of Backslash’s zine, ED\GE, and served as deputy editor for the debut edition: Age of Wellness. As a brand strategist, she has worked across categories ranging from beverage and entertainment to telecommunications and technology. Cecelia has also led branding work and integrated campaigns for the Golden Globes, Postmates and UNICEF.
Elaine Glusac
Freelance Writer, Frugal Traveler columnist for the New York Times
Elaine Glusac is a frequent contributor to the New York Times travel section, where she writes the Frugal Traveler column. She has also written for AARP, AFAR, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Real Simple, Travel + Leisure and Virtuoso Life. In 2019, she was named Travel Journalist of the Year by the Society of American Traveler Writers. She’s on Instagram @eglusac, Twitter @elaineglusac, and the web at elaineglusac.com.
Skyler Hubler
Senior Cultural Strategist, TBWA\Worldwide
Skyler Hubler is a journalist and Senior Cultural Strategist at Backslash, the cultural intelligence unit of the international advertising agency TBWA\Worldwide. In her role, she works across categories to help today’s biggest brands stay one step ahead of culture. She was also a staff writer on Backslash’s debut zine, ED\GE, which unpacks wellness’ influence on everything from finance to food.
Beth McGroarty
VP, Research & Forecasting, Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute
Beth McGroarty has led research and strategic communications for the Global Wellness Summit for eight years and serves in the same capacity for the Global Wellness Institute. Previously, Beth directed research and communications initiatives for a range of entertainment and technology clients. She also taught for six years in the English department at Stanford University, where she received several dissertation fellowships.
Jamie Millar
Journalist
Jamie Millar is a journalist based in the United Kingdom where he’s been writing for Men’s Health for nearly ten years, as a Commissioning Editor, Associate Editor and now freelance Contributing Editor; previously, he was Features Writer for the British GQ website. He has written for publications including Esquire, Wired and Huffington Post and brands including Nike, Huel and Lululemon. He’s currently researching a book about the cultural history of muscularity and male body image, to which he made his own contribution by once appearing shirtless on the cover of Men’s Health (well, on the cover of a workout booklet attached to the magazine, just under Hugh Jackman).
Laura Powell
Consultant and Journalist
Laura Powell is a nationally-recognized wellness and travel consultant and journalist. As a strategic wellness and tourism analyst, she has worked with the World Travel & Tourism Council, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and Destinations International. Laura currently serves as Contributing Special Assignments Editor for Organic Spa Magazine, and writes for Hospitality Insights and Skift. Laura started her career at CNN, covering travel and wellness for nearly five years. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, USA Today, National Geographic Traveler, CNN.com and airline magazines. Her commentary on wellness, travel and real estate can be found at www.dailysuitcase.com.
Rina Raphael
Journalist
Rina Raphael is a journalist who covers technology, health, and wellness. She regularly contributes to publications such as the New York Times, L.A. Times, and Fast Company magazine. Her industry newsletter “Well To Do” examines the latest in health and wellness. She is also the author of the upcoming book The Gospel of Wellness.
This year’s report, The Future of Wellness 2022, will be released on February 8, 2022, at our inaugural Global Wellness News™ broadcast from 9 AM – Noon ET. During this engaging broadcast co-anchored by Nancy Davis and Susie Ellis, each writer will present their trend forecasts and answer questions from leading media.
All are invited to virtually attend the Global Wellness News™ broadcast, and registration includes a copy of The Future of Wellness 2022 Trends Report for just $65 (a $30 savings). The broadcast is available to watch live or on demand. After February 8 at 1PM ET, The Future of Wellness 2022 will be available for purchase for $95.
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