As the voice of the global spa industry for 20 years, the International SPA Association continues its reputation for producing the most comprehensive and respected research with the release of the ISPA 2010 U.S. Spa Industry Study.

The International SPA Association developed an exclusive ISPA App for Smartphones to coincide with the 20th anniversary ISPA Conference & Expo celebration to be held at The Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. area/National Harbor, MD from Nov. 15-18.

The International SPA Association, managed by IMG Associations, is pleased to introduce two new staff members to the ISPA team. The ISPA staff provides its members with educational tools, research and networking events.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Foundation is pleased to announce University of Houston student Kate Sornson is the 2010 recipient of the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship.

Sornson is enrolled in the university's spa management program. As a beneficiary of the scholarship she will receive $2,500 toward her education as well as a trip to the 2010 ISPA Conference & Expo, Nov. 15-18 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. area/National Harbor, MD.

"We are thrilled to honor Kate Sornson as the third recipient of the Mary Tabacchi scholarship. Her passion for the spa industry is evident, and she will be a great asset to the spa community," said ISPA Foundation President Jeff Kohl. "We should all take responsibility in serving as a mentor to the next generation of spa industry leaders."

Upon learning of the honor Sornson said, "Receiving the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship helped me believe in myself. Knowing that others believe in my abilities makes it easier to follow my dreams and exceed my own expectations."

Sornson's interest in the spa industry began when she found an ad in the newspaper for a spa receptionist position. She knew she had found her niche when she started to form relationships with the spa's regular clientele, helping them to experience the best treatments customized to their needs. Her ultimate goal is to open a destination spa with an addiction rehabilitation center. She says, "I believe the spa industry and recovery are about helping people to help themselves. I hope to open the door for greater understanding and acceptance of various addictions."

With Sornson's passion for learning she's looking forward to the 20th annual ISPA Conference & Expo. She explains, "Industry organizations are important because they provide great networking opportunities for students, like myself, to meet people in the spa industry and learn from their experiences."

The scholarship is named in honor of industry pioneer and Cornell University Associate, Professor Mary H. Tabacchi, Ph.D., R.D. The Mary Tabacchi Scholarship was created by the ISPA Foundation to provide a permanent resource for the growth and sustainability of the spa industry. For more information on the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship visit the ISPA Foundation Web site.

About the ISPA Foundation

Created in 1999 to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry through endowments, curriculum development and scholarships, the ISPA Foundation is the nonprofit 501(c)3 arm of ISPA. The ISPA Foundation's mission is to improve and enhance the value of the spa experience while supporting its vision of sustainable health and well-being through the advancement of spa culture. For more information on the ISPA Foundation and opportunities for involvement, please visit www.experienceispa.com/ISPAFoundation/.

The International SPA Association is pleased to announce its board of directors for 2011, including three new officers and four new members. ISPA Board members volunteer their time to strategically lead the association and develop plans for enhancing membership and the spa industry through research, events and education.

The International SPA Association recently hosted the 16th annual ISPA Media Event at Cipriani 42nd St. in New York, NY. The annual gathering showcased a select number of ISPA member spas and was attended by leading beauty, business and travel media.

The International SPA Association (ISPA) releases key parts of its 2010 U.S. Spa Industry Study.

The International SPA Association will bring the worldwide spa community together to celebrate 20 years of leading the spa industry in the historic setting of the United State's capital.

Two spa industry leaders will be celebrated at the 20th annual International SPA Association’s Conference & Expo, Nov. 15-18, 2010 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. area/National Harbor, MD. John and Karen Korpi will be honored with the 2010 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award for their contributions to the spa community.

The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), International SPA Association (ISPA) and the ISPA Foundation have released a new online course, Risk Management for Spas.

Classic dad activities like mowing the yard, grilling, playing catch and road tripping all have one thing in common - they wreak havoc on dear old Dad’s health.

Girlfriends around the globe will spend some girl time together this week to catch up with their favorite fictional friends – the ladies of Sex and the City. No matter which fabulous lady you identify with one thing is for certain – International SPA Association members are ensuring that there’s a spa experience out there to fit you.

