The eighth annual Green Spa Network (GSN) Congress is set to take place between 26-30 September this year at Tenaya Lodge in Yosemite, California, with a focus on the theme of this year’s event – Moving Mountains: The Power of Change.

Congress attendees will include day, resort and destination spa operators, product companies, as well as ‘greening’ and wellness experts.

While congress agenda highlights will be released in the coming months, GSN is also offering an exclusive optional three-and-a-half-day programme beginning on 26 September, which includes an outing to the Yosemite Valley floor where attendees will experience the GreenPath environmental management system currently being employed at the Ahwahnee Hotel. The system – installed by the hotel and partner hospitality company and park concessionaire Delaware North – guides business decisions so that operational activities only have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

Back by popular demand – after a successful performance at the 2014 congress – Larry Prochazka will return as a facilitator to guide attendees in an interactive keynote experience designed to leave participants inspired by solutions for ongoing sustainability initiatives.

“This year’s congress is a chance for spa professionals to learn how to lead the way in tangibly impacting their customers’ lives, by providing them with truly sustainable options,” said GSN executive director Paul Schmidt.

Recently GSN announced a new membership structure and an initiative to share its resources with members to ‘green’ the industry.