The January issue of MPI’s magazine, The Meeting Professional, is sponsored by Caesars Entertainment and features a wellness theme. We focus on the intersection of the wellness and event industries, share wellness tips, find out how to implement healthy F&B offerings and much more. Don’t miss the full issue next month, but first, let’s get to know Destinee Walker, who, along with some of her Caesars Entertainment colleagues, shares her personal inspirational wellness journey in the January issue.
Walker’s passion for wellness started with her time as a dancer.
“I grew up dancing competitively and was lucky enough to dance professionally for a few years,” says Walker, associate director of sales, in-market Mountain Central for Caesars Entertainment Meetings & Events. “To keep up with the physical and mental demands of training, auditioning and performing, I learned how to care for my body and mind at a different level. Now as a hospitality professional, I incorporate these same wellness practices in my daily routine and believe, without a doubt, they have helped me achieve much success along the way. I’ve experienced firsthand how practicing wellness can benefit all aspects of life and want to share that with others.”
A seven-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon in 2008 was both an immense challenge and a highlight of Walker’s wellness journey.
“Between battling the intense rapids, hiking three to seven miles a day and setting up camp each night, I was pushed both physically and mentally in ways I had never been before,” she says. “What inspired me the most was the magnetic energy and infectious enthusiasm of the 75-year-old woman who was also on the trip. She participated in every activity, was the first one up each morning and the last one to go to bed each night. Her advice? ‘Be intentional. Make hiking/exercising/enjoying the outdoors a lifestyle, not just a hobby.’ Ever since, it has been my mission to do just that.”
Incorporating your hobbies and your clients’ hobbies into meetings and events is a great way to engage in wellness practices, Walker says. She recently met with a client via a hiking excursion instead of meeting at a restaurant.
“It was refreshing to catch up and talk business while enjoying something we both loved,” she says. “Similarly, I always love to find a workout buddy/accountability partner when attending events. On my own, I may hit the snooze button. But if I know someone else is counting on me, I’ll be there!”
Walker also advises taking advantage of wellness elements that are becoming more common at events: fun runs, meditation rooms or healthy snacks.
How she manages her energy is a big part of the wellness equation for Walker.
“Am I getting worked up over small things that are not very important or that I have no control over? How is this impacting my work, relationships and other areas of my life?” she says. “Am I setting boundaries so that my energy is not zapped? How is my energy impacting others? I have systems in place like exercise routines, scheduled breaks and breathing techniques that help me achieve the ideal energy. As a result, I am more pleasant, present and productive at work.”
Walker loves the fact that Caesars Entertainment, and the industry at large, is putting wellness at the forefront of hospitality.
“The recent Global Wellness Forum hosted by Caesars Entertainment is a true testament to our commitment to wellness,” she says. “We understand that wellness is at the forefront of the meeting arena, and we’re eager to support our clients’ meeting needs. We want to set our customers up for success so that they can easily share the gift of wellness with their attendees.”
Working for a company that supports and encourages time off to fully disconnect and focus on friends and family is also important to Walker.
“Caesars Entertainment encourages me to fulfill not just my professional goals, but my personal goals as well—AND supports me in doing so,” she says. “Wellness is engrained in our company culture and it makes all the difference!”
