2016
ISPA BOARD
FROM YOUR
OF DIRECTORS
CHAIRMAN
ELECTED OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Michael Tompkins
Hutchinson Consulting
VICE CHAIRMAN
Todd Shaw
La Quinta Resort & Club
Have you ever had
a “light bulb” moment?
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Laura Parsons
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
(Spa Division)
es, those moments when, after exhausting all possible solutions, one
unorthodox idea suddenly comes to mind? The road to innovation often starts with
a “light bulb” moment—a “crazy” idea, a seemingly “laughable” solution or a “silly”
strategy. Those who have the heart of an innovator never allow critics and nonbelievers to cast their doubts or dampen the creative spirit.
This is why this year’s ISPA Conference & Expo theme—innovate—is timely and fitting.
After we explored new ideas last year, we must now embrace the challenge to act upon those
ideas and innovate. But why has it become more imperative than ever for us in the spa industry
to innovate? As spa leaders, it is no longer enough to thrive and compete, we need to make bold
choices and take risks, even at the risk of failing. Brené Brown, one of this year’s General Session
keynote speakers and this issue’s featured Conversations (page 30) expert, said it best:
“Innovation requires failure and risk. We have to be willing to try new things, to take chances,
to have bold ideas. When we’re too afraid to fail, we stop innovating.”
At the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo, we inspire you to innovate by creating the right
environment that nurtures the innovative spirit. We don’t only recognize industry innovators
through our annual ISPA Innovate Award but also bring in a diverse group of experts and
speakers who can help spark creative solutions for your spa and business. ISPA Conference also
creates networking opportunities—from the ISPA Expo to the ISPA Foundation Live & Silent
Auctions and many other highlight events—so you can connect and exchange ideas with peers,
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Ella Stimpson
The Spa at Sea Island
DIRECTORS
Sharilyn Abbajay
ISPA Foundation Vice Chairman
Noel Asmar
Noel Asmar Group, Inc.
Blake Feeney
Feeney & Co.
Michael Harmsworth
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
Todd Hewitt
Shangri-La International
Kristine Huffman
Huffman Hospitality Concepts
Garrett Mersberger
Kohler Co.
Julie Oliff
St. Regis Aspen
Frank Pitsikalis
ISPA Foundation Chairman
Eric Stephenson
Well World Group
Dawn Tardif
BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa
Todd Walter
Red Door Spas
Lynne McNees
International SPA Association
mentors and industry leaders.
I invite you to join us at this year’s ISPA Conference & Expo on Sept. 13-15 at The Venetian
in Las Vegas, Nevada. As one community, let’s remain curious, challenge the old ways and share
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent A. Bauer, MD
Mayo Clinic
a “light bulb” moment. After all, we are ISPA. We are fearless. We innovate.
CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL
Past ISPA Chairmen who
are current members:
—MICHAEL TOMPKINS, CHAIRMAN
BREAKING
ISPA NEWS!
Don't miss an important ISPA Board announcement!
Click here to watch a video of Tompkins sharing the latest
leadership news to the ISPA community.
2
PULSE
■
July 2016
Gayle Brady • Brady Spa Consulting
Jeff Kohl • Spa & Club Ideations
Jean Kolb • Well By Choice
John Korpi • Korpi & Korpi
Kate Mearns • 5 Spa Consulting LLC
Jim Root • Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Jane Segerberg • Segerberg Spa
Consulting, LLC
Deborah Waldvogel • Sedona Resorts