The International SPA Association, managed by IMG Associations, is pleased to announce that four new staff members have begun work at the association’s headquarters.

We all know that sunbathing and indoor tanning are dangerous habits that can lead to harmful consequences.

The International SPA Association is pleased to announce Deborah Szekely, founder and creative director of Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort Spa and the Golden Door as the recipient of the 2010 International SPA Association Visionary Award.

There's the cool mom, the overprotective mom and the soccer mom. No matter which one raised you, they all have one thing in common.

The Ruth Stricker Spa and Wellness Award and the Dr. Howard Murad Research Grant application period now open.

The International SPA Association hosted its first-ever ISPA Regional Event in Mumbai, India on April 8-9, 2010 at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. The event was the first step

It seems like everyone is claiming to be "green" these days, but what does it really mean to be eco-friendly? With 82 percent of International SPA Association member spas offering.

Everyone has stress - it’s unavoidable - but the way you deal with it can make a huge difference in your life. In recognition of April’s National Stress Awareness Month.

The Master's, beginning this week, kicks off the 2010 men's major golf championships putting the golf world on top of everyone's minds. One thing all sports enthusiasts have in common, besides fierce competition, is the spa.

The International SPA Association is pleased to announce a new venture with PricewaterhouseCoopers on the latest edition of its renowned Spa Industry Study.

Spa professionals will be meeting at the inaugural ISPA Regional Event in India, held at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach on April 8-9, 2010 in Mumbai.

The International SPA Association Foundation is pleased to announce that students may begin submitting applications for the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship. The scholarship, created in 2006.

Forget flowers and don’t even think about teddy bears this Valentine’s Day. Instead show that special someone how much you care with time at the spa.

The International SPA Association is pleased to announce a partnership with Spa Week Media Group, Ltd. As a kick off to ISPA’s 20th anniversary celebration Spa Week Media Group will recognize ISPA as the exclusive spa association sponsor of the Spring and Fall SPA WEEK®.

February isn’t all about flowers and chocolates, it’s actually more about hearts than you might think. This month is American Heart Month and February 5 is Wear Red Day.

It’s tough to keep up with the latest trends when everything from vampires to Snuggies is on the cultural radar. The International SPA Association makes it easy for you to stay up-to-date with the latest spa trends for 2010.

If you’re in a holiday gift-giving slump, look no further than your local spa for inspiring ideas. Gift cards, once thought to be a total gift cop-out, are revived.

Many organizations and industries recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the spa industry is no exception.

The International SPA Association Foundation is celebrating a successful end to its annual Silent and Live Auctions held at the ISPA Conference & Expo in Austin, Tx.

The fourth annual Leaders Circle meeting convened during the 2009 International SPA Association Conference & Expo being held in Austin, Tx.

Are you always searching for the next big thing? The 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo is just the place to discover the hottest new products, techniques and equipment in the spa industry.

The International SPA Association Foundation is pleased to announce Cynthia Karlson, M.A., C.M.T., as the 2009 recipient of the Ruth Stricker Spa and Wellness Award.

The International SPA Association has formed a unique relationship with Smith Travel Research to expand an online benchmarking tool for spas.

The International SPA Association will honor Howard Murad, M.D., CEO and founder of Murad, Inc. during the 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo, Oct. 5-8 at the Hilton Austin and the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Tx.

The International SPA Association is pleased to announce its board of directors for 2010, including one new officer and four new members.

We all know his story and have been motivated by his Live Strong campaign. Now Lance Armstrong will speak to thousands of spa professionals who live spa everyday at the 2009 International SPA Association’s Conference & Expo, Oct. 5-8 at the Hilton Austin and the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.

Two spa industry leaders will be honored during the 2009 International SPA Association’s Conference & Expo, Oct. 5-8 at the Hilton Austin and the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Pat and Juanita Corbett co-founders of The Hills Health Ranch

The International SPA Association is pleased to announce Rebekah Sellers as the new editor of Pulse and LiveSpa magazines.