Make the Most of World Wellness Weekend 2021
BY JOSH CORMAN
EACH YEAR SINCE 2017 , World Wellness Weekend ( WWW ) has brought together individuals and businesses from the spa , fitness and hospitality industries — including a number of ISPA members — to celebrate health and well-being and bring increased attention to the many ways in which participants serve the wellness needs of their guests and communities . The 2021 edition of this global event ( participants hail from 120 different nations ) will be held , as in years past , just before the autumnal equinox , on September 18-19 .
Taking its cue from the third of the United Nations ’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals , which calls for the promotion of “ healthy lives and wellbeing for all at all ages ,” WWW calls upon organizations ranging from venues to local and state governments to “ organize free , fun and creative wellness activities ” that will allow people to experience the transformative power of a wellness-focused life .
As Founder Jean-Guy De Gabriac puts it ,“ Our profession is essential to keeping people well physically , mentally , emotionally and socially . World Wellness Weekend is a great collaborative opportunity for our profession to showcase their skill and revive drooping spirits .”
And though the word “ free ” may cause some spa leaders to balk at participation in the fifth annual edition of the event , the added emphasis placed on personal well-being by the COVID-19 pandemic and the wide array of ways
World Wellness Weekend founder , Jean-Guy De Gabriac
to participate mean that spas will likely be able to find creative ways to participate and simultaneously bring extra attention to their businesses . Yoga and fitness classes , meditation sessions , massages and facials are among the treatments , services and activities that WWW encourages participants to offer . Of course , by simply participating in the event — that is , signing up , planning an activity and calling it a day — spas are not likely to advance the cause of wellness ( nor benefit from their involvement ) to the degree they might like . So , how to make the most of this unique weekend ? There are a few
things to consider .
Go All-In
It may be tempting to simply dip a toe into WWW by following the quick registration tutorial , offering a free service or treatment that doesn ’ t add much to the spa ’ s costs and sharing a couple of social media posts before and after the event itself . However , the likelihood of your spa ’ s participation making an impression on current and potential guests or members of the media drops significantly if you don ’ t jump in with two feet .
For that reason , WWW leadership suggests showcasing services , treatments and activities that truly underscore that which is unique and exceptional about your spa . Yes , the upfront costs for offering a free version of high-end services may be greater than with other options , but by illustrating the best that spas — and the world of wellness — have to offer , spa leaders can bring more attention to their businesses and something truly special to this event . Want to go one better ? Work with your team to design a new signature experience just for WWW to create added interest .
Get Creative
Imagining new guest experiences or services is just one way that spas can get creative around their involvement in WWW . Once registered for the event , spas can also expand their reach and offer their wisdom by sharing wellness tips on the WWW blog or adding tutorials to the event ’ s Wellness Web TV plat-
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