GWS announces 2026 venue and co-chairs

The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) has announced the 2026 event will take place at Angsana Laguna Phuket in Thailand.

The co-chairs for the 20th anniversary Summit have also been revealed as Cathy Feliciano-Chon, Jiří Dvořák, Jessica Jesse and Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee.

The co-chairs will help guide the agenda and shape the conversations for the 2026 Summit. Each brings a distinct perspective on the rapidly evolving wellness sector and has a deep familiarity with both Asia and the global wellness landscape.

Cathy Feliciano-Chon is a managing partner at FINN Partners in Greater China, a communications and strategy firm specialising in travel, hospitality and lifestyle brands.

A marketing and communications expert with more than 30 years of experience, she leads global campaigns and market-entry strategies for leading hotel groups, hospitality companies and consumer brands.

Jiří Dvořák is a professor emeritus of neurology at the University of Zurich as well as executive senior adviser and co-founder of BDMS Wellness Clinic in Bangkok, which focuses on scientific wellness and brain health.

Celebrating the roots of wellness

Jessica Jesse is founder, CEO and creative director of BuDhaGirl and creator of Zen Collective. BuDhaGirl is a luxury lifestyle brand devoted to wellbeing across multiple sectors.

Jesse’s signature philosophy of ‘mindful glamour’ integrates contemplative rituals and intention-setting into everyday wearable and consumable pieces. Zen Collective expands this vision by fostering a like-minded community through curated content and shared rituals.

“Having worked in Thailand for more than 14 years, I’ve experienced first hand the country’s extraordinary devotion to wellbeing, spirituality and gracious living,” said Jesse. “Bringing global wellness leaders together in Phuket allows us to celebrate the roots of wellness while helping shape the future.”

Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee is director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine at the Thailand Ministry of Public Health.

With more than two decades of experience in health policy and system innovation, he has played a key role in advancing Thailand’s national health strategies and digital health transformation.

Angsana Laguna Phuket

A five-star beachfront resort within the Laguna Phuket integrated resort complex, Angsana Laguna Phuket is a setting where centuries-old healing traditions meet cutting-edge medical wellness.

Set within tropical gardens and surrounded by waterways, Angsana Laguna Phuket offers extensive spa, wellness and outdoor amenities that reflect Thailand’s tradition of holistic wellbeing.

The invite-only GWS, expected to be the largest yet, will take place from November 10-13, 2026. Registration is now open; delegates can request an invitation here.

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