The Rise of Wellness in Events: From Burnout to Balance

In this special episode of Smart Start Radio, hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson sit down with Liz Van Voorhis, founder and CEO of FIT COLLECTIVE, and Ashley Brooke James, co-founder of TRILUNA  to explore what wellness really means in today’s fast-paced meetings world. From burnout and boundaries to building sustainable wellness practices for yourself and your attendees, this candid conversation dives into the heart of how wellness is evolving and why it’s not just a trend but a business imperative.

Listeners will hear how these two trailblazers are helping companies create healthier cultures from the top down, why small daily rituals can transform well-being, and how meeting planners can design events that restore rather than drain.

This episode also marks a bittersweet milestone: Sara’s final appearance as co-host before she begins her next chapter.

Key Takeaways

• How to bring authentic, inclusive wellness into meetings and events
• Why rest and saying no are vital forms of self-care
• Practical wellness rituals to start today
• How purpose and values align with true well-being

Transcript

SARA ROBERTSON
Hello, hello, and welcome back. You’re listening to Smart Start Radio. I’m host one of two, Sara Robertson.

EMING PIANSAY
And I’m host two of two, Eming Piansay. We’re so excited about this episode because we’re talking to two absolute trailblazers in the wellness world. Wellness is still a fairly new concept—it wasn’t nearly as big of an industry ten years ago. Was it even an industry back then? I’m not sure!

But in this episode, we dig into what wellness really means today, how the industry has grown, and how to incorporate it into your own life—and your events. We explore why it matters and how to meet in the middle of personal and professional well-being. I hope you take something from it and go on to make your life as big and as beautiful as you want it to be.

SR
Hi, everyone, and welcome back to Smart Start Radio. Today we have a first-of-its-kind episode focused specifically on wellness—what it is, how it’s changing, and how it’s evolving. We’re joined by two leaders who are transforming what wellness looks like and how it fits into our work and our lives.

Please join us in welcoming Liz Van Voorhis, founder and CEO of Fit Collective, and Ashley Brooke James, co-founder of TriLuna Wellness and Events.

To kick things off, we’d love to hear a little more about what each of you do in the wellness world.

LIZ VAN VOORHIS
It’s so nice to see everyone again after our time together in Santa Fe. I’m Liz Van Voorhis, founder and CEO of Fit Collective. We help organizations get healthier from the top down. That means working with companies to understand what they need to keep their employees well—whether that’s enterprise-level programs, on-site activations at conferences and meetings, or individualized coaching.

Our goal is to support the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of every team member, no matter where they’re located or what stage they’re at in their wellness journey.

EP
Beautifully said. And as Liz mentioned, both she and Ashley were speakers at our recent Santa Fe Wellness Experience. If you were there, this is round two!

SR
Ashley, how about you?

ASHLEY BROOKE JAMES
Thank you! TriLuna is a wellness and events company that specializes in providing wellness experiences and enhancements to corporate conferences, meetings, and retreats. We partner with wellness professionals—mainly throughout the Southeast, but we’re expanding into the Southwest and Midwest—to offer everything from yoga and Pilates to creative activations like DIY bath-salt bars or essential-oil stations.

We want to present wellness in a new light. A lot of people still equate wellness only with movement, but it’s so much broader than that. Our work is all about meeting people where they are.

When I started TriLuna almost seven years ago, wellness wasn’t the buzzword it is today. People thought I was crazy for leaving a six-figure corporate job to teach yoga. But I knew wellness would become essential, not optional. And here we are.

EP
That’s incredible. Both of you came from corporate backgrounds before starting your companies. What inspired you to move into wellness full-time?

ABJ
For me, it started with chronic migraines. I was in IT sales for over ten years, and during that time, I developed migraines that could last for days, sometimes weeks. There were no wellness resources in my company, so I had to figure it out on my own. That’s when I found yoga.

I got certified as a yoga instructor while still working full-time, but honestly, it was less about fitness and more about survival. I was burnt out, anxious, and pushing myself beyond my limits. Back then, we didn’t even have language like “burnout” to describe it—it was just normal to feel awful.

Eventually, I realized I couldn’t be the only one. So I started teaching, and I began dreaming of a wellness business that helped people like me—people who weren’t part of that stereotypical “wellness world.”

