THE 2026 ISPA CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN
one insight or tool the other might not know. Builds mutual respect and fresh perspectives. l“ Idea of the Week” board: Invite anyone on staff to post one improvement idea. Pick one to test weekly. Even if it doesn’ t stick, you build a culture of contribution. l Guest-eye exercise: Once a month, have team members walk through the spa pretending they are a first-time guest. They’ ll spot fresh details and opportunities leaders may miss. l Learning swap: At staff meetings, one person shares a three-minute“ mini-lesson” on something they’ re passionate about( inside or outside of work). Builds both skills and team connection.
Pulse: During high-pressure times, what helps teams stay open to fresh ideas? DK: Pressure makes people tunnel-visioned. The fastest reset is a pause, even two minutes to step back and ask, What are we not seeing? Leaders can model this by rewarding smart questions, not just quick answers. Giving permission to slow down under pressure can actually speed up breakthroughs.
Let’ s Talk Leadership
Pulse: What’ s a small challenge or activity spa leaders could try to boost creativity and team spirit? DK: Ask your team to reimagine one everyday task— like check-in, laundry or retail displays— as if they were designing it for a five-star resort. The exercise is playful but reveals hidden opportunities for delight.
Pulse: What trends or shifts in guest expectations should spa leaders be watching right now? DK: Guests increasingly value personalization and wellness that extends beyond the spa walls. They’ re looking for services and guidance that fit into their daily lives— simple rituals they can take home, not just an indulgent escape.
Pulse: How can moments of uncertainty become opportunities for rethinking business as usual? DK: Uncertainty gives permission to break rules. Instead of asking How do we survive this?, leaders can ask, If we were starting fresh today, what would we design differently? That framing turns instability into a blank canvas.
Pulse: What’ s a smart way to try something new without overcommitting resources or complicating operations? DK: Run a low-stakes pilot. Test a new service or offering with a small group of loyal guests or during off-peak hours. Collect feedback quickly, learn what works— and only then scale. It’ s innovation through iteration, not gamble.. n
ON THE MAIN STAGE
NEXT MARCH 31 – APRIL 2, ISPA members will gather in Las Vegas for the 2026 Conference, where each day will feature a keynote speaker with a powerful message. Pulse will profile these speakers in the next three issues— giving you a preview of what’ s to come.
DAY ONE: Diana Kander
DAY TWO: Jay Shetty DAY THREE: Jon Acuff
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