The History of ISPA

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The spa industry has come a long way from early images of women sitting in a tub of mud sipping on cucumber water. The spa lifestyle has arrived and visiting a spa is no longer seen as a luxury, though as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. The realization of spa as an attainable and important way of life can be attributed to the work of the more than 3,000 members of the International SPA Association. 

In the early 90s, the need for a guiding voice in the industry is what led to the development of ISPA, then known as the International SPA and Fitness Association.  Eighteen years later, ISPA is the most recognized voice in the industry.  With members in 75 countries, 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.

Back to the Beginning

In 1990, a group of spa professionals from all over the world came together for a spa symposium at New Age Health Spa in Neversink, N.Y., and little did this group know that they were forming the framework for ISPA. The first ISPA Conference came just one year later at Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Aventura, Fla. With 150 attendees from 10 countries, the group that attended the inaugural Conference was so intimate that they were able to hold hands in one circle. It has been said that this first ISPA Conference enabled spa professionals to talk to one another about the challenges they were facing, instead of relying solely on advice and conversations with those focused in the hotel industry. 

In 1991, the inaugural meeting of the ISPA Board of Directors was held. The late Werner Mendel of New Age Health Spa was the first president and John Lopis of JGL Spa Consulting served as the first vice president (these roles are now known as chairman and vice chairman respectively.)

Colorado, Florida and California were the sites of the next three ISPA Conferences, and it was during those early years that the association started developing groundbreaking tools the industry had never seen. In 1995, ISPA funded the first research on the spa industry, which was conducted by Cornell University. More research followed; in 1999 with the American Spa-goer Survey conducted by Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown and 2000 saw the inaugural foray into the Industry Study and marked ISPA’s first time to work with leading research firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Today, ISPA conducts research each year, alternating between studies focusing on the industry, trends and those focused on habits and demographics of the spa-goer. The studies help ISPA members operate their businesses more profitably and efficiently, and the research has also put ISPA on the map with the media. It was in1995 that ISPA put its messages and members directly in front of leading journalists for the first time at the Media Event. This inaugural event was held in New York City in July as a luncheon.  Sixty-three journalists were in attendance to hear then ISPA President Alex Szekely and past ISPA Medical Advisor Dr. Pamela Peeke speak. With an average of 150 top journalists and 25 spa sponsors, this August marks the 14th annual ISPA Media Event in Manhattan.

The year 1997 was a pivotal one for the association on many fronts. The ISPA Conference was held for the first time outside of the United States. The event in Banff, Alberta, Canada, is still referenced as one of the defining Conferences for the association. The European Chapter was also established this year. And, I came to the association during this very busy time as 1997 also marked the year when the day-to-day tasks of running ISPA became managed by a staff of association professionals.

In 1998, the first Conference of the European Chapter was held and the Annual ISPA Conference & Expo  broke  the 1,000-attendee mark at The Broadmoor in Colorado. Branding efforts for the association kicked into high gear as “fitness” was dropped from the association’s name, and a new logo incorporating the lower case “i” and capital “SPA” was launched.

Another big year of enhancements for the association came in 1999. In April, the first Asia Spa Summit in Singapore was the launch pad for the Asia-Pacific Chapter. The membership category was reorganized to include club, cruise, day, destination, medical, mineral springs and resort/hotel spas, plus product suppliers (now called resource partners). This restructuring was essential so that all realms of the spa experience were included.

In 1999, the ISPA Foundation was established from an initial grant of $30,000 from Vincenzo R. Marra of Innovative Beauty Innovations. Created to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry through endowments, curriculum development and scholarships, the ISPA Foundation is the nonprofit 501(c)3 arm of ISPA.

ISPA’s publication Pulse evolved from a newsletter into a glossy magazine in ‘99. Pulse is another great example of how ISPA continues to flourish.  In June 2008, Pulse’s editors will produce LiveSpa, a timeless educational resource for spa-goers that will teach them about the entire spa experience and lifestyle.

