- With therapist recruitment and retention an ongoing challenge, no therapist experiences were of heightened interest. In particular Gharieni’s Welnamis. This combines computer-controlled acoustic and vibrational technology that trains the brain to relax and benefit from deep relaxation techniques. Those we met who tried it said they felt extremely relaxed and refreshed from just a 20 minutes’ experience.
- Resilience was a key theme of the event with keynote speaker, Dr Glenda Rivoallan, founder of multiple wellness brands and Sonal Uberoi, global wellness expert, both sharing their advice on building a resilient team. Glenda emphasised the importance of making sure as a manager, your cup is full first so you can help support your team. This begs the question of whether we are doing enough to support the managers or asking too much of them as their roles in recent years have expanded!
- VOYA’s new Renewal Eyes – seaweed eye masks are the cutest eye masks we’ve ever seen. Completely natural and organic with lots of super mineral goodness, they are also very social media friendly!
- Some exciting new brands to this year’s convention. Anti-aging, epigenetic skincare line Hydropeptide and Grown Alchemist which contains ingredients which influence the way the body repairs and regenerates the skin. Their primer containing adaptogens including Reishi Mushroom and Ashwagandha is a winner.
- An enlightening talk from industry power titans: BABTAC, Haabia, Trailblazer and UK Spa Association who discussed the importance of making sure your staff have the right qualifications and not simply certificates. CPD is important but first you need regulated qualifications. And don’t forget to let the consumer know that your therapists are trained to level 3 or above.
- Audio was not only a feature of no therapist experiences but also the topic of Myndstream’s Freddie Moross talk. Freddie talked about the power and value of sonic branding ie how you can convey your brand values through sound and even earn royalties from the music. Something to think about – your music is not only a way to take your clients deeper into your brand and deliver a more intense experience but could also be a revenue generator!
- Nutritionist Sarah Carolides explained that the skin is a window to your internal health so, as well as recommending certain facial treatments, be aware that to solve a skincare issue, clients may need to make other changes to their lifestyle. While you can’t prescribe, you can still make them aware of this. Also see how you can implement some healthy ingredients into your spa experience such as ginger, turmeric and vitamin C. It may also be beneficial to partner with a nutritionist or bring them in for a day to advise.
- Straight talking global entrepreneur, Lara Morgan, gave tips and tricks on changing mindsets for having sustainability built into a brand. How recyclable should be a last resort and why we should be using more sustainable and refillable products. We also got to feel the softest toweling robe made from plastic bottles.
- Natural Spa Factory released some irresistible new blends which looked good enough to eat! Full of fresh, natural ingredients this range of scrubs and massage oils could provide an uplift to your treatment menu and prove great for PR too.
- We were delighted to support Spa Life on the video interviews throughout the two days and had some fantastic responses to our question: ‘If Spa Life was a treatment, what would it be?’ One of our favourite’s was ‘If Spa Life was a treatment, it would embody the essence of a four-hand massage, offering a transformative experience that encompasses a myriad of enriching elements.’