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5 Effective Retail Strategies During a Pandemic
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
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
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.”
9 Steps to Creating the Perfect Social Media Plan in 2020
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
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.
A Conversation with Carol Phillips- Retail Is Not Dead: How to get your Products on the Shelf, in the bag and out the door
Pulse: When you take the stage at the 2024 ISPA Conference for a Knowledge Builder session, what topic will you present to ISPA members?
Carol Phillps: In this session, I will share tried and true ways to drive retail sales in a luxury spa environment.
Pulse: ISPA asks members to “Dream Big!” during the 2024 Conference. How does that idea tie into your work with spa business leaders?
CP: Since Covid, I have noticed, working with beauty businesses around the globe, that almost every beauty brand and spa is underperforming in the retail department by at least 25 to 50 percent. I believe to my core that if, as an industry or individually, those in leadership positions committed to high-quality education in product knowledge, selling skills and communication skills, our industry could double.
A Conversation with Claude Silver- The ROI of Leading with Heart
Pulse: As a Knowledge Builder presenter at the 2024 ISPA Conference, you will address the ISPA membership about “the ROI of Leading with Heart.” Share a little about what “leading with heart” means.
Claude Silver: Leading with heart is a transformative leadership approach with a far-reaching positive impact. Promoting others’ growth contributes to overall prosperity for your organization. Empowering employees through heart not only fosters a thriving team spirit, but also drives business success.
A Conversation with Dr. Bryan K. Williams- Leaders Serve & Servers Lead: Keys To Inspire Exceptional Service
Pulse: You’ve been a mainstay of the ISPA Conference for nearly two decades, and members remind us every year to invite you to join us at the annual spa gathering. This year, you will present a topic new to ISPA attendees, but one that has helped shape your own career. Is there a success story you’d like to share?
Bryan K. Williams: Absolutely! One of my fondest memories of “leaders serve and servers lead” is when I was a pool and beach attendant at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. I was a senior in high school at the time. The general manager of the resort noticed my work ethic and called me to his office. He challenged me to come up with seven life goals, and then subsequently met with me weekly—in his office—to review the goals. After one year, he transferred to another hotel, but by the time I was 28 years old, I had done everything on the goals list.
A Conversation with Dr. Kristie Overstreet- Gender Identity: Serving Guests and Supporting Employees with Dignity Care
Pulse: As a Knowledge Builder presenter at the 2024 ISPA Conference, you will address the ISPA membership about transgender and nonbinary spa guests and employees. Share a little about your presentation.
Dr Kristie Overstreet: With increased awareness, education and visibility, transgender and nonbinary people will continue to come out as their true selves. Executive leadership, human resources, directors and managers must feel competent in ensuring their transgender and nonbinary employees and guests are treated with dignity. Spa service providers receive little if any training in working with transgender and nonbinary individuals. In this presentation, I will help attendees better understand identity basics, barriers individuals face in the spa setting and best practices. Attendees will leave the session feeling more confident and competent when working with guests and employees.