LEXINGTON, Ky. - As the voice of the global spa industry, the International SPA Association has taken an important step forward in validating spa industry research. ISPA has formed a partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers to review the association's studies as well as spa-related research produced by other groups.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - An acclaimed actor, respected economic expert and professional photographer with a unique viewpoint lead the offerings as the International SPA Association returns to Las Vegas this fall. Set for Nov. 10-13 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, the 18th annual ISPA Conference & Expo will feature more than 60 hours of education, an Expo with 300 exhibitors in more than 450 booths and an anticipated 3,300 attendees.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Don't let your siblings "one up you" in preparation for the upcoming Mother and Father's Day holidays. There's no better way to show your love and appreciation for mom and dad than indulging them with the latest spa treatments and products.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - International SPA Association Chairman Jim Root is the new President of Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa in Corona, Calif. This consummate spa professional brings more than 30 years of experience to Glen Ivy, which has been a member of ISPA since 1993.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Foundation expands its educational endowment opportunities with the new Dr. Howard Murad Research Grant. Named in honor of one of the country's foremost authorities on the science of skin health, the Dr. Howard Murad Research Grant offers financial assistance to those conducting research that addresses Cultural Stress, its effects, and ways to manage it.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Foundation expands its educational endowment opportunities with the Ruth Stricker Spa & Wellness Award. Named in honor of the founder of The Marsh, a Center for Balance and Fitness in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the award offers financial assistance for the purpose of stimulating research and exploration into the various ways that spa can meet current healthcare needs, promote wellness, and enhance quality of life.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - "Images of beautiful ladies with cucumbers over their eyes are passé as savvy consumers are no longer fooled by this representation of the spa-goer," said International SPA Association President Lynne McNees while talking about the association's new magazine, LiveSpa. As the voice of the spa industry since 1991, ISPA is debuting LiveSpa in June to debunk myths, enrich lives and show that living a simple yet healthy lifestyle is not an oxymoron.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - From hemlines to hair colors, we love to watch trends come and go. As the spa industry has become engrained into everyday culture, many spa trends have actually extended their stay and moved into full-blown tradition. As the voice of the spa industry, the International SPA Association has been forecasting spa industry movements since the early 1990s and welcomes 2008 with this Spa Industry Trend Watch.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kick off the year with a little R&R for yourself and your loved ones. The more than 3,000 members of the International SPA Association are ready to relax you, while also putting you in the mood for love as you plan for the holiday of romance.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The newest installment of the International SPA Association's industry research shows a viable and healthy North American spa industry. Conducted by long-standing ISPA partner Association Resource Centre Inc., the study offers the newest statistics on revenues, number of spas, visits, employment and square footage.

On Nov. 12-15, the International SPA Association Conference & Expo continued a 17-year tradition of being the definitive event of the year for the worldwide spa community. The following is a list of facts from the 2007 ISPA Conference & Expo:

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A publication for spa consumers, earning a national award, setting a record and going digital are four recent accomplishments for "the magazine for the spa professional." The International SPA Association's publication Pulse wraps up 2007 with notable achievements while moving ahead to 10 issues in 2008.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - In 2008, the International SPA Association will build upon its reputation as the voice of the spa industry by debuting LiveSpa. To be published in June, this inaugural publication will focus on educating the spa consumer.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Foundation has taken a significant step forward in educating future spa industry leaders. For the first time, students may now submit an application for consideration for the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Monday issued a recall of its 2007 Global Consumer Studies conducted by a major outside research firm, citing a number of statistical and analytical errors associated with the research.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - With new leadership and exciting tools on the horizon, the ISPA Foundation Board heads into 2008. The new board members will begin their roles at the upcoming ISPA Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15, in Kissimmee, Fla., United States

LEXINGTON, Ky. - At a time when the International SPA Association's membership has reached a record of more than 3,000 spa professionals, the following volunteer leaders are set to lead the association on a strategic path into the future.

LEXINGTON, Ky., and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - With more than 234,000 people employed by the U.S. spa industry, the varying pay scales for therapists, front desk staff and managers are an ongoing topic of discussion. To help spa professionals attract quality employees with competitive compensation, the International SPA Association and WageWatch Inc. are enhancing the online Spa Compensation Survey.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Don't you wish someone had told you exactly what to expect when you started your first job? There's no doubt that things would have probably gone a lot smoother! Aspiring spa professionals can now breathe a sigh of relief because the International SPA Association has developed the Spa Professional Career Guide to put them ahead of the game in the competitive spa career arena.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A world-renowned leader in architectural design will be honored during the 2007 International SPA Association's Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15 in Kissimmee, Florida, United States. Clodagh, founder of Clodagh Design International, is the recipient of the ISPA 2007 Visionary Award.

LANSING, Mich. and LEXINGTON, Ky. - The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute is adding spa-related textbooks and educational resources to its line of hospitality management textbooks thanks to a collaboration with the International SPA Association and the ISPA Foundation.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - For most of us, the scents of cinnamon, apple and pumpkin bring to mind cozy images of baking and eating pies, cookies and other goodies on crisp, autumn nights. Though, the coziness of autumn should not be confined to the kitchen. Instead of eating those ingredients, it's time to wear them!