The New Millennium

With the dawn of the millennium in 2000, when most businesses were concerned with the Y2K Bug, ISPA was making major technological moves. ISPA’s Web site, www.experienceispa.com, launched and brought a digital version of the membership directory to all members. The association also began holding regional Roundtables (now known as Knowledge Networks) and the first Spa Industry Study was released and reported that spa revenues totaled $5 billion; today that figure has grown to nearly $10 billion.

In 2001, the spa industry united in Palm Springs, Calif., following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.  The 1,400 Conference attendees banded together in a showing of support and unity. The Conference was the launching ground for the Hands of Hope Relief Fund, which went on to raise more than $10,000 for the Sept. 11 Fund.

While many industries struggled following 9/11, the spa industry thrived as people were seeking a nurturing and safe haven. ISPA’s membership reflected this growth as the highest level to date – more than 2,000 members – was reached in 2002.

The association’s mission and vision took center stage in 2003 when both statements were strengthened into the ones that are used today -
Mission: 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. 
Vision: To be the leader in promoting and enhancing the well-being of the spa industry and the people it serves.

The year 2003 was also pivotal to strengthening benefits for members worldwide through uniting the Europe and Asia-Pacific chapters with the rest of the membership to ensure ISPA’s strength and unified voice. The association also released its first studies on the Japan and United Kingdom spa marketplaces this year.

A tool that was launched in 2003 continues to gain steam. The Certified Spa Supervisor Program consists of nine workbooks customized with specific case studies from the spa industry.  As of today, more than 150 people have passed the exam and have the designation of CSS.

In 2004, the task of defining spa was finally laid to rest. The association’s board and marketing task force worked for years on a solid definition for spa and came to a consensus with the following: Spas are places devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.
Significant launches in 2004 included the inaugural ISPA Consumer Trends Report and, from the Foundation, the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas and Compensation Workbook. The Uniform System and Compensation Workbook were significant tools as they represented an important step in the financial wellness and development of the spa industry.
ISPA’s 15th anniversary was celebrated in 2005 and a redesigned Web site was launched that year, making it easier for consumers to find ISPA member spas. ISPA and the Foundation also partnered this year to create a retail management course.

A partnership with the Resort Hotel Association in 2006 led to the creation of a risk management program for spas. The first part of this program was the Code of Conduct, and an online learning tool was later released at the end of 2007. A first in research occurred in 2006 when ISPA partnered with the Canadian Tourism Commission on a groundbreaking new spa traveler study. 

In 2007, ISPA partnered with Beyond Beauty, a large trade show in Paris; and Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (commonly known as LOHAS) and their annual meeting in California. Also last year, a tool that included hours from dozens of dedicated volunteers, the Spa Professional Career Guide, launched as a free benefit of membership, and the association reached a milestone of more than 3,000 members.

Still to Come

Next up for ISPA and the Foundation are several new releases including an introduction to spa collegiate course. To be released in fall 2008, this course will include a comprehensive textbook and online video component and will be invaluable for students interested in a spa career. It’s no secret that there’s a labor shortage in our industry and this course is another way that ISPA is helping build our members’ businesses, while sustaining the spa industry.

Following its mission of improving and enhancing the value of the spa experience, the Foundation is thriving and has many significant releases. The first scholarship from the Foundation, the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship, will be given during this year’s ISPA Conference & Expo in November. The Foundation has expanded its educational endowment opportunities with the new Dr. Howard Murad Research Grant and Ruth Stricker Spa & Wellness Award.

The 18th annual ISPA Conference & Expo is set to be held Nov. 10-13, at the Venetian Hotel-Resort-Casino in Las Vegas. Keynote speakers include Sidney Poitier, photographer Dewitt Jones and best-selling author Jean Chatzky. The 2008 Conference will also include the unveiling of the newly designed ISPA Web site and the release of the inaugural Global Spa-Goer Study.
As the association continues to develop into a critical resource for education and networking, spa industry professionals worldwide are drawn to its knowledge. This relationship is mutually beneficial as that knowledge can only be found through the wisdom and insight of its members – there’s not one without the other.
We welcome your questions, comments and feedback; feel free to contact ISPA at ispa@ispastaff.com and 1.888.651.4772 or through www.experienceispa.com.

