The International SPA Association is preparing to take Las Vegas by storm again this fall as the world`s leading spa professionals…
The International SPA Association is preparing to take Las Vegas by storm again this fall as the world`s leading spa professionals gather for the 16th annual ISPA Conference & Expo. Set for November 6 – 9 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, the ISPA Conference & Expo will feature more than 75 hours of education, 400 booths in the Expo and an estimated 3,000 attendees.
Harmony is the theme for this year`s event. Harmony reminds spa professionals how they contribute to the industry in a vital and important way, said ISPA Chairman Kate Mearns. This fall, it`s time to share those contributions and take home renewed passion and energy – resulting in harmony for clients, employees and within one`s personal life.
ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees noted that, The ISPA Conference & Expo is the premier event for the worldwide spa industry. From CEOs, presidents and owners of spas, hotel corporations and product companies, to spa directors and retail buyers, the ISPA Conference attracts the industry`s principal players.
This year marks the third time ISPA has brought its annual Conference to The Venetian. And as with all things in Las Vegas, many exciting and unique offerings will be plentiful at this year`s ISPA event. Here`s a preview of the 2006 ISPA Conference & Expo:
Education
Due to popular demand, sociologist, author, educator and comedienne Dr. Bertice Berry returns as the master of ceremonies for each day`s General Session. The daily schedule is available online; here are some highlights:
Referred to as one of America`s top three business gurus by The New York Times, Dan Burrus will show attendees how to strategically position their organization to thrive in a shifting technological and economic environment.
Legendary basketball and leadership coach John Wooden will outline points from his book, Wooden on Leadership, as well as discuss his Pyramid of Success and the importance of keeping life in balance to maintain harmony.
Immacule Ilibagiza, Rwandan genocide survivor and author of the inspiring autobiography Left to Tell, will share the importance of the virtues of understanding and forgiveness.
A panel of industry visionaries including Sylvia Sepielli, Dr. Michael Jacobson, Ginny Lopis and Arch Stokes will address the future of the industry in a session that is always one of the most memorable parts of Conference.
In addition to participating in the panel, Ms. Sepielli and Dr. Jacobson will receive awards from ISPA during the week`s General Sessions. Dr. Jacobson is the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award, and Ms. Sepielli will receive the ISPA 2006 Visionary Award. Gayle Brady is the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Dedicated Contributor Award.
This year`s Conference will also showcase three new research tools developed by ISPA and the ISPA Foundation: the ISPA 2006 Spa-goer Study, ISPA`s 2006 Consumer Report: Spa-goer and Non Spa-goer Perspectives, and a comprehensive risk management program including an e-learning course and consumer awareness campaign.
Daily Professional Development Sessions account for a large portion of the more than 75 hours of education available at ISPA. The sessions include speakers from both in and outside the industry, which will foster strategic approaches to key areas of attendees` businesses including retail, industry trends, staffing and marketing.
Expo and Networking
Networking opportunities abound at ISPA and one of the key places to make connections is in the Expo.
With more than 400 booths and 220 exhibitors in the largest Expo to date, attendees can envelop their senses with the leading products in the industry; ISPA is anticipating 100 new product launches during the event. And with a record 13 non-competing hours, there is plenty of time to fully explore the Expo and attend the educational sessions.
The Welcome Reception and Grand Opening of the Expo offer attendees the first glance at the top trends in the industry. Another popular networking event is Wednesday night`s Evening Event. During Experience Tao, this year`s attendees can dance the night away in one of the largest entertainment complexes in the world. Tao features Las Vegas` hippest nightclub, coolest ultra-lounge, and of course, the hottest restaurant in town.
With the newly added breakfast and energy break in the Expo, attendees will have another opportunity to make connections in addition to the lunches in the Expo that attendees have enjoyed in past years.
In addition to a nice spot for networking, the Relaxation Area is an excellent place to get off your feet for a while! Due to its popularity, the Relaxation Area has expanded its territory. Each of this year`s seven sponsors will have a private room so guests can receive even more uninterrupted consultation and treatment time. Please note that these complimentary treatments fill up quickly, therefore pre-registration is suggested.
Also Experience
The ISPA Foundation Silent and Live Auctions fund research and educational initiatives within the spa industry. These popular events feature everything from the industry`s newest spa products to lavish vacations. New this year are online descriptions of the items, which you can use to make your wish list before the Conference.
This year`s host hotel, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, offers a degree of luxury unavailable anywhere else in Las Vegas. The suites average 700 square feet – roughly twice the size of most Las Vegas hotel rooms.
Online registration is the simplest way to register for this year`s event. The early bird prices are available through Sept. 20, with individual and group rates available. Additionally, a first for ISPA, attendees can create a customized Conference agenda online.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
