2009 ISPA Conference & Expo Fosters Education, Networking, Motivation
Austin, TX – Unwind. Renew. Simplify. Making its way to the Live Music Capital of the World® is the International SPA Association’s 19th annual ISPA Conference & Expo, Oct. 5–8. The Hilton Austin and Austin Convention Center will play host to the 1,800 leading spa professionals, projected to leave behind $1.7 million in estimated visitor spending.
ISPA President Lynne McNees chose Austin as the location for the 2009 Conference because of its thriving spa scene, reputable live music, warm weather and unique Texas cuisine. Austin has also been named by Forbes.com as the least stressful city among top metropolitan areas in the U.S., keeping in line with the International SPA Association’s value of well-being.
“The ISPA Conference & Expo brings a different group of industry professionals to the city, diversifying our meetings and conventions landscape,” said Rob Hampton, vice president of sales of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau. “A progressive and active city, Austin is the perfect destination for ISPA to showcase new products and promote healthy living.”
In response to the downward economy, ISPA offers Conference attendees educational and professional development sessions examining the spa industry, networking opportunities and the chance to hear a number of speakers from Garage Technology Ventures, Zappos.com, TrendHunter.com and the Institute for Health & Human Potential, among others. In addition, the Expo will feature cutting-edge spa products and services from more than 200 exhibitors.
“The International SPA Association Conference & Expo brings together the best mix of spa industry leaders to the top spa products such as equipment, clothing and skin care,” said McNees. “Many new products are being launched this year providing attendees a first look at the newest innovations and trends within the spa industry. Keeping in theme with the Conference, attendees will also experience top notch educational sessions focusing on Simplifying and getting back to the basics of what the spa lifestyle is all about-–improving your health and wellness.”
Rounding out the Conference & Expo is motivational speaker and seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Recognized with the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award, Armstrong will share his testimony of survivorship, strength and everyday health-conscious decisions. The ISPA Visionary Award and Dedicated Contributor Award will also be given to professionals devoted to health and wellness.
To learn more about the event, visit www.experienceispa.com/2009conference. The ISPA Expo is not open to the general public, but Conference day passes may be purchased on-site. Media are invited to attend; to receive a press pass, contact Shelby Jones at shelby.jones@ispastaff.com or 859-425-5072.