|
Spa Events in the News
2004
ISPA Conference & Expo - A Record-Breaking Event for the Worldwide
Spa Industry
 LEXINGTON,
Ky. – In a city that’s known for doing things with a grand
flair, there was nothing grander in Las Vegas the week of Nov. 8
than the ISPA Conference & Expo. Held Nov. 8-11 at the Venetian,
a record-breaking 3,000 attendees made the 14th annual ISPA Conference
& Expo the most successful one to date.
“This year’s record attendance shows that spa professionals
realize the ISPA Conference & Expo is the industry’s proven
resource for education and networking,” said ISPA President
Lynne Walker McNees. “Thousands of business and personal relationships
were formed and nurtured at the 14th annual event, proving that
ISPA is much more than a Conference, it’s a community.”
Keynote Speakers
 Highlighting
the overall Conference theme of balance, this year’s keynote
speakers encouraged attendees to explore the balance between the
business and philosophy of spa while maintaining balance in their
personal and professional lives.
-
Philosopher, performing artist and internationally
acclaimed Tao master Chungliang Al Huang ignited the essence of
the Tao of Balance and Centering at the opening General Session
on Monday.
-
On Tuesday, health advocate, author and world-renowned
tennis coach Peter Burwash spoke on how one’s life can be
improved through better leadership at home and work.
-
While creating onstage paintings of the Statue
of Liberty and Albert Einstein, Erik Wahl continually urged attendees
to use creativity and unconventional thinking throughout their
lives. After Wahl’s presentation Wednesday, he donated both
paintings to the ISPA Foundation’s Live Auction. A record
amount of $70,000 was raised during the live and silent auctions
for the ISPA Foundation’s education and research initiatives.
-
The ninth Canadian to climb Mt. Everest wrapped
up the week with an unforgettable presentation. On Thursday, Jamie
Clarke demonstrated how the life lessons he learned during his
Mt. Everest expeditions could be directly applied to every organization’s
challenges.
New Research and Educational Tools
When it came to the latest research and educational tools in the
industry, the 2004 ISPA Conference & Expo was a one-stop-shop.
-
The 2004 Conference marked the first time the
association released two studies simultaneously. The ISPA 2004
Spa Industry Study and ISPA’s 2004 Consumer Trends Report
are the new benchmarks for the industry. The Spa Industry Study
tracks growth in the number of spas, revenue, visitation, square
footage and employment in North America. ISPA’s Consumer
Trends Report – conducted for the first time in 2004 - analyzes
spa trending information that is critical for the continued success
of the industry.
-
ISPA also announced its partnership with WageWatch.com
to provide an online resource that offers Web-based compensation
and benefits survey information for the spa industry. Offering
detailed industry and market-specific compensation and benefits
reports, this tool allows industry professionals to determine
a competitive salary for employees.
-
The ISPA Foundation released several tools that
are changing the way the spa industry does business. “The
Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas” is the definitive
resource for accounting principals specifically for spas. The
book provides a recommended standardized financial reporting system
that allows spa professionals to measure, compare and report on
the financial health of their business. The Compensation Workbook
is a guide to assist in the design and administration of effective
compensation programs. Both of these resources, as well as ISPA’s
studies, can be ordered online at www.experienceispa.com. As a
member benefit, several of these tools are complimentary to ISPA
members.
ISPA Awards
Attendees to the ISPA Conference & Expo also saw three industry
leaders receive much-deserved recognition.
-
On Tuesday, the late Edwin Neill II, former chief
executive officer of Neill Corporation, was announced as the recipient
of ISPA’s 2004 Visionary Award. Neill’s wife, Debra,
and sons Edwin III and Ross accepted the award on his behalf.
-
A spa industry pioneer with strong international
influence was honored on Wednesday. Peter Sng, the first elected
president of ISPA’s Asia-Pacific Chapter and a leading organizer
of the association’s annual Asia-Pacific Conference &
Expo, was the recipient of the ISPA 2004 Dedicated Contributor
Award.
-
Ruth Stricker, an international philanthropist
and founder of The Marsh, a Center for Balance and Fitness, was
the recipient of ISPA’s 2004 Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award.
Announced on the final day of Conference, the ISPA Alex Szekely
Humanitarian Award recognizes industry leaders who have generously
devoted their time and energy to promoting lifestyle changes that
contribute to the longevity and quality of life.
 Educational
Sessions
-
Over thefour days of Conference,
more than 40 educational sessions were offered.
-
Knowledge Networks on Monday morning helped attendees
jumpstart their Conference experience. A combination of education
and networking, the Knowledge Networks focused on timely topics
including retail, medical spas and the greening of the spa industry.
-
This year’s slate of Professional Development
Sessions provided the keys to success both professionally and
personally. From “The Buying Habits of Generation X and Y,”
“Power Branding” and “Envisioning and Creating
the Next ‘Best Spa’,” attendees had the rare opportunity
to learn from experts in many fields all in one setting.
 ISPA
Expo
With 335 booths representing nearly 250 companies, this
year’s ISPA Expo included more than 60 product launches –
making it the showcase of the year for the spa industry.
For the first time, two extra hours were added
to the Expo for private appointments, equaling a total of 16.5 Expo
hours.
-
A new offering this year gave attendees time to
recharge their batteries and enjoy the spa experience. Several
companies offered complimentary mini-treatments in the Relaxation
Room. Appointments filled up quickly so ISPA plans to expand this
offering in 2005.
-
The largest networking event was the Zen Den function.
Attendees turned out enmasse for this festive event on Wednesday
evening that included dinner and dancing.
-
Each morning, dozens of attendees got out of bed
early for the energizing Greet the Day activities, while Energy
Breaks throughout the day helped keep everyone on their toes.
2005 ISPA Conference & Expo
The 2005 ISPA Conference & Expo promises to be a walk down
memory lane in honor of the association’s 15th anniversary.
The 2005 ISPA Conference & Expo, which will continue to provide
invaluable education and networking for spa professionals, is set
for Sept. 26-29 in Dallas, Texas, United States, at the Wyndham
Anatole. The Conference Web site is www.ispaconference.com.
About ISPA
The International SPA Association is recognized worldwide as the
leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry.
Founded in 1991, ISPA’s membership is comprised of approximately
2,100 health and wellness facilities and providers from 66 countries.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2005, ISPA strives to advance
the professionalism of the spa industry by providing invaluable
educational and networking opportunities, to promote the value of
the spa experience to society and to be the authoritative voice
of the spa industry.
Contact
|
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=*EJTVpauQ/0&offerid=61746.10000013&subid=0&type=4
|
$50-
