RESOURCE PARTNER
BY JOSH CORMAN
IN MARCH , ISPA HOSTED A SPECIAL TOWN HALL EVENT intended to enhance the dialogue between spa leaders and the many businesses that make up ISPA ’ s resource partner membership . More than 100 resource partners attended the virtual event , which featured ISPA Board Chairman Patrick Huey in conversation with a range of leaders representing large corporate spa groups , resort and hotel spas and day spas . Each panelist shared their insights on a range of important questions about fostering strong relationships with resource partners and working together to continue supporting the entire industry .
Do Your Homework
Jessica Shea , senior director of spa and wellness operations for Hilton , advised resource partners to follow a basic — but crucial — tenet of doing business : come prepared . “ Everybody ’ s time is limited and valuable , so make sure you ’ ve looked into that particular spa and understand their business , their goals ,” she said .“ Go on the website , read the menu , look at where there [ are ] gaps , where there [ are ] holes . What can you offer instead of just a blanket pitch ?”
Resource partners should take the time to learn about the spas they approach in order to make the evaluation process as efficient as possible for all parties , agreed Deirdre Strunk , vice president of spa , fitness and beauty for Canyon Ranch .“ Currently , Canyon Ranch doesn ’ t do CBD ,” she said , citing one example of a detail resource partners can easily overlook ,“ So I tell the CBD people ahead of time , if they want to send product , I ’ ll absolutely use it — because I feel like it ’ s really important to give everyone the opportunity and
46 PULSE ■ MAY 2021