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Health Spa Associations

Health spa associations are organizations that health spas can join to receive support and recognition. The Global Spa Summit in 2010 estimated that the spa industry profited $60 billion and that 71 percent of consumers would be more likely to visit spas more often if they saw research demonstrating measurable health benefits. Consumers look for a spa that provides health and safety, professionalism and great treatments. Spa associations provide spas with guidelines, tools, education and accreditations to give spas a competitive advantage.

  1. The Day Spa Association

    • Hannelore R. Leavy began the Day Spa Association in 1991. The mission is to serve as a resource through educational materials, promote businesses through consumer awareness and public relations, and to protect consumers by holding spas to a standard of excellence. Some benefits for spas that join the Day Spa Association include educational and tradeshow discounts, marketing and advertising opportunities, and accreditations. The association releases a quarterly publication full of spa-related information, as well as a list of spas across America that have met the association's guidelines.

    The Spa Association (SPAA)

    • The Spa Association's goal is to make the spa profession more professional. SPAA provides resources, education materials and community connections. SPAA has three different levels for memberships, and each level is associated with different fees and benefits. SPAA has 5,000 members and continues to grow due to its number of benefits and resources. Benefits include free retail products, marketing materials and promotions, education and business tools, and community connections.

    The International Spa Association (ISPA)

    • The International Spa Association (ISPA) is begun in 1991 and serves to advance the spa industry by providing education, networking opportunities, and yearly conferences. ISPA has members in over 70 countries with nearly 1,000 members and has held spa conferences all over the world. ISPA has partnered with other associations to offer certifications and guides, educational tools and networking opportunities. Consumers can search for ISPA member spas on its website.

    Green Spa Network (GSN)

    • The Green Spa Network is a nonprofit trade association that focuses on promoting sustainable practices in the spa industry. GSN provides visibility to spas that meet sustainability and green guidelines. GSN has educational resources to help spas become greener and reduce their environmental damage. GSN provides networking opportunities and held its first tradeshow in 2011. GSN members pay fees based on the number of locations they have.

    Considerations

    • A number of other health spa associations exist within America. When joining a health spa association, consider the membership fee and the number of benefits. Spas should consider how the membership could affect the public image of the spa and how much publicity the association will bring to the spa. Associations are not regulated, and spas should research an association before joining.

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