LEXINGTON, Ky. - World-renowned author, actress and civil-rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou will inspire attendees of the 17th annual International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15, in Kissimmee, Fla., U.S.A. The Grammy award-winning orator will be the keynote speaker for the final General Session on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A respected leader in spa education will be honored during the 2007 International SPA Association's Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15, in Kissimmee, Fla., United States. Jonathan Paul DeVierville, Ph.D., director of the Alamo Plaza Spa at the historic Menger Hotel and Professor of History, The Humanities, and Global Studies at St. Philip's College, San Antonio, Texas, is the recipient of the ISPA 2007 Dedicated Contributor Award.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - World-renowned author, actress and civil-rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou will inspire attendees of the 17th annual International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15, in Kissimmee, Fla., U.S.A. The Grammy award-winning orator will be the keynote speaker for the final General Session on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - If slipping on a pair of sandals makes you cringe and question if even professional help could save those toes, you may want to think about treating your feet to a spa experience - fast! Nothing can spoil your trendy spring and summer look like rough soles, cracked heels and dull nails. So, before you find yourself in a hydration crisis, take advantage of spa offerings that will allow you to put your best bare foot forward.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - With his books as fixtures on bestseller lists and his teachings being followed by corporations around the world, Jim Collins now turns his attention to the spa industry. Collins will share his secrets on turning good companies into great ones during the 2007 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 12-15 in Kissimmee, Fla., USA. The "Good to Great" author will be the opening keynote speaker on Monday, Nov. 12.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - When you walk through the doors of your favorite spa, sit down in the massaging pedicure chair and stick your feet into the water that isn't quite the right temperature, do you say anything to your therapist? What about if you walk into a treatment room for your Hot Stone massage and the music is too loud? Or, the stones are too hot? Do you just lie on the table and grin and bear it?

LEXINGTON, Ky. - With one in four American adults having visited a spa and more people working in the spa industry than ever before, the partnership between the spa professional and the spa guest is more important than ever. There are potential risks inherent within spas, yet few, if any, risk management tools to address them. The International SPA Association recognized this, and in partnership with the Resort Hotel Association, took a proactive approach and created a comprehensive risk management program for spas.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Foundation creates a scholarship named in honor of spa industry pioneer Cornell University Associate Professor Mary H. Tabacchi, Ph.D., R.D.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - After eight consecutive years of international professional service par excellence, ISPA International Spa & Wellness Conference and Exhibition has become one of the leading conferences and exhibitions in the spa and wellness arena worldwide. Working toward perfection in show management and quality as their main interest, the ISPA committee has successively explored new grounds that create dynamic opportunities benefiting the members and the industry.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The following volunteer leaders for the International SPA Association and the ISPA Foundation are set to lead both groups on a strategic path into the future. The ISPA Board is led by newly-elected Chairman Jim Root and returning as the ISPA Foundation President is John Korpi.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association's International Spa & Wellness Conference and Exhibition, also known as ISPA Asia 2006, was recently named "Spa Event of the Year" by the Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards. A panel of 26 Asia-based spa experts made the nominations for the awards, which were announced on Nov. 17 as well as in the Nov./Dec. issue of AsiaSpa.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Giving credit to others was a theme as the recipients of the 2006 International SPA Association awards were recently recognized. The awards were presented during the 16th annual ISPA Conference & Expo, Nov. 6-9 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nev., USA.

Leading her final Conference as the Chairman of the International SPA Association, Kate Mearns set the tone for the week during the opening General Session, "If each spa professional continues to work together for the good of our consumer, our industry will be unstoppable. With invisible walls and invisible borders and a common goal. We will be able to provide a spa experience that has purpose. Through our business objectives, our personal innovations and tireless passion we help inspire our guests to create their own life balance - their own harmony."

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association is preparing to take Las Vegas by storm again this fall as the world's leading spa professionals gather for the 16th annual ISPA Conference & Expo. Set for Nov. 6 - 9 at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, the ISPA Conference & Expo will feature more than 75 hours of education, 400 booths in the Expo and an estimated 3,000 attendees.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A spa and fitness leader who has dedicated more than 20 years to the industry will be honored during the 2006 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 6 - 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Gayle Brady, director of development for Skin Authority, is the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Dedicated Contributor Award.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - An advocate for nutrition and health will be honored during the 2006 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 6 - 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Dr. Michael Jacobson, co-founder and executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), is the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A spa and fitness leader who has dedicated more than 20 years to the industry will be honored during the 2006 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 6 - 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Gayle Brady, director of development for Skin Authority, is the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Dedicated Contributor Award.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - As the season changes, ease your body into cooler weather by experiencing the warm colors, rich fragrances and seasonal ingredients and treatments that spas are offering this fall. After three months of vacationing and spending time in the sun, International SPA Association members are stressing the importance of post-summer skin care.