The International Spa Association (ISPA) Conference 2026 has begun today at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, where it will continue until Thursday 2 April.

ISPA chair Kenneth Ryan kicked off the event with an introductory speech about his non-linear path to where he is now as a professional, chief longevity officer for The Estate. He thanked all those who have contributed to his journey and highlighted how his 26 years of collaboration with ISPA have taught him that in a changing world, the industry will evolve to take on new challenges together.

Colin McIlheney, longtime analysis collaborator on the State of the US Spa Industry reports, revealed the annual Big Five statistics in the most recent study, which show the steady progress the sector has made.

He challenged the industry to grow its revenue from US$23.5 billion (€21.6 billion, £18.3 billion) in 2025 to US$30 billion (€27.6 billion, £23.4 billion) by 2030.

McIlheney encouraged as many spas across the US to take part in the next study, to achieve the most accurate figures possible. 

Kate Mearns accepted the 2026 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. She described the evolution of the industry over time as a “rapidly changing health movement” awake spas have continued to hold onto the true meaning of “wellness”. She called the award:“a testament to the unwavering support and guidance I’ve received from our village".

Kelleye Martin, ISPA past chair, joined Kenneth Ryan on stage to announce she is taking over the role of chair of the ISPA Research Foundation from Todd Shaw.

The body will now take the research it conducts and translate it into resources that help the spa industry implement new ways of working and improving business.

The research is paid for by the industry and the proceeds from this year’s ISPA Research Foundation Auction will be added to the fund.

The keynote speaker for the day, Diana Kander, spoke about the power of curiosity when building businesses and achieving growth. The serial entrepreneur who entered the US as a refugee from the Soviet Union when she was eight is now an innovation consultant, keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author.

She described how “avoiding the gravitational pull of the status quo” – or being on autopilot – was important to growth. 

Kander asked the audience what slows growth. She was met with answers such as “fear” and “the stories we tell ourselves.” But she revealed her answer is that our own success keeps us safe and we simply repeat the motions that have helped us to get to our latest milestone without looking for improvement.

In a rousing speech, Kander gave examples and ideas for how to work with other experts to find flaws in systems and new ways of thinking; how to find the projects, processes and beliefs holding the company back in terms of time and effort expended; and not settling for achieving the same revenue and output as the previous year.

The rest of the conference continues, with education sessions, an expo, experience centre, networking opportunities and further keynotes from former Hindu monk initiate and podcast host Jay Shetty and Jon Acuff, an author and speaker specialising in goal achievement and peak performance.

Extracurricular networking events include an annual hike, which took place earlier in the week and was organised by event company We Work Well. This year’s scramble took place in the Red Spring Area, located in the Calico Basin of Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.