Summer board meeting focuses on Conference momentum, member value and strategic growth
THE ISPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS GATHERED June 24 at Miraval Arizona Resort and Spa for its summer meeting, with discussion focused on governance, Conference planning, volunteer engagement, research and the association’s strategic priorities.
Set against the calm desert backdrop of Miraval, the meeting reflected both thoughtful stewardship and forward-looking energy. Across agenda items, board members considered how ISPA can continue to support spa leaders, strengthen year-round member value and protect the experiences that make the ISPA community unique.
Those conversations were guided by a clear balance: fiscal responsibility, sound governance, innovation and continued support for the evolving needs of the spa and wellness community. As the association moves through the second half of 2026, the board’s work remains centered on helping ISPA members connect, learn, lead and grow.
Governance and leadership planning
The meeting opened with several governance items, including approval of the January 2026 meeting minutes and board actions related to director attendance and resignations. The board also approved the 2026-27 Nominations Committee as presented.
Board members reviewed the upcoming officer election process, which will culminate during the November 2026 ISPA Board meeting. The discussion reinforced the importance of clear governance practices, strong board continuity and thoughtful leadership development as ISPA continues to serve a dynamic global spa community.
Conference strength and future planning
A significant portion of the June meeting centered on the continued momentum of the ISPA Conference. The board reviewed the strong financial performance of the 2026 ISPA Conference, including positive registration, exhibit and sponsorship results.
The discussion also reflected the overall strength of attendee feedback and member engagement. Board members noted the importance of continuing to deliver meaningful education, practical takeaways and high-value peer connection for attendees.
Looking ahead to the 2027 ISPA Conference, the board approved registration rate recommendations and provided feedback on the event theme, keynote speaker direction, welcome party concepts and attendee experience elements.
The board also reviewed future Conference location options, including the possibility of returning to the same venue for consecutive years. Discussion focused on the value such an approach could provide, including a strong logistical fit, financial advantages for the ISPA community, excellent accessibility for attendees and exhibitors and greater planning stability.
Honoring industry leadership
The ISPA Big Three Awards were also discussed, with the board approving the 2027 ISPA Visionary Award and 2027 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award honorees.
Watch for profiles of the award recipients closer to presentation of the awards. These selections reflect the board’s continued focus on recognizing leaders whose contributions have meaningfully advanced the spa and wellness industry.
Volunteer groups bring member insight forward
Volunteer group engagement was another key area of discussion. Board liaisons shared updates from the first meetings of the new term for ISPA Collaborate, the Resource Partner Task Force and ISPA Ambassadors.
Common themes included technology, personalization, medical and wellness services, resource partner engagement and opportunities to continue connecting members in meaningful ways beyond the annual Conference.
These conversations offered valuable insight into what spa leaders and resource partners are navigating in real time. They also reinforced the role of ISPA’s volunteer groups as important listening channels and idea-generating spaces for the association.
Research, education and member value
The ISPA Research Foundation report highlighted continued momentum around the Science Says Consumer Playbook, the upcoming 2026 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study and expanded iLearn offerings supported by the foundation.
Board members discussed opportunities to further leverage Foundation-funded education to increase the value of ISPA membership and support year-round professional development for spa leaders and teams.
The conversation emphasized the importance of turning research into practical resources members can use to guide decisions, train teams and better understand consumer behavior.
Strategy with purpose
The meeting also included broader strategic conversations around the annual Conference, resource partner engagement, potential future education formats and the use of AI to better support exhibitors and sponsors.
Across these discussions, the board emphasized the importance of protecting the ISPA Conference experience, supporting members and ensuring ISPA continues to lead with thoughtful, data-informed resources for the industry.
VOLUNTEER VOICES
Early conversations among ISPA volunteer groups surfaced several themes likely to shape member needs in the year ahead:
- Technology: Members are exploring how to use new tools responsibly and efficiently.
- Personalization: Spa leaders are looking for better ways to tailor service, communication and guest experiences.
- Wellness evolution: Medical, wellness and recovery services continue to influence spa business models.
- Resource Partner connection: Stronger collaboration remains a priority across the ISPA community.
- Year-round engagement: Members continue to seek meaningful connection beyond the annual Conference.