As part of these efforts, the association is transitioning to a new software provider that will offer real-time booth placement and a more efficient, streamlined experience for exhibitors. The new system will feature a single, easy-tonavigate portal with one login and one link— giving exhibitors centralized access to everything they need to plan for the event.

Additionally, exhibitor content will automatically sync with the Conference mobile app, eliminating the need to update information in multiple places.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS Exciting announcements about keynote speakers and the 2026 ISPA Awards honorees are on the horizon. These decisions reflect the board’ s ongoing commitment to thoughtful planning, informed by both member feedback and industry insight. n

THE ISPA BOARD holds itself to a strict attendance policy. With a limited number of meetings each year, the board strives to maintain a 100 percent attendance policy for in-person meetings.

FINDING THE RIGHT FIT for future ISPA Conferences is a bit like a high-stakes game of Jenga— one missing piece, and a venue can fall out of the running. During its recent meeting, the Board explored potential destinations for future events, weighing a long list of considerations that must align just right.

The process begins with a detailed Request for Proposal( RFP) outlining ISPA’ s unique needs, followed by an evaluation guided by board input. Timing, travel, cost and convenience all factor in.

Based on member feedback, ISPA now focuses on March, April and May and eliminates dates that conflict with major holidays.

The event’ s scale limits options: ISPA requires at least 300,000 square feet of space, with more than 100,000 square feet needed just for exhibits. Only a limited number of cities can accommodate these requirements— particularly with meeting space, hotel rooms and event infrastructure all close by.

ISPA works hard to strike the right balance between value and experience for both spa professionals and resource partners. This means negotiating reasonable hotel rates, often across multiple properties.

Exhibitor and sponsor costs also play a role. Labor and warehouse fees vary widely by city, and logistics matter. ISPA works with GES Logistics to provide a temperaturecontrolled advance freight warehouse, helping exhibitors save time and money by delivering materials directly to booths.

And for our corporate spa members, ISPA offers a lesser-known perk: complimentary meeting space. In 2025, seven corporate groups took advantage of this benefit.

Some venues require room blocks in five hotels— ISPA strives to cap this at three to keep attendees connected.

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