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Co-Chairs of the 2018 Global Wellness Summit Announced
Tony de Leede, Australian fitness entrepreneur, and Mia Kyricos, wellness thought-leader and brand strategist, to shape agenda of largest conference on wellness economy taking place this year at Technogym Village in the heart of Italy’s ‘Wellness Valley’
Miami, FL – February 7, 2018 – The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the annual event focused on the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy, today announced renowned fitness/wellness entrepreneur Tony de Leede and Mia Kyricos, a leader in shaping wellness-driven hospitality, tourism and lifestyle companies, as co-chairs of this year’s Summit (October 6-8, 2018). The 12th annual event will take place at Technogym Village, a 37-acre campus located in Cesena, Italy that combines high design and high tech seamlessly and was created to inspire and encourage every aspect of wellness. Technogym is a world-leading manufacturer of fitness and gym equipment and an official supplier of the Olympic Games.
“I’m grateful for the talents and expertise that both Tony and Mia will bring to curating an agenda that not only furthers conversations on the big business of wellness, but also embraces the heart and soul of Italy’s lifestyle, including its art, fashion and food,” said Susie Ellis, GWS Chairman & CEO. “I know we’ll create an unforgettable 12th Summit together!”
Tony de Leede is an extraordinarily successful fitness pioneer, having built Australia’s biggest fitness empire, Fitness First. He is also a renowned wellness resort entrepreneur who co-owns a range of wellness hospitality businesses, including the award-winning Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, and very on-trend surf wellness brand, Komune.
“The Global Wellness Summit is attended by the top wellness companies, investors, researchers, and policy-makers in the world. It’s an honor to be a part of an event that facilitates deep cooperation among this group, and, ultimately, encourages relationships that end up shaping the business of wellness for years to come,” said Tony de Leede, who is also a GWS board member.
Mia Kyricos, President and CEO of Kyricos & Associates LLC, whose clients span both public and private sectors as well as Fortune 500 companies, has attended every Summit in the event’s history and has sat on the GWS board for five years. With over 25 years of experience, Mia has helped to develop, operate, and market wellness-related brands and facilities across 100+ countries, and has held senior positions for industry pioneers including Chief Brand Officer of Spafinder Wellness, Inc., Vice President of EXOS, and Global Director of Spa Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. She also Chairs the Wellness Communities Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute and serves as its Research Advisor.
“Having witnessed the growth and magic of the Summit since its inception, and watched it evolve into the event of the year for any decision-maker serious about the business of wellness, I’m honored to have been asked to co-chair this year’s event,” said Kyricos. “And I’m particularly thrilled to do so at the global headquarters of Technogym in Italy. A great setting for our delegates to discover more insights into the sectors that make up today’s global wellness economy, including beauty, travel, spa, real estate, nutrition, medicine, the environment and, of course, fitness.”
Located in the heart of Italy’s “Wellness Valley, the Technogym campus is home to an expansive research and education center, state-of-the-art gym, factory and a farm-to-table restaurant where their employees dine. Summit delegates will gain rare access to a successful, publicly traded company that is steeped in wellness – from the products it produces to the environment it has created for its employees and the surrounding community to its mission to inspire the world with wellness innovations. Technogym’s founder, Nerio Alessandri’s innovative and integrative approach to the business of wellness will also help drive the dialogue of the 2018 Summit.
The Global Wellness Summit is an invitation-only gathering for senior executives. First-time delegates must apply to attend. The Summit is always a sell-out event – delegates registered prior to February 28, 2018 enjoy a discounted registration fee.
About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is an invitation-only international gathering that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy. Held in a different location each year, Summits have taken place in the U.S., Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico and Austria. The 12th annual Summit will be held at Technogym Village, Cesena, Italy from October 6-8, 2018.
