LAST MONTH IN THIS COLUMN , we celebrated surpassing the $ 20 billion milestone ( spas ’ contribution to the economy , as reported in the most recent ISPA U . S . Spa Industry Study ). That $ 20 billion goal seemed so far away when first called out years ago . You have achieved it through your hard work and dedication to elevating our industry through passion and operational expertise .

Now , it ’ s time to call out our next goal with our sights and vision on $ 40 billion . And that ’ s just the U . S . contribution to the spa industry ’ s international financial impact ; the ISPA Foundation challenges spa leaders across the world to double the financial bearing of spas in the coming decade .

Number-crunching How will we get to $ 40 billion and beyond ? We do this in many ways through our daily tasks of incredible service , supporting people realizing their goals and encouraging investment in our industry . Showing the marketplace , our owners , leaders , investors and developers our industry can do more to drive short- and long-term goals — and to recognize the many opportunities ahead of us .

The most effective way to show our industry ’ s strength is through data Did you know one of the ISPA Foundation ’ s core objectives is to “ establish definitive research validating spa industry-related topics ”? So , it ’ s no surprise industry and consumer research form a crucial part of the $ 40 billion challenge .

The Foundation created a baseline study for the spa industry to observe and measure growth over the years , conducted through a reliable third party — PricewaterhouseCoopers . The Consumer Snapshot Initiatives help members keep their finger on the pulse of consumer trends . Thanks to generous donations during the 2023 ISPA Foundation Auctions , the Foundation will be able to conduct two studies this year .

ISPA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS CHAIR Todd Shaw Fountain Life

DIRECTORS Patrick Huey ISPA Chair

Kelleye Martin ISPA Vice Chair

Lynne McNees ISPA President

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Frank Pitsikalis Agilysys

ISPA MEDICAL ADVISOR Brent A . Bauer , MD Mayo Clinic

HONORARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta

WHAT YOU CAN DO : l Fill out surveys when you receive ISPA requests

l Participate in ISPA Foundation Auctions — as a donor and as a bidder

l Follow ISPA on social media and like / share / comment on Foundation posts

l Donate directly to the Education & Outreach Fund or to Foundation scholarships

l Volunteer your time and your spa industry expertise to Foundation initiatives

60 PULSE n AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2023