ASK tHE ExPErt
CoLIN McILHENEy
P: Being on the research side of things, you get a first-
hand look at the ebbs and flows of the spa industry. What
particular patterns have you noticed and what do you
think they mean?
M: The one thing that stands out for me over the years is
research we did for the consumer snapshot series on the male
spa-goer. In my career, I can’t remember a bigger reaction to any
piece of research. The interest levels to this day are huge!
P: For the first time in the history of the ISPA U.S. Spa
Industry Study, the total number of visits to spas rose
above 180 million. Why is this figure so significant and
what does it mean for the future of the industry?
M: The number of visits highlights that spa-going is not perceived
as a luxury but increasingly as part of an integrated wellness
program. It’s great to see an all-time record high number.
WHAt MotIvAtES you? I grew up in a tough part of
belfast at a troubled time for the city and my
motivation every day is to take the resilience I
learned then and apply it to everything I do.
WHo IS your BIggESt roLE ModEL? my late mother
muriel mcilheney was the biggest influence on me.
She was quick-witted, sharp and shaped my
character. She was also great at mental arithmetic
something I was lucky to inherit!
you HAvE A rANdoM dAy oFF, WHAt do you do?
On a random day off I like nothing more than
practicing and playing with friends in a rock ‘n’ roll
band that we formed when I was 16.
WHAt IS your FAvorItE SPA trEAtMENt? my
favorite spa treatment is a head and shoulders
massage as I find it really relaxes me.
WHAt IS tHE MoSt INtErEStINg PLACE you’vE
EvEr vISItEd? the most amazing place I ever visited
was the South Island of New zealand. It’s literally the
end of the earth, but just jaw dropping beauty around
every corner.
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October 2017
CoNtINuEd FroM PAgE 64
P: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work with
the ISPA industry study and other research initiatives?
M: I really love the interaction with so many spas during the
course of the industry research, but I also love the excitement
of the annual ISPA Conference. Delivering the key results on
the main stage is still a big buzz for me.
P: What are you most looking forward to about the 2017
ISPA Conference & Expo?
M: I think being on as a “warm-up” for Peyton Manning at
Conference is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! On a more
serious note, the launch live at Mandalay Bay of the inaugural
spa industry workforce survey has to be a career high point.
Fingers crossed it will be a massive success and a defining
moment for the industry! n
Presenting a year's worth of research at the ISPA Conference & Expo is still such a
thrill for McIlheney, even after 18 years.