ISPA Academy Articles

<<< Back to ISPA Academy

35 Years Strong: From 1991 to 2025 ISPA’s Milestone Year

April 9, 2025

Throughout 2025, Pulse will commemorate ISPA’s 35th anniversary year by celebrating the past, embracing the present and imagining the future. Together, we’ll “party like it’s 1991” (see page 46) while reflecting on the changes that have shaped the spa industry over the past three and a half decades. We’ll also look at what is possible in the next 35 years—and beyond—as we work to strengthen the spa community and elevate our industry to new heights.

4 Inspiring Insights from John Ondrasik

March 28, 2017

Singer-songwriter and 2016 ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award recipient John Ondrasik closed this year’s General Session with one thought-provoking question: “What kind of world do you want?” 

4 Thought Provoking Questions by Brene Brown

March 28, 2017

When Daring Greatly best-selling author Brené Brown made a brave decision to talk about her own struggle with shame and vulnerability at a TEDx Talk, she had no idea her life was about to change.

5 Effective Retail Strategies During a Pandemic

March 16, 2021

As an established brand with a line of cosmetics that are sold both business-to-business and business-to-consumer, sold both online and offline and in spas and salons around the world, I understand first-hand how it feels to lose a part of my business overnight due to COVID-19. I understand and feel the collective pain and financial uncertainty that comes with this pandemic.

5 Must-Have Skills to Make It as a Spa Director

March 7, 2018

As former Health and Healing Director at Canyon Ranch, GM of Travaasa and successful Hospitality Consultant who has lead resorts, spas and medical organizations around the country, Kristine Huffman of Hutchinson Consulting shares must-have skills that every Spa Director should possess.

5 Powerful Takeaways from Simon Sinek

March 28, 2017

Leadership expert Simon Sinek closed this year’s General Session with a compelling challenge to the ISPA community: “Every single person in this room has the opportunity to be the leader you wished you had. So make a choice. Be the leader you wished you had.”

5 Timeless Lessons for Growth-centered Leadership

June 26, 2025

In hospitality and wellness, leadership is more than managing tasks—it’s about shaping culture, building trust and fostering growth. Over the years, working with teams across resorts, spas and wellness centers, I’ve found the most effective leaders embrace a growth-centered approach, grounded in a balance of compassion and accountability. These five go-to principles are among my favorites—simple, powerful and relevant at every level of leadership.

9 Steps to Creating the Perfect Social Media Plan in 2020

October 8, 2019

Do you want to maximize your online influence through social media? Start with these questions: Why you are on social media? Which networks are you using? Which are working?

A Conversation with Amy Purdy

December 16, 2024

Amy Purdy, a three-time paralympic medalist and trailblazer for individuals with physical disabilities, returns to inspire the spa community at ISPA’s 35th anniversary event. As the then-most decorated Paralympic snowboarder in U.S. history, Purdy co-founded Adaptive Action Sports, an organization that helped to introduce snowboarding to the Paralympic Games. Beyond sports, she has made her mark in entertainment, appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Amazing Race” and co-authoring the best-selling memoir On My Own Two Feet. After she lost both legs to meningococcal meningitis, Purdy’s resilience and determination have inspired millions worldwide, proving that with the right mindset, it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges. Purdy was a favorite of ISPA Conference attendees when she last spoke to members in 2015.

Scroll to Top