The International Spa Association (ISPA) has decided to cancel its upcoming ISPA Conference & Expo in May, due to the ongoing global pandemic.

Attendees and sponsors for the cancelled in-person event will be contacted and given full refunds for any processed payments or will be assisted with applying those funds towards a future investment.

However, ISPA president Lynne McNees has confirmed the organisation will instead host a virtual ISPA Stronger Together Summit in May, to inform and inspire the industry.

The event will feature a heavy focus on educational content to help the spa and wellness sector continue to thrive and move forward.

New York Times best-selling author Seth Godin has been confirmed as the virtual summit’s first keynote and is expected to give a thought-provoking speech to kick off proceedings.

“While not being able to meet face-to-face at the ISPA Conference & Expo is a sad moment for us all, it’s essential that we continue to put the health of our members, staff and partners first,” said McNees.

“One thing we know for sure is the pandemic has taught us more than we could have expected about ourselves, our resiliency, our ability to embrace change and most importantly – to cherish our health and the amazing people in our lives.”

ISPA will release more details regarding the virtual event’s registration and the speaker line-up in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, ISPA has announced that the next in-person Conference and Expo will be hosted from 2 - 4 May in 2022, at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, in Las Vegas.

The organisation will continue to support the industry through insightful virtual events and vital research.