Spa trade show breaks records

The International Conference and Exhibition on Spa Resorts, Health Care Products, Equipment, Accessories and Essentials (ISPA2005) at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre broke all past records to draw more than 3,800 trade and public visitors. Held from May 5 to 7 and touted as Asia's leading spa and wellness event, ISPAhas previously been held in Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Taiwan and Japan. Returning to Singapore this year, the threeday conference offered topics blending the best of East and West with keynote sessions 'The Coming of Age of the Spa Industry' by Kate Mearns, chairman of ISPAUSAand 'The Spa Industry in Relation to Tourism' by the tourism authorities of Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan. The exhibition was also Asia's largest ever showcase since its launch in 1999. Atotal of 105 exhibitors, agents and representatives from 15 countries attended. Of these, more than 50 were from overseas, including national pavilions from Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. The profile of exhibitors and buyers included experienced therapists, owners and professionals of the spa and beauty wellness industry, travel agents, spa-equipment suppliers, distributors, importers, educators, hoteliers and owners. Welcome note The welcome reception on day one was sponsored by the Singapore Tourism Board and held at the Asian Civilisations Museum Empress Place. Entertainment included a cultural dance and a teh-tarik (Singapore's version of tea latte) performance. Several stations comprised of henna and calligraphy artists were also featured at this networking session. Exhibitors displayed a diverse range of products and services such as body care, spa and beauty products, hair care, eastern remedies and medicines, spa resorts and massage tables. Singaporean companies occupied more than 1,000 sqm of the gross exhibition space, making the host the largest country pavilion. ISPA chairman Peter Sng said the spa industry's growth continues to be driven by consumer demand. "Spas are mainstream," he said. "People are savvier about the spa experience and they are busier than ever before — they are looking for a one-stop shop. "When someone goes to a health or fitness centre, a resort, hotel or salon, they want a place where they can get it all, which frequently includes having a spa treatment. Additionally, people no longer see spas as pampering but as a requisite to stay healthy." The ISPAAsia Pacific Chapter and Conference both started in 1999 with only a handful of members; today there are more than 140 ISPAmembers in Asia Pacific. "I am proud to say that ISPA's Asia Pacific Conference is strongly supported and endorsed by the governments and tourism associations of numerous countries," said Sng. Demonstrations, facials and body massages were presented at ISPAby leading companies. There were also a number of free talks as well as presentations. The gala dinner on the second night was sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and held in Suntec's Ballroom Two. Guests of honour included local politician Dr Lily Neo and Suntichai Euachongprasit, deputy governor of tourism products, TAT. Evening performance The evening's programme commenced with a show themed 'Thai Spa for Body and Soul'. Ahandover ceremony then saw business representatives from TAT and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) taking over the reins as joint organisers of ISPA2006 in Bangkok. The evening concluded with an auction and lucky draw consisting of an air ticket from Thai Airways and spa course vouchers. New additions to this year's show included topics such as acupuncture in wellness, charka balancing, integrative East and West medicine, and Thai Herbs in Modern Technology. "Another big hit was the numerous networking gatherings which provided ample opportunities for the industry to relax, reflect, rejuvenate and rejoice," said Sng. Apre-scheduled appointments programme was also introduced to help exhibitors meet buyers. Facilitating these appointments between exhibitors and qualified buyers online was a key feature of the programme. ISPA was supported by Conference and Exhibition Management Services (CEMS), a PCO with more than 20 years' experience in the CEI industry. CEMS has acted as the show manager, conference secretariat and consultant for ISPAevents since 2001. On why ISPA continues to work with CEMS, Sng said: "The vast knowledge and experience gained (by CEMS) throughout has increased its contacts and network around the world." ISPAestimates next year's event will draw about 1,000 delegates and 5,000 visitors with a gross exhibition area of 5,000 sqm.