35 Years Strong FROM 1991 TO 2025 : ISPA ’ S MILESTONE YEAR
THROUGHOUT 2025 , PULSE WILL COMMEMORATE ISPA ’ s 35th anniversary year by celebrating the past , embracing the present and imagining the future . Together , we ’ ll “ party like it ’ s 1991 ” ( see page 46 ) while reflecting on the changes that have shaped the spa industry over the past three and a half decades . We ’ ll also look at what is possible in the next 35 years — and beyond — as we work to strengthen the spa community and elevate our industry to new heights .
WHAT ’ S IN A NUMBER ? As ISPA reaches this incredible milestone , it ’ s fun to consider what “ 35 ” means in various contexts : l Anniversary traditions : The 35th anniversary is traditionally symbolized by coral ( representing longevity and durability ) and jade ( cherished for its association with wisdom and balance )— qualities that resonate deeply with ISPA ’ s journey . l Numerology : The number 35 combines the energies of creativity ( 3 ) with change and adventure ( 5 ), symbolizing growth and adaptability — hallmarks of ISPA and the spa industry . l Chemical connections : On the periodic table of the elements , atomic number 35 is Bromine — a key player in spa water treatment and sanitation , safeguarding the health and well-being of spa guests worldwide . l Degrees of perspective : Whether 35 degrees feels chilly ( Fahrenheit ) or warm ( Celsius ), it ’ s all about perspective — just like the diverse views that enrich ISPA ’ s global network . l Leadership milestones : Age 35 marks eligibility for
pivotal leadership roles in many places , including ancient Rome ’ s consulship and the modern U . S . Presidency — apt reminders of ISPA ’ s leadership in the wellness community . l Iconic imagery : Thirty-five years ago , 35mm film was the gold standard for capturing memories . Much like ISPA , it defined an era while evolving with new technologies .
FLASHBACK TO 1991
ISPA was born during a transformational era for wellness and the world at large . The early 1990s marked a surge in fitness and holistic health trends — think step aerobics , yoga ’ s resurgence and the rise of spirulina as the original “ superfood .” Meanwhile , corporate mindfulness initiatives planted the seeds for today ’ s employee wellness programs . Here ’ s a snapshot of 1991 , the year ISPA came to life : l Cultural movements : Electronic music , grunge and hip-hop redefined music , while The Simpsons , Seinfeld and Beauty and the Beast reshaped television and film . l Tech revolutions : The World Wide Web went public , moving the world from the Information Age and the Digital Age to the Online Age . In the same year , Sony introduced the first digital camera , revolutionizing photography — and , eventually , spa marketing . l Global change : The collapse of the Soviet Union , the dissolution of Yugoslavia and
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