FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN
ISPA’S MISSION IS TO BE THE VOICE OF OUR MEMBERS within the spa
industry and to provide growth and professionalism for the people we serve. Never has this
been more evident to me than over the past several months. ISPA has been working around
the clock to remove the CBD barriers within the Las Vegas market so that 2019 ISPA
Conference & Expo attendees could learn more about the benefits of CBD, experience the
products and meet with our vendor partners for future orders.
If you are not aware of all the work behind the scenes—or even aware of the issue at
hand—we received the following statement in June from this year’s Conference host,
The Venetian Resort:
“Based on the 2016 Statement issued jointly by the USDA, the DEA, and the FDA,
hemp-based products may be sold in or among states with an agricultural pilot
program for purposes of marketing research ‘but not for the purpose of general
commercial activity.’ Because hemp-based products cannot be sold for
commercial purposes, The Venetian cannot allow hemp-based products (i.e., CBD
products) to be sold or advertised for commercial purposes on property.”
After months of advocating through negotiations with The Venetian, we are extremely
disappointed with the position they have taken. In true ISPA fashion however, we have worked
closely with our member brands that offer CBD products to ensure they have a presence at this
year’s ISPA Conference & Expo that is compliant with the Venetian’s recent stance, while
allowing our attendees the opportunity to network with these brands while onsite.
I’m an ISPA member myself, in the end, and I’m thankful to ISPA for taking a stand for
members and resource partners, and for working tirelessly to support those who would
otherwise be excluded by the Venetian’s policy. We are here to serve you, and I encourage you
to reach out to our amazing ISPA staff if you have any questions or concerns. A huge thank
you to them for their efforts on our behalf.
—GARRETT MERSBERGER, CHAIRMAN
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