ISPA FOUNDATION
WELL , THE ISPA STRONGER TOGETHER
SUMMIT is in the rearview mirror , and all I can say is ‘ Wow !’ It ’ s always so wonderful when our community can come together to learn from each other , exchange ideas and find inspiration , even if we aren ’ t able to do it in person .
Among the many highlights of the event was PriceWaterhouseCoopers ’ s presentation of this year ’ s “ Big Five ” statistics , which provided for the first time a clear snapshot of the COVID-19 pandemic ’ s impact on our industry . The ISPA Foundation ’ s long partnership with PwC guarantees the highest possible standard of data collection and analysis while also allowing for an unbroken sense of continuity around these crucially important figures . As a result , we ’ re able to provide ISPA members with exactly the kinds of data they need to make informed decisions about all aspects of their business . Seeing the excitement that accompanies the unveiling of the Big Five each year is a reminder of the value of ISPA ’ s research efforts and the support that makes them possible .
Of course , that research isn ’ t limited to a handful of high-level statistics . This year , PwC worked closely with ISPA headquarters staff to craft a survey that would provide ISPA members with relevant information about the pandemic ’ s impact across the industry , delivering vital context as we collectively chart the way forward . The full ISPA U . S . Spa Industry Study results report will be shared with members later this year , and it may be the most anticipated edition in recent memory !
It ’ s worth repeating that none of this amazing work would be possible without the generosity of ISPA Foundation supporters throughout the industry . That generosity was on full display during the 2021 ISPA Foundation Spring Auction , which concluded during the Stronger Together Summit . We were so excited to see all the auction activity taking place on the Handbid app , as well as the Live Auction , and in the end , $ 53,904 was raised for the ISPA Foundation , all of which will go toward funding new research , scholarships and other initiatives as our industry continues to recover from the pandemic . Really , there ’ s only one thing left to say : Thank you !
FOUNDATION
ISPA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS CHAIRMAN Frank Pitsikalis ResortSuite
DIRECTORS Patrick Huey ISPA Chairman Michelle Adams Somerville ISPA Vice Chairman 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
FUNDRAISING ADVISORS Lynelle Lynch Yvonne Smith
Donations of all sizes make a difference . Visit experienceispa . com / about / ispa-foundation to show your support .
— FRANK PITSIKALIS , ISPA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
56 PULSE ■ JUNE 2021