Then I met Elizabeth, my business partner, in yoga teacher training. We both had full corporate jobs, both were exhausted and struggling, and both wanted to make a difference. We looked at each other and said, “What if we built something that helps others before they reach this point?” And that’s where TriLuna began.

LVV
That really resonates. I spent 15 years in corporate experiential marketing. On the outside, it was incredible—great clients, constant travel, creative projects—but inside, I was running on fumes. I’ve had Type 1 diabetes for 30 years, and the lifestyle was not sustainable. Late nights, high stress, eating on the go—it all takes a toll.

For a long time, I thought being successful meant sacrificing myself. But after losing my mom to brain cancer, my perspective changed. That was my wake-up call. I realized that I wanted to help people live healthier, fuller lives before they were forced to by tragedy.

So I started Fit Collective to help organizations take wellness seriously—from leadership all the way down. We help people recognize that neglecting your health isn’t just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Eventually, your body will make you slow down—whether you choose to or not.

EP
That’s such an important message. Event planners and hospitality professionals especially live in that constant “go” mode—always thinking of the next thing, always on their feet.

SR
Yes, exactly. There’s this badge of honor in our industry around pushing through exhaustion. It’s like if you’re not overworked, you’re not working hard enough.

LVV
Right. And that mindset can only go on for so long. I always say wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about consistency. Drink your water. Take your breaks. Move your body. I literally block my workouts on my calendar before anything else. If I don’t, it doesn’t happen.

ABJ
I love that. And it’s so true—people overcomplicate wellness. It’s not all or nothing. It’s about small, repeatable steps.

When people tell me they’re not “good” at wellness, I always say, “But you’re already doing it.” If you drink water, walk your dog, stretch in the morning—that’s wellness. You just have to recognize it. Start by noticing what already supports your well-being, and then build from there.

SR
That’s such a great reframing. You’re saying wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness.

LVV
Exactly. The more we normalize those micro moments of care, the easier it becomes to stay consistent.

EP
And it sounds like you both learned that lesson the hard way—through burnout.

LVV
We definitely did. And that’s why this work matters so much to us. Every person I’ve ever coached or trained has had some version of that moment—when they realize they can’t keep living on autopilot.

ABJ
Yes. And it’s also why I tell people that saying “no” is a wellness practice. It’s something I’ve had to really learn.

Recently, I had two weeks of nonstop work, travel, and family events. My calendar was so full that I was starting to feel numb. I finally looked at everything and thought, “Something has to give.” So I canceled a few things I loved—my gospel yoga class, a mentor mixer, even dinner plans with friends.

And the next morning, I woke up feeling like myself again. I shared that story online, and so many people said, “Thank you. I needed to hear that.” Because we all need permission to pause.

LVV
That’s it right there. When you give yourself permission to rest, you give everyone around you permission too. We model wellness by how we live.

SR
I love that. People see wellness leaders and think they have it all figured out, but usually it’s because they’ve burned out before and had to rebuild.

LVV
Exactly. You can’t authentically teach resilience unless you’ve lived through the valley yourself.

ABJ
Amen to that.

EP
Wellness has changed so much over the years. When you both started, it looked really different from what it does now. How would you describe that evolution?

LVV
It’s changed completely. When I began in the wellness space, it was mostly about fitness and nutrition—how to eat better, move more, sleep well. It was focused on the physical body.

Now, it’s much more holistic and nuanced. Wellness isn’t just one lane anymore; it’s an ecosystem. You have mindfulness, emotional well-being, financial health, diversity and inclusion, mental health, spirituality—it all connects.

At Fit Collective, we’ve built a network of hundreds of practitioners across those different areas. The industry has exploded, and that’s amazing, but it can also be overwhelming. Everyone has a different definition of wellness now. My job is to help companies and individuals find what works for them, not what Instagram says should work.

ABJ
Yes, I love that. For me, the biggest evolution has been inclusivity. My definition of wellness always starts with community. You’re only as well as the community you’re part of.

When we go into companies or conferences, we’re stepping into existing communities, and we get to help them grow together. It’s not just about yoga mats and green juice—it’s about connection, conversation, and care.

When we started TriLuna, wellness was a luxury. It was something you had to “buy into.” Now, people are realizing it should be accessible to everyone.

EP
That’s so important—because the people who need it most are often the ones who can’t afford the luxury version of wellness.

