ISPA FOUNDATION
THE 2022 ISPA CONFERENCE IS NOW in the rearview mirror , and I know I ’ m not alone when I say that it was a truly special — and much-needed — opportunity to reconnect with the ISPA community after more than two years without an in-person event . Getting to stand on stage and once again address my friends and colleagues from across the industry was a reminder to take nothing for granted . I didn ’ t think it was possible for me to be more honored and humbled to serve as the ISPA Foundation Chair , but after that week in Las Vegas , I can at the very least say that I was reminded just how special ISPA is and how grateful the Foundation is to be supported by so many incredible groups and individuals .
That support was on full display both in the lead up to and during our 2022 ISPA Foundation Live and Silent Auctions . In the end , more than 120 individual items were donated to the cause , and each one is a cherished contribution to our efforts to serve ISPA members and the spa industry . We ’ re so grateful to our generous donors and bidders alike , all of whom made it possible to raise more than $ 75,000 to support the Foundation ’ s funding of the vital industry and consumer research initiatives that provide ISPA members with the data they need to make critical decisions about their businesses .
The ISPA Foundation auctions weren ’ t the only traditions that saw a welcome in-person return at Conference . We also got to once again enjoy the annual unveiling of the “ Big Five ” statistics from the 2022 ISPA U . S . Spa Industry Study , which provided some welcome news about our industry ’ s continuing recovery . Additionally , attendees were able to get an inside look at some of the data from ISPA ’ s latest round of consumer research courtesy of our friend Russell Donaldson from PricewaterhouseCoopers , and it ’ s safe to say that interest in the data — as always — ran high .
Seeing the fruits of the Foundation ’ s labor is always a rewarding experience , and being back together at Conference only made it more special . I can ’ t wait to continue that good work in service of this incredible community — thanks again to all of you for making it possible .
— FRANK PITSIKALIS , ISPA FOUNDATION CHAIR
FOUNDATION
ISPA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS CHAIR Frank Pitsikalis Agilysys ResortSuite
DIRECTORS Patrick Huey ISPA Chair
Kelleye Martin ISPA Vice Chair
Lynne McNees ISPA President
ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Garrett Mersberger
ISPA MEDICAL ADVISOR Brent Bauer , M . D . Mayo Clinic
HONORARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta
Donations of all sizes make a difference . Visit experienceispa . com / about / ispa-foundation to show your support .
60 PULSE n JULY 2022