FOUNDATION FOCUS
FUELING THE FUTURE OF SPA
THE ISPA RESEARCH FOUNDATION AUCTION— held during the 2026 ISPA Conference— once again turned generosity into action, raising critical funds to power the data and insights that guide spa leaders year-round.
BY THE NUMBERS l $ 110K +: Raised and invested back into spa industry research and education l 282: Auction items across seven categories l 127: Winning bidders l 99: Bids on the most competitive lot l 13: Items won by one high-rolling bidder l 1: Bid needed to win a few lucky finds
FUNDING SPA RESEARCH The impact of that support was already on display. During the opening Power Session, ISPA research partner Colin McIlheney shared early insights from the 2026 U. S. Spa Industry Study— a tradition he’ s led since 2000 when he reported numbers from the first study. The headline: All five“ Big Five” industry health metrics are up, signaling strong momentum. A few highlights: l $ 1M +: Average revenue per spa( record high) l Visits: Nearly back to pre-pandemic peaks l Workforce vacancies: Down by 13,000
OPPORTUNITY AHEAD:
Colin McIlheney shared one more 2026 U. S. Spa Industry Study nugget: There are currently more than 5,000 open positions for spa managers / directors / front-desk staff, just waiting for the right recruit.
The challenge ahead: Eight percent industry growth over the next two years— on the path to a $ 30 billion market.
THE STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY Thank you to all the donors and bidders whose support makes this research— and the future of the spa industry— possible. n
ISPA RESEARCH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR Kelleye Martin Trellis Spa, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
VICE CHAIR Ella Kent The Spa at Sea Island
Kenneth Ryan ISPA Chair The Estate
Charlotte Prescott ISPA Vice Chair Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel
Lynne McNees ISPA President
HONORARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta
PULSE n MAY 2026 54