ISPA to Recognize That Life Is Good at Annual Conference & Expo

May 23, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Bert Jacobs, co-founder and Chief Executive Optimist of The Life is good Company will be the opening keynote speaker during the 21st annual ISPA Conference & Expo. Jacobs will kick-off Conference, held November 7-9, 2011 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, during the first General Session on the morning of Monday, Nov. 7.

Jacobs’ message that “optimism can take you anywhere” was the basis for beginning Life is good, along with his brother John, in 1994 when they had a startup capital of only $78. Today, Life is good products are sold by over 4,500 retailers nationwide, and in 30 countries worldwide. Jacobs will speak to attendees about how he grew Life is good into a $100 million business through word-of-mouth promotion. In fact, many ISPA members were first introduced to Life is good products on the ISPA Expo floor in 2001.

The spa industry will honor him with the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award before his keynote address. His commitment to helping children who face unfair challenges makes him the perfect recipient of the award that ensures the late Alex Szekely’s vision for ISPA and humanity continue to resonate for years to come. The Life is good Kids Foundation was established to help kids in need and the adults who care for them lead healthier, more joyful lives. The Foundation is supported by funds from an ongoing nationwide series of Life is good Festivals as well as 100 percent of profits from a number of Life is good products.

“Life is good and Bert Jacobs exemplifies the spa lifestyle by reminding us to slow down and take a moment to realize all the good things that life has to offer,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. Through his work with helping kids overcome life-threatening challenges such as violence, illness and extreme poverty Mr. Jacobs has proven to be a worthy recipient of the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award, and we are excited to honor him.”

Jacobs will join an esteemed group of humanitarians when he accepts the award presented by Rancho La Puerta Founder and “godmother of spa” Deborah Szekely during the opening General Session. Past recipients of the award include Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the Cooper Institute and Aerobics Center; Ruth Stricker, founder of the Marsh, a Center for Balance and Fitness; Dr. Michael Jacobson, co-founder of CSPI; Dr. Maya Angelou, poet and activist; Sir Sidney Poitier, Academy Award winning actor; Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France winner and Doc Hendley, founder and president of Wine to Water.

New speakers and educational sessions are being added to the 2011 Conference & Expo lineup every day; be sure to check out the full agenda. A listing of exhibitors, many of whom will be launching new products on the Expo floor, will be available in June. To register for the 2011 ISPA Conference & Expo visit ISPA2011.com. Take advantage of the $750 Early Bird registration savings through October 10, 2011. Don’t wait to book your room at Mandalay Bay since the Latin Grammy’s will be held at the hotel the same week of Conference.

About International SPA Association

ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on experienceispa.com.

Spas are places devoted to overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
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bert
Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Optimist, Life is good

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