MIAMI – October 29, 2026 -- The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has released the full agenda for its 20th annual event, running November 10-13 at the Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand, with more than 70 experts and an opening address by Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand.
Under the theme "The Science, Art and Soul of Wellness," the program reviews 20 years of industry growth and forecasts the next 20. Focus areas are medical wellness, longevity and healthspan; hospitality and travel; and design, the arts and the built environment.
Longevity sessions call for less hype and more evidence
Keynotes will argue that longevity is at a crossroads, with demand for evidence-based pathways and a more integrative, accessible model over an elitist, clinical one. Andrea Maier of the NUS Academy for Healthy Longevity, whose team is one of 20 finalists for the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan Competition, will speak on integrating consumer-led health with precision geromedicine.
Healthspan's effect on adjacent sectors is also on the agenda. John Schoonbee, global chief medical officer at Swiss Re, will present "An Insurance Giant Bets on Wellness," while Diego Carrete, chief wellness officer at First Abu Dhabi Bank, will present "Banking on Wellness." Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, will discuss the brand's expansion to Phuket. Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones, will speak on having built the company, sold it and bought it back.
Developers and designers address wellness-driven built environments
Thomas Heatherwick of Heatherwick Studio will examine the effects of "boring buildings." Jonathan Emery, CEO of Aldar Development, will cover city-building with individual care in mind. A panel with David Delrahim of COCUN Wellness Resorts and Communities, Proudputh Liptapanlop of Proud Real Estate and Ari Peralta of Arigami will address wellness-led urban developments.
Deron Triff, founder of Project VELUM, will present a science-backed blueprint for immersive entertainment in wellness.
Hospitality leaders debate scaling wellness without losing identity
Ho Kwon Ping, executive chairman of Banyan Group, will speak on the evolution of wellness hospitality. Krip Rojanastien, chairman and CEO of Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, will ask whether a wellness destination can keep its soul as it scales. Ramona Chiriac of Therme Group will present "Wellness for Millions, Not Millionaires." William E. Heinecke, chairman of Minor International, will also give a keynote.
Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee, director general of Thailand's Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, will outline how the country combines ancient wisdom with modern medicine.
Summit marks leadership transition for CEO Susie Ellis
The program includes tributes to Susie Ellis, who is stepping away as GWS CEO. Film premieres come from the BBC, ArtLink and Louie Schwartzberg, and Myndstream will present new music.
Nancy Davis, GWS chief creative officer and executive director, said the agenda was designed as a deep immersion in how science, art and soul will reshape the industry.