Balance will be restored to the city that never sleeps, when the International SPA Association holds its Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.  Set for Nov. 8-11, the 14th annual event is the spa industry’s proven resource for education and networking.“ISPA events deliver essential education and superior networking that address the needs of spa industry professionals worldwide,” said ISPA Executive Director Lynne Walker McNees.  “The 2004 ISPA Conference & Expo will explore the balance between the business and philosophy of spa and provide strategies on how to maintain balance in your personal and professional life.”

The 2004 event follows a successful Conference in Dallas, Texas, that was attended by 2,000 spa professionals from 30 countries.  Conference evaluations proved that ISPA attracts the decision-makers; the majority of last year’s attendees were spa directors, CEOs and owners. 

Here’s a look at what’s coming up for the 2004 ISPA Annual Conference & Expo:

Recognized artist and corporate consultant Erik Wahl, world-explorer Jamie Clarke and Peter Burwash, a health advocate, author and world-renowned tennis coach, are scheduled as keynote speakers.
The release of ISPA’s highly valued spa industry study. Updated every two years, this information tracks how growth in the number of spas, revenue and visitation have made the spa industry the fourth largest leisure industry in the United States.
The inaugural ISPA consumer trends report, researched by The Hartman Group, will be introduced. With 45 million spa-goers in the U.S., spa trending information is critical for continued success.
This year’s host hotel, the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, boasts the acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, 17 restaurants, Grand Canal Shoppes and gondola rides.
The ISPA Expo is the proven resource for the newest products in the spa industry.  The number of Expo hours has been increased in 2004 and for the first time, two extra hours have been added for private appointments equaling a total of 16.5 Expo hours.
Well-received in 2003, educational sessions will again include speakers from both in and outside the industry that will help attendees develop strategies for such key areas as customer service, marketing, management and media relations.
After the success of last year’s open forum with the ISPA Board of Directors, this discussion will take place during the opening General Session and will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about the future of ISPA.

Complementing the theme of balance, there will be a “Relaxation Room” for renewal where attendees can take time out with a mini-treatment.
The Conference Web site, www.ispaconference.com, features the most up-to-date information on the Conference. This is also the simplest way to register for this year’s event. 
The ISPA Foundation’s silent and live auctions fund research and educational initiatives within the spa industry. These popular events feature everything from spa gift baskets to lavish vacations. Individuals or companies interested in making a donation to the auctions can e-mail the ISPA Trade Show Manager at [email protected] for more information.

For 13 years, ISPA has been recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA’s membership is comprised of approximately 2,000 health and wellness facilities and providers from 63 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. 
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