Pulse October 2016 | Page 59

Frank Guengerich Fitness bike I purchased and rode decades ago at one of my health clubs.” SESSION: Setting a Successful Deal Site Offer “At the recent ISPA Conference & Expo, I spoke on how to maximize revenue by leveraging e-commerce sites. We are at the tip of the iceberg on how e-commerce will influence our future. Being inflexible and not staying close to innovation and the ever-changing landscape on how to remain competitive is shortsighted and will put one at the back of the competition. What I have noticed is that e-commerce continues to morph as consumer demand dictates. The most disruptive, so far, are the demands consumers are placing and will continue to place on innovators in order to remain flexible and adaptaple. As far as innovation in the health and wellness space is concerned, I think the mobile app Zeel is on to something. Of all the world’s innovators, I most admire Life Fitness Co-founder Augie Nieto—I’ll never forget the first Life Christina Daves SESSION: PR to LinkedIn and Twitter, specifically, you can have a direct access to any journalist. Businesses don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a PR firm’s contacts, they can start to foster their own and enjoy the same success.” Profit: Gain Exposure and Build Buzz “The greatest innovation in today’s time would have to be the internet. I remember doing business during the pre-internet days and what we can do now with this resource is incredible. It’s opened up absolutely anything to anyone. Of all the world’s innovators, I most admire Steve Jobs. To think that we can run aspects of our businesses from anywhere in the world from a hand-held device is just mind-blowing. In the field of Media and Public Relations, the most disruptive idea I’ve seen is the use of social media to gain access to just about anyone in the media. It used to be that the press release was the only way to get an idea in front of the media, but now with Raad Ghantous SESSION: Spatial Starts with Spa: How to Put Your Best Space Forward “I believe the greatest innovation in today’s time is virtual-reality wearable systems which offer a level of seamless immersion and interaction in virtual environments. In my session at the recent ISPA Conference & Expo, virtual reality experiential immersion and scalable or pop-up type service hubs are two of the disruptive ideas I talked about. When it comes to innovators I most admire, it’s a toss-up between IDEO CEO and President Tim Brown and Virgin Group Founder Richard Branson. My advice to others to help foster a culture of innovation is always aspire to inspire. In fact, to help inspire innovation, the one book I would recommend for others to read is Disruptors: Entrepreneurs & The Escape from Corporate America by Kunal Mehta.” n MISSED THIS YEAR’S PDS at the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo? Go to experienceispa.com to purchase the PDS Video and Audio Recordings and access all the insightful takeaways from this year’s educational sessions. October 2016 ■ PULSE 57