FROM YOUR CHAIRMAN
2016
ISPA BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
ELECTED OFFICERS
CHAIRMAN
Todd Shaw
The Peaks Resort & Spa
VICE CHAIRMAN
Todd Hewitt
Shangri-La International
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Laura Parsons
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
(Spa Division)
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMEN
Ella Stimpson
The Spa at Sea Island
Oh man, what a Conference that was!
Are you still feeling the energy of this year’s ISPA Conference & Expo? Well, you are not
alone. In fact, weeks after we wrapped up the event, I am still seeing fun “throwbacks” on
social media from attendees who were, simply put, blown away by the strong camaraderie
and caliber of speakers we were fortunate to have this year. If you were unable to join us, be
sure to read this issue’s General Sessions In-Review (page 34) to gain life-changing lessons
from inspiring keynote speakers such as Brené Brown, John Ondrasik and Simon Sinek. I also
invite you to either peek into the highlights or relive the moments through the gallery of
photos in this issue’s recap feature (page 40).
What was your most memorable moment? Personally, since this was my first Conference
as your ISPA chairman, there were far too many. For instance, how cool was it to share a
light moment on stage with Immediate Past Chairman Michael Tompkins as we busted a
move...oh no, I think that was caught on video! It was also most humbling to be able to
welcome attendees at the General Sessions and extend a friendly handshake or a warm hug
to colleagues and friends.
It was also very moving to hear ISPA Foundation Chairman Frank Pitsikalis honor on stage
the life and contributions of spa veterans—Lori Hutchinson, Charlene Florian and this year’s
ISPA Visionary Award recipient Geraldine Howard—who may have lost their battle to cancer
but left behind an inspiring legacy to those they touched with their light. Through ISPA’s
support to Stand Up to Cancer, we as a community showed solidarity in the fight against
cancer.
ISPA Conference may be over, but it’s only the beginning of exciting new things. I, for
one, am taking on an adventure in my new role as spa director at The Peaks Resort & Spa in
Telluride, Colorado. The ISPA Board and I are excited of what the future may hold for us as
one community. Together, let us trust in the magic of new beginnings!
P.S. Find a way to get involved!
—TODD SHAW, CHAIRMAN
2
PULSE
■
November 2016
Michael Tompkins
Hutchinson Consulting
DIRECTORS
Sharilyn Abbajay
ISPA Foundation Vice Chairman
Noel Asmar
Noel Asmar Group, Inc.
Blake Feeney
Chaleur Beauty
Michael Harmsworth
ESPA International (US) Ltd.
Kristine Huffman
Huffman Hospitality Concepts
Garrett Mersberger
Kohler Co.
Julie Oliff
St. Regis Aspen
Frank Pitsikalis
ISPA Foundation Chairman
Eric Stephenson
Well World Group
Dawn Tardif
BodiScience Wellness Center & Spa
Todd Walter
Red Door Spas
Lynne McNees
International SPA Association
MEDICAL ADVISOR
Brent A. Bauer, MD
Mayo Clinic
CHAIRMEN’S COUNCIL
Past ISPA Chairmen who
are current members:
Gayle Brady • Brady Spa Consulting
Jeff Kohl • Spa & Club Ideations
Jean Kolb • Well By Choice
John Korpi • Korpi & Korpi
Kate Mearns • 5 Spa Consulting LLC
Jim Root • Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Jane Segerberg • Segerberg Spa
Consulting, LLC
Deborah Waldvogel • Sedona Resorts