ISPA FOUNDATION
BY ANY MEASURE , 2020 WAS UNIQUE . The challenges our industry faced were matched only by its resilience , optimism and , of course , generosity . That generosity was on full display during ISPA Foundation Month in November , when we raised nearly $ 20,000 through our Holiday Mini-Auction and Reveal Box sales . We are exceptionally grateful to the donors , bidders and gift-buyers who helped us reach that figure and end a tough year on such a bright note .
Now , as the calendar rolls over to January , the ISPA Foundation sets its sights once again on the crucially important U . S . Spa Industry Study , which we conduct each year in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers . More than ever , this research and the data it provides our members will be critical to understanding the spa industry landscape and providing spa leaders with clear , actionable takeaways they need to help their spas recover from the effects of the pandemic .
That data , however , is not easy to obtain , organize and interpret , which is why working with a firm as globally reputable and experienced as PwC is so important . Getting truly sound , high-quality data on such a large scale is a hugely complex operation . Thankfully , PwC ’ s considerable resources — and their longstanding relationship with the ISPA Foundation — means that they are uniquely equipped to undertake the task successfully . PwC has already worked closely with the team at ISPA headquarters to craft this year ’ s survey , which has been adapted to provide deep insights into the full scope of the pandemic ’ s impact on the industry , especially the effects it has had on the workforce and operational trends .
And there , ultimately , is the rub . The research ISPA conducts is routinely cited by members as the most valuable benefit of ISPA membership , and though it requires a considerable financial investment on the part of the ISPA Foundation , it ’ s worth every penny .
There are a couple of important ways that you can continue to support these vital research efforts . First , continue to look for opportunities to donate . We say it a lot , but every donation , no matter how large or small , really does help . Second , participate ! The more U . S . spa members who complete the survey , the better the data it provides .
If 2020 taught us anything , it ’ s that we ’ re stronger together . Thanks for all your continued support .
FOUNDATION
ISPA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS CHAIRMAN Frank Pitsikalis ResortSuite
DIRECTORS Patrick Huey ISPA Chairman Michelle Adams Somerville ISPA Vice Chairman Lynne McNees ISPA President
ADVISOR TO THE BOARD Garrett Mersberger
ISPA MEDICAL ADVISOR Brent Bauer , M . D . Mayo Clinic
HONORARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER Deborah Szekely Rancho La Puerta
FUNDRAISING ADVISORS Lynelle Lynch Yvonne Smith
Donations of all sizes make a difference . Visit experienceispa . com / about / ispa-foundation to show your support .
— FRANK PITSIKALIS , ISPA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
58 PULSE ■ JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021