LEXINGTON, Ky. - A spa industry pioneer who has dedicated more than 65 years to defining and enhancing the spa experience will be honored during the 2005 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Sept. 30 - Oct. 3 in Dallas, Texas, United States. Deborah Szekely, founder of Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door, will be presented with ISPA's 2005 Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award on Friday, Sept. 30.

Lexington, Ky. - The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 210 thousand women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during 2005. This alarming statistic has motivated members of the International SPA Association to raise awareness of breast cancer and provide essential retreats for patients and survivors.

Lexington, Ky. - Who deserves a spa break more than a teacher? In an effort to acknowledge teachers' vast contributions to children, humanity and society as a whole, several ISPA members are offering relaxation tips, treatments and packages designed for the nation's three-million teachers.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association has updated and redesigned its association and Conference Web sites and combined them under one site - http://www.experienceispa.com/. Launched on April 1, the redesigned and updated Web site is a reflection of the ever-growing spa industry.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Spas, once mistakenly thought to be only for the well-to-do, are finally getting the recognition they deserve. You see them everywhere - airports, doctors' offices, on television commercials and in cities both large and small around the world.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - As the International SPA Association begins its 15th year, the association's new Board of Directors looks strategically to the future. Led by newly-elected Chairman Kate Mearns, the ISPA Board is responsible for overseeing the affairs of the organization, which includes approximately 2,300 members in 69 countries.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - In a city that's known for doing things with a grand flair, there was nothing grander in Las Vegas the week of Nov. 8 than the ISPA Conference & Expo. Held Nov. 8-11 at the Venetian, a record-breaking 3,000 attendees made the 14th annual ISPA Conference & Expo the most successful one to date.

In a context where American consumers are looking for ways to slow down, simplify and feel connected, the spa experience is increasingly becoming a more sought after and relevant lifestyle experience.

In its role as an industry leader, ISPA commissioned the first ever comprehensive study of the spa industry in 2000. This study was the first of its kind to address key issues such as industry size, revenue, employment and growth.