ISPA Timeline 

Sept. 11-14, 1991 – ISPA (known then as the International Spa and Fitness Association) is officially launched at the first ISPA Conference.

·         There are 150 attendees from 10 countries and no trade show.

·         The membership does not include day spas and very few affiliates.

·         Deborah Szekely kicks off Conference with an inspirational keynote speech that prompts newly elected ISPA president Werner Mendel to appoint her an “Honorary Chairman for Life.”

Sept. 13, 1991-Inaugural Board of Directors Meeting

The first BOD included:

ISPA President Werner Mendel

Vice President John Lopis

Secretary Naomi Wagman

Treasurer Mark Vinchesi

Executive Director Bernie Burt

Other board members included: Bodil Anderson, Martha Ashelman, Alan Wayler, Karen Antenucci and Mary Gendron Picower.

1992 

October 1992 – Doral Telluride Resort and Spa in Colorado hosts the 2nd ISPA Conference with the theme “Meeting the Challenges.”

1993

September 1993 – PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., hosts the Conference. Deepak Chopra, M.D. is a keynote speaker.

December 1993 - The first ISPA membership directory is mailed to all members.

1994

August 1994 – Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Calif., hosts the annual Conference.

1995

Cornell University conducts research on the spa industry, which is funded and distributed through ISPA. This was the first research of its kind in the spa industry.

July 1995 – The first ISPA Media Luncheon is held in New York, N.Y.

• Topic: The role of spas in preventive wellness.
• 63 journalists were present to hear ISPA President Alex Szekely and Dr. Pamela Peeke speak.

September 1995 –The ISPA Conference is held in Dallas, Texas, at the Wyndham Anatole. The inaugural Silent Auction is held.

1996

July 1996 - 2nd annual media luncheon held at The Plaza in New York, N.Y., drew 83 attendees.

• Marla and Donald Trump spoke about their interest in the health and business benefits of spas.

September 1996 – Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa in Orlando, Fla., hosts Conference.

1997

October 1997 – The ISPA Conference was held in Banff, Alberta, Canada, at the Banff Springs Hotel.

·         The European chapter is established.

1998

In one year, membership nearly doubled, which marked a 1,000 percent growth since ISPA began.

January 1998 – ISPA headquarters moves from the Wayne Smith Company’s in Alexandra, Va., to management under HOST Communications in Lexington, Ky.

The spa experience is defined as “Your time to relax, reflect, revitalize and rejoice.”

June 1998 – 1st Conference of the European Chapter is held at Rogner Bad Blumau in Austria.

August 1998 – ISPA’s first appearance in cyberspace – www.globalspaguide.com goes live.

November 1998 – Conference in Colorado Springs at The Broadmoor in Colorado, Springs, Colo. breaks the 1,000-attendee mark.

The International Spa and Fitness Association Inc. drops ”Fitness” from its name, and the new logo incorporating the lower case “i” and capital “SPA”.

1999

January 1999 – Membership category is restructured to look much like it does today.

February 1999 – ISPA Education Foundation (now called ISPA Foundation) is created from an initial seed grant of $30,000 from Vincenzo R. Marra of Innovative Beauty Innovations.

March 1999 – Pulse evolved from a newsletter into a magazine.

April 1999 – The first Asia Spa Summit in Singapore launches the ISPA Asia-Pacific Chapter.

May 1999 – Job bank moved from Pulse to the Web site.

July 1999 - The ISPA Media Luncheon introduces its popular interactive spa marketplace with spa sponsors. 

August 1999 – The ISPA Conference is held at Saddlebrook Resort in Florida. ISPA outgrew the space before arriving in Florida for the Conference and a tent was added to hold the General Sessions.

• Horst Rechelbacher, founder of AVEDA, spoke at ISPA offering challenges and inspiring attendees.
• The first Spa-goer Study is released and provides benchmarks for the industry.

