Northstar Meetings Group will show its support for Los Angeles during Luxury & Wellness Meetings – Winter, a new hosted-buyer event at the West Hollywood Edition, Feb. 19-21, 2025. Designed for North American planners seeking luxury or wellness-focused hotels and venues for their meetings or incentives, the inaugural Luxury & Wellness event was held this past September at the VEA Newport Beach in California.
Showing support in a time of need
Following the city's devastating fires, Northstar confirmed its commitment to support this extraordinary destination.
"Together with our partners at Visit West Hollywood and the West Hollywood Edition, we are proud to unite our industry in a destination that exemplifies resilience, creativity and connection," said David Blansfield, Northstar Meetings Group's executive vice president and group publisher.
To aid the hospitality community, Northstar is partnering with the Above and Beyond Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial support to deserving front-line hotel workers when they need it most. More details about this meaningful collaboration will be shared in the coming weeks.
Luxury and wellness converge in West Hollywood
"As a premier destination for luxury hotels, venues and trend-setting wellness experiences, West Hollywood offers the perfect backdrop for this exclusive program," said Sean Keliiholokai, chief sales officer at Visit West Hollywood. "We invite attendees to immerse themselves in our walkable, 1.9-square-mile city that captures the vibrant energy of the heart of L.A."
The West Hollywood Edition is an ideal venue for this event, noted Robert Thomas, general manager of the 190-room hotel. "At our property, wellness is woven into every experience, from our Forbes Five-Star spa to our curated culinary offerings that nourish both body and mind. This event allows us to showcase how we create transformative moments for guests and meeting groups alike. And hopefully, it will inspire future wellness-centered gatherings that resonate deeply with participants."
Event program emphasizes participatory learning
The event agenda includes a broad range of movement and mindfulness activities, one-on-one appointments, education and networking opportunities. Among highlights:
- Cultivating Joy in Meetings and Life: In this workshop-style session, Christian Anderson, an Episcopal priest, life coach and entertainer, will share practical, secular strategies for finding deeper focus and fulfillment in everyday activities, and apply those concepts to their work.
- Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Modern Luxury: Ask retailers whether they offer a luxury experience, and 85 percent will say yes. Ask their customers, though, and just 8 percent will agree. In this engaging workshop-style session, John Brennan, an author, speaker and corporate trainer, shares strategies from his successful acting career and his work with Ritz-Carlton, Disney, Nordstrom and other iconic brands to demonstrate the vital importance of emotional intelligence in delivering a high-end service experience.
- Lee Papa's Mindfulness Lounge: Step into a dedicated space of serenity, where wellness expert Lee Papa will lead a series of meditative exercises designed to ease stress and foster a mindset for optimal learning, growth and lasting connections.
Experience the best of West Hollywood
The event agenda is intentionally designed with ample breaks and dedicated time to explore the destination. Optional activities will include a guided hike in Runyon Canyon with a photo opportunity at the iconic Hollywood sign, a scenic e-bike tour and a guided walking tour of Sunset Strip.
Save the date: Luxury and Wellness Meetings – Summer
Following a successful launch earlier this year, a second 2025 event will be held in July at the Opal Sol in Clearwater, Fla. Meeting professionals can register their interest for both the winter and summer meetings, or other Northstar Meetings Group events.
Suppliers interested in participating or sponsoring Northstar Meetings Group events can contact Shalise DeMott, vice president of sales, for more information.
