Pulse July 2016 | Page 8

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @ISpaDoYou LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! International SPA Association DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE THE ISPA CONFERENCE? ttending the ISPA Conference can sometimes feel like survival of the fittest. With so many highlight events to attend to and several industry leaders to connect with, three days of ISPA Conference can easily become taxing if you fail to plan ahead. MARION PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO A 1. Pack the networking essentials. Conference is a time to build your profes- sional network and there’s no shortage of networking opportunities at the ISPA Conference & Expo. Whether sharing a cup of coffee during an Energy Break, enjoying the complimentary daily lunch or toasting a glass of wine during the Expo Opening, be sure to bring the essentials, including business cards to hand out to peers and business contacts. 2. Speak to speakers. Familiarize yourself with this year’s speakers and their topic sessions to help you decide which sessions to attend. How to maximize your time with experts? Don’t simply walk out after an educational session is over; instead, spend time to speak with Professional Development Session speakers (In Their Words, page 32) and Ruth Stricker’s Wise Voices speaker Louis Fox (Ask the Expert, page 50). You’ll be amazed by how a friendly thank-you could open other doors of opportunities. 3. Prioritize and plot your path. Because you’ll likely be pulled from all direc- tions, be strategic. Set up appointments and plot your experience ahead (Gears of Innovations, page 40). Make it top priority to hear inspiring stories and insights from top-caliber General Session speakers Simon Sinek and Brené Brown (Conversations, page 30). 4. Find time to disconnect. The only way for you to survive three days of nonstop networking and educational sessions is to find time to recharge your energy. Set up a treatment appointment at the Relaxation Area or, if your idea of refueling your battery involves letting your hair down, join the Farewell Party at TAO Las Vegas and party like it’s the 80s! Ultimately, when it comes to ISPA Conference, pace yourself. Remember: It’s a marathon, not a sprint. —MAE MAÑACAP-JOHNSON, EDITOR @ISPAPULSEEDITOR 6 PULSE ■ July 2016 DREAM. DISCOVER. DO. “Ultimately, when it comes to ISPA Conference, pace yourself. Remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”