The International Spa Association (iSPA) Conference and Expo is right around the corner (Sept. 11-13, 2019), and with it comes many opportunities for spa professionals to advance their careers. With Skin Inc. being dedicated to elevating the spa professional's education to help them advance their career, it is no wonder there are quite a few things we are excited to experience this year. Here are just a few.
1. The Key to Motivation
ISPA opens each of its days with some motivation through different keynote speakers. This year, Susan Cain, Marcus Buckingham and Mick Ebeling will hit the stage to bring the daily dose of morning motivation.
Susan Cain is the chief revolutionary of Quiet Revolution. Cain has written the bestsellers Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts and Quiet:The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking. She also has a record smashing TED talk that has stacked up over 19 million views, so it's safe to say we're all pretty excited to hear her speak.
Marcus Buckingham has dedicated his career to understanding what makes managers tick and sharing that with the world. Buckingham argues that rules must be broken in order to stop from stifling originality and uniqueness that can aid in better performance. We can't wait to hear how Buckingham will show us the path to long-term success.
Mick Ebeling is a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, and he sparked a movement of pragmatic, inspirational innovation. Ebeling is the founder and CEO of Not Impossible, which is a social innovation lab and production company. We feel confident that his creativity will spark a whole new level of motivation for success.
2. For the First Time
ISPA is bringing something new to their conference this year. Taking place on Tuesday September 10, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm, the Spa Workforce Super Session aims to dive into the industry's top priorities of recruiting, training and engaging the workforce. Other panel members in this discussion include Jeremy McCarthy, group director of spa, Mandarin Oriental; Jennifer Holzworth, spa director, Montage Kapalua Bay; Cassie Sampson, owner, East Village Spa; and David Chandler, massage therapist, Canyon Ranch Spa Club. This panel will cover topics like recruitment and attracting the right talent, employee engagement and accountability, innovative talent strategies and action planning and reporting.
3. Putting the FUN in Fundraising
During the conference, ISPA hosts their largest fundraiser that is comprised of a few different silent auctions. These fundraisers aim to raise money for ISPA's key initiatives of the development of education, educational resources and consumer research.
4. A Relaxing Experience
A very unique part of the ISPA conference is the experience, or relaxation, center. This provides the opportunity for spa professionals to experience brands in an actual treatment room while also bringing the experience of the spa to a conference. Plus, nothing boosts motivation in the middle of the day like a nice, relaxing facial.