2000 

The first regional roundtables (now known as Knowledge Networks) are held.

March 2000 – ISPA Medical Advisory Board met for the first time.

ISPA’s new Web site, www.experienceispa.com, is launched, and the membership directory is now available online.

ISPA defines “spa cuisine” as “fresh, natural foods low in saturated fats and cholesterol, with an emphasis on whole grains, low-fat dairy products lean proteins, fresh fruit, fish and vegetables and an avoidance of added salt and products containing sodium and artificial colorings, flavorings and preservatives.”

September 2000 - Hours before the ISPA Media Luncheon, the FOX early morning talk show Fox and Friends highlighted four sponsors in several spa segments. President Jane Segerberg provided insights on the spa industry.

October 2000 – ISPA declares October Spa Awareness Month

November 2000 – The ISPA Conference is held in Las Vegas, Nev., at the brand new Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. The hotel also featured the first Canyon Ranch venture into day spas located inside a hotel.

• Attendance almost doubles from the previous year with nearly 2,600 delegates.
• Online registration is launched.
• First Spa Industry Study is released reporting that spa revenues were $5 billion 1999.

November/December 2000 – First perfect-bound copy of Pulse is published.

2001

January 2001 – ISPA changes the Conference location from Florida to Palm Springs. Construction on the original destination, the Diplomat Resort & Spa, was not going to be completed in time.

August 2001 - Once again, Fox and Friends showcased an ISPA Media Luncheon sponsor in a spa segment and included an interview with then president Gayle Brady.

October 2001 – The spa industry unites in Palm Springs, Calif., following the attacks of Sept. 11.  The 1,400 Conference attendees banded together in a showing of support and unity in the industry.

• Palapas played host to an evening function with interactive booths for attendees to enjoy throughout a starlit evening in California.

November 2001– ISPA’s Hands of Hope Relief Fund raises more than $10,000 for the Sept. 11 Fund.

2002

All members, except general members, must now sign the Standards & Practices agreement.

June 2002 – ISPA launches the first ISPA Marketplace to bring another networking opportunity for ISPA attendees at the Roundtables.

July 2002 – ISPA Media Event becomes an early evening event and changes its name to reflect this.

October 2002 – Conference is held in Anaheim, Calif.

·         The TV show “Extra” shot footage in the ISPA Expo.

·         Clyde Fessler, the former vice president of business development for Harley-Davidson, spoke.

·         Deborah Szekely participates in a discussion offering challenges to the spa industry to become more sustainable.

December 2002 – Membership reached more than 2,000 members.

2003

January 2003  – ISPA officially changes the name of the Roundtables to Knowledge Networks.

March 2003 - It is announced that the Europe and Asia-Pacific chapters will be united with the rest of the membership to ensure ISPA’s strength and unified voice.

May 2003 – ISPA’s current mission and vision are announced.

October 2003 – Conference is held in Dallas, Texas, where Dr. Kenneth Cooper, M.P.H. was a keynote speaker.

·         The ISPA Foundation launches the Supervisory Skill Builders Program.

·         The Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award, renamed in honor of Alex’s many contributions to ISPA and the spa industry, is awarded for the first time.

2004

January 2004 – First ISPA studies on the Japan and UK marketplaces are released.

• Student Membership created.
• The ISPA Foundation begins selling Supervisory Skill Builders Leader’s Guides.

July 2004 – The ISPA Media Event celebrates its 10^th anniversary.

• “Spa” is defined.

November 2004 – Inaugural ISPA Consumer Trends Report is released. The ISPA Foundation launches the Uniform System of Financial Reporting for Spas, WageWatch and the Compensation Workbook.

2005

ISPA celebrates its 15^th anniversary.

Sept. 30 - Oct. 3 - ISPA Conference & Expo - Gaylord Texan, Dallas, Texas, U.S.

ISPA Chairmen's Circle

Werner Mendel

John Korpi

Alex Szekely

Jerry Katzoff

Jane Segerberg

Thad Hyland

Gayle Brady

Jeff Kohl

Current Chairman - Kate Mearns