Heather Sheree Sanders, producer of the Sedona Yoga Festival, brings a deeply intentional and values-driven approach to her work. The gathering in Sedona on April 23–26, 2026 represents the intersection of wellness, community, and sustainability. Sanders leadership reflects a holistic understanding of impact—one that weaves together environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. In shaping the festival experience, Sanders made sure to prioritize accessibility and meaningful connection offering a model for how events can honor both people and place while fostering lasting community value.
In this Q&A, Heather shares how that philosophy shapes her business, what inspired her journey, and how she is helping shift perceptions of what it truly means to go green in the events and wellness space.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your business?
At the Sedona Yoga Festival, sustainability shapes everything we do. Surrounded by sacred forest land, our decisions are made with care. We eliminated single-use water bottles with refill stations, shifted schedules and materials to QR codes, and require vendors to follow clear waste-reduction guidelines. The hotel features sustainably sourced meals, including thoughtful vegan and gluten-free options.
Sustainability isn’t just environmental. We award scholarships to expand access, compensate presenters through an equity-based model, and invite them to specify what support they need to participate fully. Sedona’s small businesses benefit from the economic impact of our festival. For me, business responsibility is threefold: people, planet, profit. Environmental care, social responsibility, and economic viability must work together.
What is one misconception about “going green” in your industry?
A common misconception about “going green” is that it’s all about aesthetic—reusable cups, eco branding, carbon offsets. These matter, but only scratch the surface. True sustainability is structural: how people are compensated, who has access, and whether the event strengthens the place it occupies. In yoga, we talk about alignment. Business is no different. Stewardship is part of sustainability. When values drive decisions, structure complements creativity and supports meaningful programming.
What advice would you give the next generation of women entrepreneurs?
My advice to the next generation of women entrepreneurs is to start with clarity. Know your values and use them to guide every decision. Build community among stakeholders, not just customers. Profit and purpose aren’t opposed. Financial stability allows you to operate with integrity while creating experiences that participants will carry with them long after they leave, expanding relationships with like-minded people.
Learn more about the Sedona Yoga Festival from April 23-26, 2026
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