Welcome to Terra Incognita
“ The most promising words ever written on the maps of human knowledge are terra incognita, unknown territory.”
SO WROTE PULITZER PRIZE – WINNING HISTORIAN and former Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin in The Discoverers. Found at the hazy margins of early navigation charts, the Latin term carries a profound metaphorical weight: More than blank spaces, they mark the very frontier of human curiosity— the places where imagination, courage and progress converge.
“ Discover” is the theme of ISPA’ s 2026 Conference, and the spirit of terra incognita runs through every aspect of the event. There is much waiting to be uncovered: l Discover breakout spa resource providers in a dozen Emerging Brand Kiosks on the Expo floor. l Discover new innovations from established brands, too, each offering fresh solutions shaped by an industry evolving with remarkable speed. l Discover a new perspective as three renowned thinkers address ISPA members during daily keynote presentations. l Discover a network of peers during the countless conversations that unfold over three days of connection. l Discover trends, tips and to-dos during more than a dozen presentations across five robust Education Session timeslots at The Venetian.
THE ANCIENT INSTINCT TO SEEK Humanity’ s quest to discover is as old as civilization itself. Discovery requires not just seeking the new but questioning the familiar— approaching our work with fresh eyes, renewed humility and an openness to surprise. The spa community, with its focus on well-being, creativity and human connection, is uniquely positioned to embrace this mindset. Each year brings new therapies, new technologies and new guest expectations, inviting leaders to continue charting and re-charting the map of what exceptional spa experiences can be.
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