CONTACT: Debra Locker                                                                                FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International SPA Association                                                                                 
T 1.859.226.4374
F 1.859.226.4445
E debra.locker@ispastaff.com
W www.experienceispa.com

ISPA BRINGS TOGETHER LEADING JOURNALISTS, 25 OF THE WORLD’S TOP SPAS
AND THE LATEST RESEARCH ON SPA-GOERS

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Journalists from global television networks, the world’s largest newspapers and popular magazine titles will be introduced to 25 top spas at the 2006 International SPA Association Media Event. Set for July in New York City, the ISPA Media Event is the longest running and most respected event for journalists who cover the spa lifestyle, wellness, travel, leisure, beauty and business.

“The 12th annual ISPA Media Event will include a press conference with the release of the association’s highly-anticipated new research,” said ISPA President Lynne Walker McNees. “This year’s study includes new details on spa-goers, non-spa-goers and spa-travelers that will set benchmarks for the future.”

During the press conference, invited media will be given the research to answer the “how” and “why” questions of spa-going. The research will also include such key stats that journalists have come to respect including the number of spa-goers, their demographics as well as their favorite treatments. Information on industry trends has also emerged from this deep dive into the spa world.

The popular Interactive Spa Marketplace will follow the press conference and offer media guests the opportunity to interact one-on-one with the 25 spa sponsors, all of which are ISPA members. “I always get a ton of ideas from the event,” said BusinessWeek Editor Lauren Young. “Besides going there because it’s fun to be pampered in the middle of midtown in the middle of the week, there is no way I can visit all these spas for story ideas. So, meeting all these people from across the country in one afternoon is invaluable.”

(Editor’s note: please see below for a complete list of Media Event sponsors).

About ISPA
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA’s membership is comprised of more than 2,500 health and wellness facilities and providers from 73 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.

Spas are entities devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.

###

2006 ISPA Media Event Sponsors:
Aspira, The Spa – www.aspiraspa.com
Canyon Ranch – www.canyonranch.com
The Cliff House Resort & Spa – www.cliffhousemaine.com
Exhale – www.exhalespa.com
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa – www.fairmont.com/sonoma
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts – www.fourseasons.com
Kohler Waters Spa / Kohler Co.– www.kohlerwatersspa.com
Lake Austin Spa Resort – www.lakeaustin.com
The Lodge at Woodloch – www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com
Loews Hotels – www.loewshotels.com
LXR Luxury Resorts & Golden Door  – www.luxuryresorts.com
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group - www.mandarinoriental.com
Mandarin Oriental, New York – www.mandarinoriental.com
Marriott International – www.marriott.com
Mii amo, a destination spa at Enchantment – www.miiamo.com
Miraval, Life in Balance – www.miravalresorts.com
Mohonk Mountain House – www.mohonk.com
Montage Resort & Spa – www.montagelagunabeach.com
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – www.ojairesort.com
Red Mountain Spa – www.redmountainspa.com
The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.– www.ritzcarlton.com
Sea Island Resorts – www.seaisland.com
The Spa at Norwich Inn – www.thespaatnorwichinn.com
Sundara Inn & Spa – www.sundaraspa.com
Willow Stream The Spas at Fairmont – www.willowstream.com