The serious but fun event they call it and Spa Life certainly lives up to its tag line. This once a year 2 day event has become a highlight of the spa industry and an unmissable date in the diary. Why? Because it’s one of the best ways of doing business. It’s relaxed, like we all should be working in spa! It’s good for networking, so much so you won’t have time to see everyone you want to. You’ll learn something new, whether it’s from one of the speakers or another delegate. And, it’s great fun as life should be!
This year had many highlights for me but here are my top 5:
1. Hearing the entrepreneurial Jo Fairley, beauty author and co-founder of Green & Black’s and more recently The Perfume Society, talk about her business journey. I’ve heard Jo talk a couple of times before and you always learn something new. Jo has a drive and energy for life which is infectious. She’s also a fabulous ambassador for the power of branding and PR.
2. Celebrating the best of UK spas in the Good Spa Guide Awards 2015 and seeing our Twitter Wall gain momentum. It was fantastic to see so many spa operators at the dinner. We wish all our clients could have won and all deserved to but a big congratulations to Stanley House Hotel & Spa in Lancashire for winning the National ‘Above & Beyond’ award. They are truly exceptional when it comes to personal service, just wish I lived a bit nearer!
3. Discovering tpot (the Power of Touch), the not-for-profit organisation which is eradicating the challenges of treating clients with cancers in UK spas and salons. This is a huge dilemma in the industry and doesn’t need to be. In 50 years there is no proof of massage spreading cancer. If you are a spa operator or spa therapist then I do recommend you take a look at the tpot website which has a whole lot of resources, advice and support.
4. Networking both with existing clients and prospects. It reminds me how welcoming and friendly our industry is and how for many it is much more than just a job. There’s never enough time to see everyone but it’s always good going away wanting more!
5. The Goody Bag! This year’s was a bumper bag with everything from skincare (including VOYA’s Maskerade face mask), nails (I just love the Jessica Phenom top coat – brilliant innovation), spa essentials ie body brush, nail clippers etc from Ellisons, flip flops and tanning. It would be good to have some healthy food brands involved next year, not just because I was hungry on my long drive home!