Singapore to host the biggest Spa exhibition & summit in May

The emerging spa industry across the region will receive a timely boost when the ISPA Asia Pacific Summit & Exhibition 2001 takes place in Singapore during May.

ISPA Asia Pacific Summit & Exhibition this year would be the best ever since its premiere presentation in 1999. Some 500 delegates from more than 10 countries are expected to assemble in Singapore in May to explore the main theme, "Spa Odyssey - East-West Synergies."

Since its inception, this event has garnered strong support and recognition from the highest levels of Government including the Prime Minister's Offices of some of the Asian Pacific countries. In view of its pre-eminence in the Asia Pacific region, several countries, including Malaysia and New Zealand, have expressed keen interest in hosting the next ISPA Asia Pacific Summit & Exhibition.

After several months of intensive meetings and dedicated planning, the organising committee has finalised the three-day program from 10 - 12 May 2001. The keynote address:"The Winning Formula" will set the tone and dynamism in the proceedings on the opening day. This will be followed by a plenary session on "Rising Above the Rest." In the late afternoon, three concurrent workshops will examine "Global Trends in Government Funded Health/Wellness Initiatives," "Spa/Health/Wellness as Part of a National Tourism Strategy," and "How to Market Spas." A welcome reception at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Hotel in the resort island of Sentosa will smoothen the proceedings of the day. Both the morning and afternoon refreshments and lunch will be sponsored by Babor Cosmetics, while the evening reception will be hosted by Phytomer.

The second day will kick off with a plenary session on "Managing the Spa Boom for Future Growth." Three other concurrent sessions on "Determining Spa Categories and Creating Success Strategies for Each," "Letting Clients Know," and "Creating a Profitable Spa," will stimulate the imagination of the delegates prior to their lunch break.

In the afternoon, another three concurrent sessions will focus on "New Therapies," "East Meets West Healing Techniques," and "From Wellness to Health:The Medical Interface." After an "energy break", delegates will be rounded up for the first Round Table Discussion. After an exhaustive day, delegates will be treated to a gala dinner at the Neptune Theatre, courtesy of PT Mustika Ratu.

The final day will commence with three concurrent sessions, looking at "Your Most Valuable Assets: Staff," "Spa Cuisine & Nutrition," as well as "Hot/Wet/Cold/Dry Spa Therapies." These will be followed by two Round Table Discussions as a wrap-up to the entire conference.

Running concurrently with the conference will be ISPA Asia Pacific Exhibition 2001, International Exhibition on Spa Resorts, Health Care products, Equipment, Accessories & Essentials. Throughout the four-day event, Delegates and spa professionals will be able to see some 40 international companies from 18 countries. The third in its series, the event will be held at the Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre (Suntec City), Level 3, Gallery from 10 to 13 May.

Notes:

1. The International SPA Association (ISPA) is recognized worldwide as the professional association and voice of the spa industry, representing more than 1,700 wellness facilities and providers from 49 countries.

2. ISPA members encompass the entire arena of the spa experience, from resort/hotel, destination, mineral springs, medical, cruise ship, club and day spas to service providers such as physicians, wellness instructors, nutritionists, massage therapists and product suppliers.

ISPA is committed to forming and maintaining alliances that will educate, set standards, provide resources, influence policy and build coalitions for the industry. ISPA's vision is to revitalize humanity and its mission is to educate the public about the value of the spa experience and engage their participation. ISPA promotes and defines the spa experience as "your time to relax, reflect, revitalize and rejoice."