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First-Ever “Shark Tank of Wellness”
Attracts Over 70 Entries from Around the Globe;
Two Weeks Remaining for Final Submissions
Top three finalists to be flown to 2016 Global Wellness Summit in Tyrol, Austria;
students to present wellness innovations live, in front of a panel of ‘Wellness Sharks’ for $10,000 in prize money
Miami, FL – July 14, 2016 – The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) today announced its first-ever “Shark Tank of Wellness” competition has already attracted more than 70 entries from 17 countries; submissions continue until August 1, 2016. In addition, the Summit revealed its panel of judges, the “Wellness Sharks.”
“The enthusiasm for ‘Shark Tank of Wellness’ has been incredible and illustrates that ‘wellness innovation’ is truly a global phenomenon,” said Susie Ellis, GWS Chairman and CEO. “This radical re-think of our traditional Student Challenge has been embraced not only by student participants, but also by the sponsors who will also be the judges—or rather, our “Wellness Sharks.”
The six Wellness Sharks will engage students in a lively discussion/debate during the 10th Anniversary Global Wellness Summit, taking place in Tyrol, Austria (October 17-19), to determine the viability of their new wellness concepts, which can span any aspect of the wellness spectrum – from technology to architecture to spa design.
Wellness Sharks represent leading wellness companies/industries and come from all over the world. The Wellness Sharks for the inaugural competition include:
- – Simon Casson, Regional Vice President & General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (UAE)
- – Tracey Chappell, Senior Vice President, Global Spa Solutions, ESPA (UK)
- – Jane Iredale, President and Founder, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics (USA)
- – Sheila McCann, General Manager, Chiva-Som International Health Resort (Thailand)
- – Frank Pitsikalis, Founder & CEO, ResortSuite (Canada)
- – Frank Strobel, Director, International Sales, Klafs GmbH & Co. (Germany)
The top three “Shark Tank of Wellness” finalists will be hosted at the Summit in Austria, along with their professors, and present on the main stage in front of an audience of over 450 delegates from more than 50 countries for $10,000 in prize money (1st prize $5,000; 2nd prize $3,000; 3rd prize $2,000).
Individuals and teams are eligible to submit their innovative idea through August 1, 2016, which must include a 1-2 minute video. Full rules and regulations can be found on the Global Wellness Summit website here.
There is no fee to enter. In addition to the prize money, all three finalists will receive access to the three-day conference (a $2,650 value), including all general sessions, industry forums and gala social events. In addition, airfare and hotel accommodations will also be covered (limit one student and one professor per team).
The Global Wellness Summit attracts leaders from every sector of the wellness industry: spa, hospitality, tourism, beauty, fitness, nutrition, finance, education, environment, medicine, architecture, workplace wellness, wellness communities and technology.
To learn more about the 2016 GWS, visit: https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/about-us/past-summits/.
For sponsorship, contact Michelle Gamble.
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 $3.4 trillion global wellness industry. Held in a different location each year, the Summit attracts delegates from all over the world. Summits have taken place in the U.S., Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco and Mexico City. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of the Summit and will be held in Kitzbühel, Tyrol, Austria from October 17-19, 2016.
