ISPA West Coast Media Wrap-Up

2016 Event Recap (Another ISPA Success!)

Allie Hembre Martin, ISPA Public Relations Manager and Lynne McNees, ISPA President

Hats off to Allie and Lynne for another wonderful media event. Every year I look forward to attending because it's always so much fun. ​What makes this so successful year after year? According to Lynne, "“The International SPA Association (ISPA) hosts the ISPA Media Events to stay on the forefront of the industry by connecting with the media on a regular basis,” She added, “As the voice of the spa industry, we represent more than 4,000 members in 77 countries and love showing what our members have to offer by hosting this event. This continues to be a great resource to the media as they experience first-hand the best the spa world has to offer.”

Nicole Miller, Operations Manager, Kohler Water Spa and Leslie Stachowiak, Associate Public Relations Manager, Hospitality & Real Estate Communications, Kohler Co.

There was so much to learn at the Kohler booth that I never knew! At Destination Kohler in Wisconsin there's so many fun outdoorsy activities to partake in, especially with the river wildlife. There's hiking, fly-fishing, canoeing and yoga on the lake as well as trap shooting and archery (Remember that 1970's ad, "Calgon take me away!") Visiting is on my bucket-list - sounds better than summer camp! Kohler spa is all about the healing affects of water.  We could have talked for hours, Nicole has so many great tips on wellness and stress reduction. It was such a pleasure meeting these lovely ladies! (P.S. - their blueberry ganache chocolates at the booth were "da bomb."

Leigh Weinraub, Founder of Mind in Motion

With all the craziness that goes on in this world, we need more people to spread positivity. Hats off to Leigh Weinraub, Founder at Mind in Motion!  As a huge fan of positive messaging, I really love what Leigh is doing  - you can literally wrap yourself in a blanket of positivity, or wear a shirt, or a hat - all  to reinforce inspirational, motivational messages. How cool is that? (All attendees were gifted with a Mind in Motion bag and the swag bag was filled to the brim with awesome spa products.) 

What lead Leigh to launch this line?  Leigh explained, " I started to realize that ALL my clients needed reminders to practice simple tasks...there was so much research about how seeing something in writing would change your brain and help you focus on that task. I started to realize that I could turn clothing into that empowering resource!" She added, “I created this brand because I was so impassioned to SHIFT IN THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT the activewear apparel industry. WHAT WE WEAR truly effects how we feel and therefore can have wildly contagiousness effect on us and the people around us .”  Stay tuned for an future interview with Leigh. We always share our posts on Facebook so if you don't miss out, you can always find our news there as well!

Cathy Cluff, CEO of Oaks at Ojai!

It's always great to see Cathy Cluff, CEO of Oaks at Ojai. Her smile is infectious and her passion for holistic wellness shines bright. I also admire her creativity with her booth design and how she makes not only eye-catching but also a true reflection of her brand - warm, welcoming and local. Those are real plants (you see in the background) from Ojai and the interactive booth invited attendees to make their own bag of the Oak's trademark gluten-free granola from a selection of healthy ingredients.  I had the best time at the Oaks a couple of years ago on a press trip.  It was my first time visiting the Oaks - but for other guests - they were repeat and regular visitors - which tells you how wonderful the Oaks is. Cathy's parents (the founders of the Oaks at Ojai) are so much fun and down to earth.  If you are lucky enough to catch her father's walking tours - this is a must-do! You don't often get to visit a family owned and operated business like the Oaks at Ojai - it is a true gem!

It was great to see Christine and Jahmal Hayes of Eastern Vibration,  who I had both met half a year ago at a spa expo in Long Beach. Their singing bowls are really incredible and - this mother/son duo are super people - healing the world with the awesome work they do. "Sound, or vibrational medicine is now a part of modern holistic healing lexicon and practice." says Christine. The day before the ISPA media event Christine was in Nepal.  

Camille Hoheb - Ambassador of Global Wellness Day!

It was great to meet Raad Ghantous, a fellow Ambassador of Global Wellness Day. We couldn't resist a selfie to help spread the word, "I say YES."

A special thanks to all:Sponsor Treatments: The Meadowood Spa, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Jurlique, Aspira the Spa, Island Spa Catalina, Kohler Water Spa, The Oaks at Ojai, Bellus Academy, and Massage Envy.Mini Treatments: Eastern Vibrations, M by Mind in Motion, Epicurean Discovery and Resort Suite.

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