Everyone's time is limited at Conference and planning ahead is crucial, so we've split the Professional Development into five categories. We'll cover each of them over the next five weeks, starting today with Mindful Marketing.

The ISPA Media Events are the perfect platform for ISPA members to place their brand in front of top media outlets. Learn firsthand why ISPA member Kohler Waters Spa participates and hear what insights their Communications Leader - Public Relations, Leslie Stachowiak, has to share. 

Professional association conferences often pose quite a dilemma for business owners and managers. "Why should I go? What will I get out of it"? Important questions, particularly if your budget is tight, if you are a young business trying to get established or there are other items higher on your priority list. 

Sometimes it can be hard to keep up with the sheer number of days set aside to celebrate, commemorate or just to remember events or causes. Here’s one that everyone in the spa industry should do their best to take part in – Global Wellness Day. As it happens, it’s tomorrow, June 13th.

As ISPA celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, it is amazing to look back at the rich twenty-five year history that has propelled ISPA to where it is today. Each year has brought new innovations and these contributions have significantly shaped the spa industry. 

Have you been considering getting more involved in the ISPA community? As applications are now being accepted for the ISPA Board of Directors, we spoke with former ISPA Chairman and current committee member Jean Kolb about her experience of accepting a leadership role within ISPA.

In today’s fast-paced world of business, time is of the essence and knowledge is power. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and industry research is crucial for not only the survival of a business, but also for growth and longevity. Having an expansive research library at your fingertips with 24/7 access sounds like a dream to many business owners and operators, but with an International SPA Association membership it’s a reality.

As ISPA celebrates serving as the voice of the spa industry for the past 25 years, there will be many exciting announcements throughout the year commemorating this milestone anniversary. In an effort to continually evolve and provide the best possible resources to our members, we have made a few changes we hope enhance your ISPA membership.

Interested in learning about the returning board members as well? Head over to last year's posts (Part One and Part Two) and find out what entertaining tidbits of information were shared previously. Additionally, we wanted to give special recognition to our 2015 Executive Committee:

• Chairman: Michael Tompkins
• Vice Chairman: Ella Stimpson
• Secretary/Treasurer: Todd Shaw
• Todd Hewitt
• ISPA Foundation Vice Chairman: Frank Pitsikalis
• Todd Walter

If you're still using a pen and paper to book all your appointments, there are four good reason why you should consider making a New Year's resolution to upgrade to online booking software:

• Online bookings add convenience for you and your clients.
• Mobile bookings can help clients connect with you 24/7.
• Social bookings drive new appointments.
• Online schedule management optimizes your calendar.