My Experience at the 2019 WEGO Health Awards in Las Vegas

The 2019 WEGO Health Awards took place in Las Vegas, at MGM Grand.

Have you ever won anything?

Until recently, I was firmly rooted in the “no” category.

Now I can tell you I have won something—The Wego Health Award 2019 Best in Show: Twitter.

I don’t say this to brag. On the contrary, this allows me to share my experience with you.

My Experience at HLTH 2019

I was extremely honored (and always will be) to win the WEGO Health Award Best in Show: Twitter, from WEGO Health. It reassured me that my advocacy efforts are reaching people.

When I discovered I won, I learned the award included a $7,000 prize package so I could fly out to Las Vegas and accept my award in person.

I was completely overwhelmed, but in a good way. If that makes sense?

Sunday, October 27

I jumped out of my bed at 4 am to prepare for my journey. Excitement and anxiety consumed me.

Yes, I was very excited to receive my award and meet all the wonderful people, but would I be able to maintain my stability?

I spoke with my provider a handful of times to prepare for the trip because Las Vegas is an hour behind Colorado; which is where I reside. She helped me to create a manageable plan for my trip.

The weather was cold, wet, and snowy as I drove down to Denver International Airport. Mother Nature decided the first big snow of the season needed to be on the day I departed for Las Vegas. It wasn’t an issue because I have no problem driving in adverse conditions.

I dropped off my car at the park-and-go and a shuttle transported me to the main terminal. At this point, I felt in the clear. Little did I know the line through security was 12 long lengths deep. I never experienced such security point congestion before in all the years I have flown.

I made it to the gate with about 3 minutes to spare!

After we boarded the plane and everyone was buckled in, the pilot came on the loudspeaker and explained it would be about a 1-2 hour delay. They needed to de-ice the plane because of the snowstorm.

Arriving in Las Vegas

Eventually, we landed in Las Vegas, Nevada!

A pleasant young woman drove me from the airport to the MGM Grand. I followed the droves of people lining up to check in. It reminded me of the security lines in Denver.

After I went through all the formalities of check-in, I was told my room would be ready by 4 pm. It was close to 1 pm and the front desk lady said I would receive a text when the room was ready.

In the next few hours, I walked around MGM taking in all the sights and sounds.

Music constantly played in the background.

There were people everywhere! It reminded me of a mall with smaller corridors. The different restaurants and shops opened up to everything. So, they were separate but part of the layout. It’s quite ingenious.

At the Convention

I wheeled my luggage with me down the corridor to the convention. Proceeding down the walkway, I felt like I was going to a wellness retreat. It was a very comforting vibe.

Upon arriving, I registered and received a goodie bag, a name tag (to get into the conference), and a bunch of other cool swag.

The HLTH 2019 Conference was quite a sight to take in. People walked this way and that. They each had a purpose for their steps.

I followed the droves of people filing into the main area for the opening remarks of the conference. Talk about awesome! I felt like I was at a rock concert with all the smoke and music.

I finally received a text from housekeeping saying that my room was ready. From the convention, I made it up to my room to get settled.

I was pretty tuckered out from the long day of traveling.

After Skyping with my wife and son, I turned in early.

Monday, October 28 – WEGO Health Awards

In addition to living with bipolar disorder, I also have severe anxiety. The anxiety destroyed my stomach, and this kept me from eating much of anything for the majority of the trip. I did eat, just not as much as I usually do.

Needless to say, I did not get up at the time I wanted to to grab some breakfast. Still, I went over to the MGM Spa to use their fitness center. I felt like I was in some exotic land walking down the corridor.

After my workout, I made my way back to HLTH 2019. Kodi Lee, the winner of 2019 America’s Got Talent, made a surprise appearance. 

I sat in on some discussions and took advantage of their lunch. The food was fabulous.

Later, I sat in on a panel by Jack, who runs Wego Health. After the panel, I met the other winners, along with those from Wego Health. 

We walked over to a casino, which was connected to MGM by a walkway.

All of us filled a room to have an internal meeting and panel. I sat on the panel with a couple of my fellow winners. It was amazing to hear all the stories and connect with everyone.

The WEGO Health Awards

The Wego Health Awards began around 7 pm. Jack and Julie made some opening remarks. 

After their remarks, a presenter went up to the podium and introduced the winner to a particular category. Then, the winner came up on stage and gave a 2-minute speech. We followed this routine for each of the winners.

After the awards, we mingled and met some new folks.

It was a fun and amazing day!

Tuesday, October 29

I stayed up and took my nighttime medication later than I usually do, the night before. As a result, I was groggy and tired. Most of the morning, I was pretty much in a nonfunctional capacity.

I did make it to the 12:30 pm Wego Health luncheon and panel.

Jack, from Wego Health, moderated a panel of two of the WEGO Health Award winners, along with two other industry experts.

I didn’t get a chance to eat much lunch, but I discovered their dessert montage in the back! Wow, I’m still recovering from the sugar coma.

After the luncheon, I mingled, networked, and made it over to the exhibition hall. I spent time visiting the different companies and making my name known.

A nice dinner was scheduled for the Wego Health team and winners. Unfortunately, I had to turn in early. I could not attend the dinner and the festivities afterward, at a nightclub in MGM.

Wednesday, October 30

I called up the front desk and asked for a late checkout at noon.

After checking out, I wandered around MGM with my luggage. I found a few slot machines and gambled for the first time. I made enough money to eat at the buffet and to surprise my wife with some extra money. Not bad for a first-timer.

 At 2:45 pm, my driver texted me and alerted me of their arrival. They dropped me off at the airport and I proceeded to make my way to the gate.

My flight back to Colorado was luckily uneventful.

A shuttle dropped me off at my car and I had to dig it out from under the snow. By the time I returned home, it was a little after 10 pm. 

I had such a fun trip and I will never forget it.