ABJ
Exactly. That’s why representation matters so much. When I first walked into yoga spaces, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. So part of my mission is making wellness feel like it belongs to everyone.

And I’ll be honest—wellness is trending right now. It’s having its moment, like DEI did a few years ago. That’s great, but we also have to make sure it’s not performative.

SR
That’s a great point. We’ve seen companies jump on trends without really changing their culture.

ABJ
Yes. That’s why the business side of wellness is so important. People like Liz and me—we’ve survived in this industry because we know both sides. We understand the human element, but we also understand logistics, budgets, and brand alignment.

Wellness doesn’t stick unless it’s strategic. You can’t just slap it on top of an event and call it a day.

LVV
Exactly. And that’s where a lot of events miss the mark. Planners already know how to create experiences—but designing a wellness experience takes a different kind of awareness.

You have to think about timing, energy, and flow. If you schedule a 6 a.m. meditation after a late awards gala, no one’s going to show up. Wellness has to make sense for the people in the room. It’s not just a box to check—it’s a mindset that runs through the entire program.

ABJ
Yes, it’s rhythm and pacing. It’s not about adding another session to the agenda—it’s about creating space to breathe.

SR
I’ve been to events that were branded as wellness conferences, and by day two, everyone looked completely drained.

ABJ
Right? I went to one once where they had back-to-back sessions from morning until night. There was no downtime. I filled out the feedback form and literally wrote, “You forgot to give people time to breathe.”

Wellness isn’t just about what you add—it’s about what you remove. Stillness is part of it.

LVV
I love that. Stillness is a skill we’ve forgotten. It’s easy to fill every minute of the day, especially in hospitality and events. But real wellness isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less with more intention.

EP
And that’s probably the hardest thing for planners. We’re wired to fill space, to make sure every moment is accounted for.

ABJ
Exactly. But when you leave room for people to just be, that’s where connection happens. That’s where attendees talk, bond, and remember your event.

LVV
And the best part is, those unstructured moments are often where the breakthroughs happen. I always tell planners, “You’re not taking away value by slowing down—you’re creating it.”

SR
That’s such a good reminder. I think a lot of us need to hear that slowing down isn’t failure—it’s balance.

ABJ
Absolutely. Setting boundaries is part of that balance. For example, at TriLuna, we have a no-email-after-6 p.m. policy. It’s sacred. The only exception is if a client says, “Can you send the invoice?” and even then, we laugh about it.

It’s about training yourself to pause. You can’t lead with intention if you’re constantly reacting.

LVV
Yes. I tell leaders all the time, wellness isn’t something you do on weekends—it’s how you show up every day. It’s saying, “I’m not available after this time,” or “I need this day to recharge.”

When you honor your boundaries, you give your team permission to honor theirs. That’s how culture changes.

EP
And that’s the core of what we’re talking about—wellness as culture, not as a checkbox.

ABJ
Exactly.

SR

Let’s shift gears into what wellness looks like for you personally. What are some practices or habits that help you stay grounded?

LVV
For me, it starts with self-awareness. I’ve lived with Type 1 diabetes for 30 years, so wellness isn’t optional—it’s survival. I’ve learned to listen to my body. I know my energy peaks early in the day, so I build my mornings with intention.

My routine usually includes prayer, gratitude, meditation, and journaling. Some days I do all four. Other days, I’m lucky to get two. And that’s OK. I’ve learned to give myself grace when I travel, because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.

It’s about waking up and claiming time for myself before the world takes it from me.

ABJ
I love that. My wellness shifts with the seasons. Lately, I’ve been focusing on strength training—building physical endurance. But as summer approaches, I’m calling it my “soft girl era.” My wellness looks like gardening, flower arranging, swimming with friends, and early morning pool dates with my husband.

I even made a summer bucket list. It’s simple things—laughing more, sleeping in, being outside. Sometimes wellness is strength; sometimes it’s softness.

EP
That’s such a beautiful balance.

SR
Yes, and it’s a good reminder that wellness doesn’t have to mean workouts or strict routines. What advice would you give to people who want to start their wellness journey but feel overwhelmed or intimidated?

ABJ
First, I’d say: wellness shouldn’t feel like a luxury. When I started yoga, I was often the only Black woman in the room. It took me time to make space for myself and realize I belonged there too.

