Pulse Legacy Archive June 2012 | Page 4

FROM THE CHAIRMAN I nnovation seems to be one of the most popular buzzwords these days and it gets thrown around in several different contexts. So I decided to look up the standard definition and came up with this: “Innovation is the creation of better or more effective products, processes, services, PHOTO © TIFFANY BROWN technologies or ideas that are accepted by markets, governments and society.” Better and more effective are qualities we are all pursuing every day (when we aren’t putting out fires), but when does that lead to fundamental shifts that are widely accepted at the level required by this definition? I’d like to think we are already part of a major innovation—the spa movement in the past 25 years, at least in the U.S. Around 25 years ago, people’s idea of a “spa” was a Jacuzzi. But then resorts discovered the value of offering spa treatments to their guests. What started as an amenity grew into a revenue generator that surpassed golfing in resort revenue several years ago. Now, we can celebrate as spas are making their way into mainstream everyday lives through day spas, chain spas and even spas in hospitals and other medical settings. In fact, many of the Generation Y and X consider bodywork and nail maintenance a regular part of their lives. Now, that’s innovation folks! So, what’s the next best thing for the spa profession and industry? I can’t wait to find out! Meanwhile, I challenge you all to not work on creating innovation for innovation’s sake. Instead, have a laser-like focus on the desired outcome in the following key areas: 1) What will meet and exceed the needs and expectations of your guests or customers? 2) What will satisfy the needs and inspire your employees? 3) How can you remain profitable and sustainable or even grow your business? If you can create an innovation that does all three, then you are well on your way to an innovation that will make a difference. Let’s get started! —ELLA STIMPSON, ISPA CHAIRMAN What’s the next big thing in the spa industry? ISPA Chairman Ella Stimpson takes this question on the road with insights from her spa peers. Visit digital Pulse to view the video. ® 2012 ISPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN Ella Stimpson Wynn and Encore Las Vegas Sharilyn Abbajay Abbajay & Associates, LLC VICE CHAIRMAN Michael Tompkins Miraval Resort & Spa SECRETARY/TREASURER Todd Walter Red Door Spas 2 PULSE n June 2012 Dr. Kathryn Dundas Sublime Wellness Spa Sean Handler Boyne Resorts/ Solace Spa Thor Holm Hammock Beach Resort Jeff Kohl ISPA Foundation President Philippe Therene SpaEquip Frank Pitsikalis ResortSuite Immediate Past Chair Deborah Waldvogel Sedona Resorts Paul Schmidt The Fairmont Southampton-Willow Stream Spa Lynne McNees ISPA President MEDICAL ADVISOR Dr. Brent Bauer, MD Mayo Clinic