In a deal that brings two of the wellness industry's most influential organizations into a broader healthcare, longevity, and aesthetics division, the Global Wellness Summit (GWS) and Global Wellness Institute (GWI) have been acquired by the London-based international events and research group Informa.
GWS Chair and CEO Susie Ellis announced the news, saying she will step away from her role on Jan. 1, 2027, after helping build and lead both organizations for nearly 20 years. Nancy Davis, who has held leadership roles within the organizations and helped direct their events and initiatives, will lead The Global Wellness Group within Informa's Medical Division beginning in 2027.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Founded nearly two decades ago, the Global Wellness Summit is a prominent gathering for executives, investors, researchers and business leaders across spa, wellness, and hospitality. The Global Wellness Institute is widely known for its research on the wellness economy and consumer wellness trends.
According to Ellis, the organizations will continue operating under their existing brands, and the current team will remain in place following the acquisition. She says the transaction will provide additional resources and global reach to support future growth in events, research ,and education initiatives.
As spa businesses increasingly expand into recovery therapies, wellness programming, and longevity-focused services, the move highlights the increasing commercial importance of the global wellness market.
Industry attendees can learn more about the future of the organizations at the Global Wellness Summit's 20th anniversary event, scheduled for Nov 10-13 in Phuket, Thailand.