FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN
ISPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AS YOUR ISPA BOARD OF
DIRECTORS reviewed the many scenarios relating to the impact of having — or not having — our 2021 Conference & Expo , much of the discussion understandably revolved around the economics of such a momentous decision . But my mind kept moving past the figures to what it would actually mean to have another year without Conference . It was a daunting question . The truth , though , is that what ISPA means to our industry in the U . S . and abroad goes far beyond the three to four days when we meet together in person each year .
We all witnessed that truth in 2020 when we pulled together dedicated volunteers to work on the ISPA Reopening Toolkit that established the gold standard for reopening safely . We sat together on Town Halls , Chats with Product Pros , Heart of the Matters , Shine On Education Sessions and Pulse Partner Interviews , engaged in virtual programming that helped many people through the pandemic ’ s toughest days and continues to do so as we search for equilibrium in ever-evolving social and economic circumstances . Even now , questions come every hour from spa owners , associations from abroad and large spa groups asking for ISPA ’ s advice , resources and support on myriad issues .
What we realized in 2020 is that Conference is not the cake . The cake is the daily interactions that happen in the life of our association , interactions we may not see and , in some cases , may not value because they have become such a normal part of ISPA ’ s support of the industry for the last 30 years . Conference is the beautiful icing that draws us in , but it ’ s what happens when we cut into the cake that keeps us coming back for seconds and thirds .
Not being together in Phoenix this year is a disappointment . It is not , however , the whole story . We have an incredible volunteer Board of Directors that help guide this incredible organization and an HQ Team that is busy creating a brand new virtual event for members — the Stronger Together Summit . And for those of us still craving the icing , there ’ s good news : we ’ re already planning for our 2022 ISPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas .
The ISPA cake is still delicious , and it has more layers than ever ! We remain grateful for the support of our amazing members . Thank you !
— PATRICK HUEY , CHAIRMAN
ELECTED OFFICERS CHAIRMAN
Patrick Huey Montage International
VICE CHAIRMAN
Michelle Adams Somerville Woodstock Inn & Resort
SECRETARY / TREASURER
Kelleye Martin The Edgewater Spa
DIRECTORS
Natasha Burns The NOW Massage
Brennan Evans Trilogy Spa Holdings
Kristine Huffman Hutchinson Consulting
Lynelle Lynch Bellus Academy
Dawn MacLellan St . Andrews Country Club
Jay Muller Technogym
Frank Pitsikalis Foundation Chairman ResortSuite
Eric Savage Freedom Spa , LLC
Yvonne Smith La Rive Spa at Northern Quest Resort & Casino
Eric Stephenson Elements Massage
Jessica Timberlake Éminence Organic Skin Care
ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Garrett Mersberger
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Todd Shaw
Lynne McNees President International SPA Association
MEDICAL ADVISOR Brent A . Bauer , MD Mayo Clinic
2 PULSE ■ MARCH 2021