25th Annual ISPA Conference & Expo Wrap-Up

The International SPA Association (ISPA) hosted spa industry leaders from around the world at 25th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nev. from October 19-21, 2015.

The annual event headlined a mix of inspiring keynotes, professional development offerings and an expo floor featuring the newest spa products.

“This milestone year was made even sweeter by having many of the individuals who founded ISPA 25 years ago attend the anniversary event,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “ISPA remains the most recognized voice in the industry and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedication of our members and the unwavering support of our generous sponsors and exhibitors.” 

A few interesting facts and figures from the ISPA Conference & Expo:

• 4 days
• 41 countries represented
• 43 speakers
• 243 sponsoring and exhibiting companies
• 281 ISPA Foundation live and silent auction items
• 2,500 children received a year of education through the Esperos bags that were provided to attendees.
• 6,000 bags of product gifts dropped in attendees’ hotel rooms
• 10,000 dollars in scholarships awarded

A new workshop entitled “Ruth Stricker’s Wise Voices” kicked off the event on Sunday with a presentation from Gladys Taylor McGarey, M.D., M.D. (H), author, family physician and co-founder of the American Holistic Medical Foundation.

In line with the year’s theme of “Explore” attendees experienced keynote presentations from Randi Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Zuckerberg Media; Amy Purdy, American actress, model, world-class snowboarder and 2014 Paralympic bronze medalist; and Scott Harrison, a former club promoter who founded and is the current CEO of the non-profit, charity: water.

Additionally, attendees heard from award recipients Boldijarre Koronczay, president of Éminence Organic Skin Care, 2015 ISPA Visionary Award; Sharilyn Abbajay, senior vice president of operations, brand development and retail concepts for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, 2015 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award; and Alice Waters, chef, author, and the proprietor of Chez Panisse, 2015 Alex Szekely ISPA Humanitarian Award. These awards were presented along with the two 2015 Mary Tabacchi Scholarships to Taylor Toreno and Anne-Liise Verpson.

The opening keynote speaker for the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo was also announced. Brene Brown, research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, New York Times bestselling author, and CEO and chief learning officer of The Daring Way will open the 26th annual ISPA Conference & Expo from September 13 – 15, 2016 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nev.

More information can be found at attendISPA.com.