Building an effective workplace or community means intentionally setting up the conditions in which belonging can naturally arise. Often, what we want is to feel real and to see each other authentically.
Enter: Interactive Play and Provoking the Unexpected to reshape the way you gather.
After leading hundreds of Drunk Yoga® events for communities & organizations worldwide, I discovered how to use the very same performance devices that turn yoga into a party to help leaders break through 4th walls that prevent them from truly connecting with their people within gatherings.
Why do I call it the P.L.A.Y. method? Because the most effective way to break the 4th wall–invisible barriers to connection–and get your people on the same page is through the power of play.From corporate conferences to galas, her hosting style demonstrates how to break down invisible barriers and foster genuine community, even in large groups. Attendees don’t just witness belonging theory—they experience it firsthand, leaving with both inspiration and practical proof that deeper connection is possible in any setting.
Eli Walker is a globally recognized speaker, performance artist, and social wellness entrepreneur known for pioneering the wellness entertainment movement. As the founder of the internationally acclaimed brand Drunk Yoga®—now The Uplift Center—Eli has redefined what it means to merge mindfulness with joy, creating spaces where self-care meets community care.
Her work empowers organizations and individuals to break the rules that limit connection, using the power of play to foster belonging, authenticity, and resilience. With a background in performance and somatic wellness, Eli designs keynotes, workshops, and immersive social experiences that dissolve barriers, spark laughter, and remind people that inclusion begins with shared humanity.
As an event emcee, Eli goes beyond facilitation she transforms gatherings into live experiments in connection. Her approach weaves interactive storytelling, mindfulness, and humor into the fabric of each event, leaving audiences not only entertained but also profoundly connected. Whether she’s hosting a corporate retreat, wellness conference, or gala, Eli’s mission remains the same: to cultivate spaces of radical belonging where everyone feels seen and uplifted.
As the founder of the internationally-acclaimed wellness brand Drunk Yoga® (now The Uplift Center), Eli Walker pioneered the wellness entertainment movement to bridge the gap between #selfcare and #communitycare. Now, Eli helps organizations and individuals do the same: break the rules to get over themselves, engage community and spark radical belonging through the power of play.
When you work with Eli Walker to curate a keynote, workshop or interactive social wellness experience, you can expect to unlock a sense of belonging in the most unexpected, laughter-inducing ways you can imagine…(and even a few that you can’t)…leaving you empowered with tools to create a more uplifted and connected world.
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Watch Eli Walker, social wellness speaker, performance artist, and founder of The Uplift Center, in this 2023 reel showcasing her transformational approach to connection through play and presence.
This 2-minute, 40-second speaker reel captures Eli Walker’s signature ability to transform audiences through humor, play, and authentic connection. Blending her backgrounds in performance art and wellness innovation, Eli delivers a dynamic showcase of her work as a speaker, facilitator, and event emcee who helps organizations break barriers and spark belonging in bold, laughter-filled ways.
The reel opens with scenes of Eli engaging audiences at corporate and wellness events—energetic, interactive moments where participants are not just listening but living her message. She introduces her mission: to help people “get over themselves” and reconnect through mindful play. Clips from keynotes and workshops highlight her unique fusion of movement, storytelling, and spontaneous audience participation, creating an atmosphere of joy and vulnerability.
As the founder of Drunk Yoga®, now The Uplift Center, Eli pioneered the concept of “wellness entertainment,” merging mindfulness with social connection to make well-being more communal and accessible. In this reel, she models how playfulness can serve as a serious leadership tool, transforming teams and events into communities of trust and inclusion.
The video closes with Eli’s signature tone—energetic, grounded, and inspiring—leaving viewers with a clear sense of her message: that belonging is not something you talk about, it’s something you create together.
00:25 – Introducing the mission of The Uplift Center and social wellness
01:00 – Humor, storytelling, and audience connection in action
01:40 – Redefining leadership through play, empathy, and authenticity
02:15 – Event emcee highlights: fostering belonging through interaction
02:35 – Closing message: creating community through joy and self-expression
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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