2025 ISPA CONFERENCE EDUCATION SESSIONS
the unique benefits of each treatment, helping guests easily connect with your offerings. l Strategic pricing: Implement value-based pricing to justify premium services, and offer tiered pricing( Good / Better / Best) to capture different spending levels. Bundling high-margin services with low-cost additions can enhance perceived value and boost bookings. l Operational efficiency: Streamlining service durations and optimizing therapist utilization can increase revenue. Modernize your spa menu with sustainable, techforward solutions like QR codes, ensuring flexibility, eco-friendliness and a memorable guest experience.
Few would argue that technology is reshaping the spa experience. The panel discussion Revolutionizing Spa Experiences with Technology brought together industry leaders Emlyn Brown, Patrick Fernandes and Caitlin McKenna, with Jean Kolb as moderator, to share the message with spa operators: Don’ t be intimidated by technology. If used strategically, AI and other innovations can elevate the spa experience for guests while improving marketing and operational effectiveness for spas. The session offered several thought-provoking takeaways, including suggestions to: l Use AI to enhance— not replace— human touch: While AI can streamline scheduling and even personalize each guest’ s spa experience, panelists agreed technology should complement, not replace, the personal connections and human touch that define spa experiences. l Embrace AI for operational success: Using AI to track l
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l key performance indicators( KPIs) can help spas predict labor needs and optimize scheduling— ultimately improving profitability. Stop taking phone reservations: In a bold call, Emlyn Brown suggested shifting entirely to online bookings, saying the practice can significantly boost staff efficiency and job satisfaction. Challenge the status quo: Patrick Fernandes urged spa operators to be creative when integrating technology into the guest experience rather than letting it become an afterthought. Offer meaningful options: Caitlin McKenna suggested offering curated choices to guests rather than overwhelming them with too many options, saying people want a few menu choices, not dozens. Create personalization without overload. Simple solutions— for example, using IoT biometric sensors to adjust lighting, sound and humidity based on guest stress levels— can significantly enhance relaxation and engagement.
Driving Profitability and Innovation Via Revenue & Operational Excellence
Every year, ISPA Conference-goers who complete Education Session surveys identify operational calls-to-action as one of the top takeaways from the event’ s education offerings. Not surprisingly, then, revenue and operations took center stage in this year’ s sessions, merging practical tactics with innovative thinking.
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