In a city and state that are both known for doing things on a grand scale, the 2003 International SPA Association Conference & Expo in Dallas, Texas, United States, was definitely a major event. 
Held Oct. 13-16 at the Wyndham Anatole, the 13th annual ISPA Conference proved once again to be the premier event of the year for spa professionals with 2,000 attendees from 30 countries.
“Spa industry decision-makers attend the ISPA Conference & Expo because it is the proven resource for comprehensive education on the rapidly growing spa industry,” said ISPA Executive Director Lynne Walker McNees. 
“From the latest trends in products and treatments to solid business strategies, attendees left this year’s ISPA Conference & Expo with a wealth of tools to strengthen their businesses.”
This year’s keynote speakers included a doctor who is credited with introducing aerobics in America, a lawyer whose “Monday Morning Messages” reach more than 25,000 people worldwide, a former talk show host and sociologist who inspires through humor and real-life experiences and a customer service expert who has written 16 business books. 
á Dr. Kenneth Cooper, founder of the world-renowned Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, spoke on Monday, Oct. 13.  His message on the importance of fitness, nutrition and dietary supplementation was highlighted with new information on fighting obesity. 
á Bruce Rector led a lively presentation on Tuesday, Oct. 14.  The author and leadership development coach helped attendees learn new ways of looking at their company’s leadership style. 
á Dr. Bertice Berry’s unforgettable message evoked a range of emotions from attendees on Wednesday, Oct. 15.  From learning to juggle both a new family and marriage, to managing a thriving writing and speaking career, Dr. Berry shared her firsthand knowledge on living a life in balance.
á Robert Spector, author of “The Nordstrom Way: The Inside Story of America’s #1 Customer Service Company,” spoke on Thursday, Oct. 16.  Spector’s lessons on solid customer service strategies gave attendees tools to retain clients and increase their bottom line.
The impressive ISPA Expo was crowded with attendees seeking the newest products in the spa industry.  With 353 booths representing 238 companies, this year’s ISPA Expo was the largest exhibit hall to date. 
á ISPA attendees had the chance to experience the latest in product development as 98 companies launched products in Dallas.
á 20-by-20 foot booths were a new feature on this year’s trade show floor.  The island booths allowed companies to offer demonstrations and education in an open, unrestricted setting.
á Attendees and exhibitors didn’t need to leave the trade show floor when it was time for lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Lunch in the exhibit hall, sponsored by SpaBiz, was the perfect setting for meetings with old friends and new contacts.
Plans are already in motion for the 2004 ISPA Conference & Expo.  The 14th annual ISPA Conference & Expo is set for Nov. 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, at the Venetian.  The Conference Web site is www.ispaconference.com.
For 13 years, ISPA has been recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization for the spa industry.  ISPA’s membership is comprised of nearly 1,700 health and wellness facilities and providers from 58 countries. 
ISPA strives to advance the professionalism of the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, to promote the value of the spa experience to society, and to be the authoritative voice of the spa industry.  ISPA is where spa industry players become leaders and leaders become legends. 
For more information on the 2003 ISPA Conference & Expo please visit www.ispaconference.com.
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