DAYSPA Attends ISPA’s 25th Conference & Expo in Las Vegas

The annual spa event drew thousands of attendees for education and inspiration.

Between October 19 and 21, the International SPA Association (ISPA) hosted its 25th annual Conference & Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The theme of this year’s event was “explore”, and its aim was to encourage attendees to celebrate how much the spa industry has accomplished over the last 25 years and look forward to what can be achieved in the next 25.

Close to 2,500 spa professionals gathered as Board Chairman Michael Tompkins opened the expo’s first general session on Monday, October 19. He emphasized the value of “taking a look at the world you make and the future you made possible” and then presented Boldijarre Koronczay with the ISPA 2015 Visionary Award. In his acceptance speech, the Éminence founder spoke of his appreciation for three families in his life: his ISPA family, his Éminence family, and his parents, grandmother and brother (and Éminence general manager) Attila.

Physician and scientist Dr. Pamela Peeke then took the stage, and touched on a myriad of technological advances. She brought forward data showing that regular meditation sessions can reduce stress, and noted how we are constantly checking in with friends, family and coworkers, but not the most important person in our lives: ourselves. Dot Complicated founder Randi Zuckerberg followed Dr. Peeke and presented 10 technological trends she believes will take off in 2016, ranging from the far-reaching impact of 3D printers to the growing number of “entrepreneur employees”.

Monday’s general session finished with a dance by Tompkins and Koronczay that brought the entire audience to its feet. The lights came on and the dancers were revealed to be doppelgängers, but the wildly popular duo—dressed in matching tuxedos—quickly joined their “counterparts” on stage.

Colin McIlheney, global research director for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), opened Tuesday’s general session to discuss the recent, promising “Big 5” spa industry survey, and was followed by Foundation Chair Jeff Kohl. Kohl talked about his appreciation for the ISPA community as he handed over the reins to incoming Chair Frank Pitsikalis. Sharilyn Abbajay, veteran ISPA member and senior vice president of operations, brand development and retail concepts for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, was presented with the ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. Abbajay offered the audience several pearls of wisdom, including: “There’s a famous saying that everyone knows, carpe diem, which translates to “seize the day or seize the moment”. I prefer to let the moment seize you. Devote yourself to something that brings joy and fills your soul.”

The next speaker was Dr. Bertice Berry, whose background as a comedian shone through during her speech, as she brought the audience to both intense laughter and emotional tears. “It’s in each others’ eyes that we find wholeness and wellness,” she said. Lastly, Amy Purdy, a 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist and Dancing With the Stars semi-finalist, shared her story with the crowd. After detailing how she lost her legs as a result of contracting Neisseria meningitidis, she emphasized the power of intention, the clout of declaration, and the notion that expediting life isn’t in our best interest. “The challenges of life are the stepping stones, and life’s obstacles are the true opportunities. Change and challenge are what make you find your fire, so accept what is and day dream what can be,” she passionately expressed.

On Day 3, Michael Tompkins disclosed that the previous night’s auction had raised over $100,000, then revealed that next year’s opening keynote speaker will be scholar, author and popular TED Talker Brené Brown. Next, he introduced Rancho La Puerta founder Deborah Szekely, who observed, “seldom have so many wellness warriors been in one room.” She noted, “Every day you have the opportunity and the obligation to go beyond, to be leaders and counselors.” Szekely then presented renowned chef, food activist and Edible Schoolyard Project founder Alice Waters with the Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award. Waters thanked Szekely for being an “amazing mentor” and referred to her late son Alex as a “true visionary”. She had the audience rapt as she reminisced about a trip to Turkey many years ago, where the pleasure of a simple apple, offered to her, post-hammam, made her realize that food doesn’t have to be fancy to be healthful.

The day’s keynote speaker was Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, which has brought wells and clean water to tens of thousands of people in Africa since its launch in 2006. Through harrowing images and stories, Harrison moved the audience to tears. He offered the example of Helen Appio, who told him that having access to abundant water meant that for the first time she didn’t have to choose between using a minuscule amount to cook, clean, wash her family’s clothes, or wash her face, body or hair. He urged spa owners to get involved in any way they can by starting their own campaigns. Finally, Tompkins ended the morning’s general session by thanking attendees for participating in the event before he disclosed that next year’s ISPA will be at The Venetian in Las Vegas from September 13 to 15.

Throughout the three days, participants perused the expo floor, where nearly 250 exhibitors had set up booths, and experienced skin and body care appointments from the likes of Phytomer, SpaRitual and Comfort Zone in the Relaxation Area.

Education was also high on the event’s agenda: sessions ranged from “Be MORE: Creating a Culture of Wellness in the Workplace”, hosted by Remembrance “Memmy” Staber and Heather Thompson, to “Spa Trends to Implement Today”, whose panel included DAYSPA contributing editor Lisa Starr. Koronczay rounded out the final day’s sessions with his inspirational ”Achieve Your Dreams: Steps to Turn Your Vision Into Success”.

“This milestone year was made even sweeter by having many of the individuals that founded ISPA 25 years ago attend the anniversary event,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees after the conference concluded. “ISPA remains the most recognized voice in the industry and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of our members and the unwavering support of our generous sponsors and exhibitors.”

By Rachel Kossman and Lesley McCave