So start where you are. Learn what feels good for you. That’s the foundation.

I tell people to date themselves again. Take yourself out, learn what you like now. For example, I used to imagine cute ice cream dates—until I realized I’m lactose intolerant. So now, my self-care looks like something totally different: reading, being outside, or treating myself to flowers.

LVV
That’s such good advice. I always say curiosity is the gateway to wellness. You don’t need fancy memberships or retreats. There’s so much free content out there—YouTube workouts, guided meditations, walking groups.

Try new things and see what feels natural. If you want community, look for free local wellness events. That connection piece is so powerful.

ABJ
Exactly. And your version of wellness doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It might be dancing in your kitchen, cooking, painting, or sitting outside with coffee. These small rituals ground you.

SR
That’s such a great word—rituals.

ABJ
Yes, I think of them as rituals, not routines. “Routine” can sound rigid. “Ritual” feels sacred. Something as small as an eye mask, a few deep breaths, or taking five minutes of silence can completely shift your energy.

Wellness is about paying attention to what restores you—and doing that intentionally.

LVV
And for me, that connects back to purpose. Everything starts with purpose and values. Your purpose is your gift—the thing you’re meant to bring to the world. Your values show you how to spend your time and energy.

When things feel off, I go back to my five values: health, creativity, responsibility, pleasure, and friendship. Usually, one of them is out of alignment. Checking in with those helps me course-correct.

EP
That’s so powerful. It’s like you’re saying wellness isn’t something you chase—it’s something you live.

LVV
Exactly. You build it through the choices you make every day. I don’t work out to look a certain way—I do it because I want to live a big, beautiful life. I want to be able to hike, travel, and be active when I’m 70.

ABJ
That’s it. You can’t pour into your family, your team, or your attendees if your own cup is empty. That’s where wellness begins.

SR
And that’s especially true for meeting planners. You can’t create amazing experiences for other people if you’re completely depleted.

ABJ
Right. Boundaries are a wellness practice. At TriLuna, we don’t answer emails after 6 p.m. We set that expectation early with our clients. The only exception is if someone says, “Go ahead and send the invoice”—then maybe!

It’s about creating a culture where people feel supported. You can’t be present if you’re constantly reactive.

LVV
I tell leaders the same thing. You can’t tell your team to rest if you never model it yourself. When leadership honors boundaries, it gives permission for everyone else to do the same. That’s how you create a sustainable culture of wellness.

EP
And I think that’s the big message here—wellness isn’t about escaping your life; it’s about designing it so you can live it fully.

LVV
Exactly.

EP
So I have late-breaking news for Smart Meetings.

Since this is our November episode, it’s, unfortunately for us but exciting for everyone else, time to out you, Sara—you have no choice.

SR
This is my last episode of Smart Start Radio. I’m going to nursing school to save the world. I don’t really know what that entails, but yes, this is my last episode.

Smart Start has been the greatest joy these last two years. Huge kudos to Eming because it never would have happened without her. I’ve loved every bit of it and can’t wait to see where it goes.

EP
Well, I just want to say, since we can’t see our listeners—our community lives all over the world—we don’t always know who they are or what they do. But I think I speak for everyone when I say we really appreciate all the work you’ve done on this project.

It’s been a labor of love for two really hard years, and it’s been such a pleasure to build it with you. I know I speak for the whole Smart Meetings team when I say we’re really going to miss you, and we appreciate you so much.

SR
And I’ll miss you too. It’s definitely a bittersweet goodbye. I’ll be joining all of you listeners on the other end, because you can bet I’ll be checking out every single episode.

Ashley and Liz were absolutely phenomenal. They had so many insights and really spoke from the heart. I hope everyone enjoyed this episode and takes away some lessons—maybe even something as simple as opening your windows in the morning if that makes you feel well. Whatever your version of that is, keep doing it.

EP
And for everyone listening, if there’s one takeaway from today, it’s this: do something for yourself before you hit that point of burnout. Be aware of your body and your mind, because we only get one life and one body.

SR
Exactly.

EP
Until next time, thank you, Sara. Thank you to our guests, and thank you to everyone listening.

SR
And thank you for letting me be part of this journey.

EP
You’ve been listening to Smart Start Radio, a Smart Meetings production.