The fourth annual Leaders Circle meeting convened during the 2009 International SPA Association Conference & Expo being held in Austin, Tx. The gathering brought together all those who served on the ISPA and ISPA Foundation Board of Directors as well as recipients of ISPA awards. Each year, the Leaders Circle unites for thought provoking discussion providing an amazing opportunity to help guide the future of the spa industry.

This year, the meeting centered around how the industry will propel forward as the economy picks up. Specifically, the meeting focused on what should change, how to adapt and most importantly how to provide all spa-goers an experience that brings them relaxation and stress reduction and an understanding and appreciation for truly living a healthy spa lifestyle. Spa is not a luxury; it is a necessity to a healthy lifestyle.

The discussion wet the appetites of the industry leaders, leaving them hungry to bring these ideas to life at a time when humanity needs it most. With a firm pulse on what's happening in the spa industry the Leaders Circle discussion focused on spreading the message of accessibility to the masses. The leaders discussed many ways to achieve this from focusing on the younger generation through partnerships with schools to creating a more formal research institute.

In addition, focus was placed on prevention through a more holistic approach by creating opportunities to promote health and wellness to consumers through teaming with medical professionals. Through partnerships with the medical community, the mind body approach will resonate with consumers to more fully embrace healthy aging by managing their stress.

"We need integration between health care, and the spa industry to create programs looking at the whole person," said Dr. Howard Murad recipient of the ISPA 2009 Visionary Award. "You treat patients in the medical office, but you heal them in the spa."

More discussion from this gathering will continue throughout the year. The ISPA Board of Directors will meet in the spring to discuss moving forward.

About the International SPA Association | ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on /.

Shelby Jones
International SPA Association
+11.859.425.5072
ISPA

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