Calling on the need for progressive spa businesses to be leaders in adopting authentic and effective sustainability practices, Green Spa Network Chairman Michael Stusser announced today that "Essential Spa Tools For Green Prosperity In 2010" will be the theme for the 2nd annual Green Spa Network Congress.
The congress, to include GSN member spas and other business and spa industry leaders, will take place November 1st - 5th, 2009, at historic fitness resort Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. The 70-year-old resort, widely known as North America's first fitness resort and destination spa, is located in oak- and chaparral-clad mountains adjacent to the Mexico-U.S. border, about one hour inland from the San Diego Airport via motor coach.
"This event will be an opportunity for participating spas to respond to the planetary imperative for sustainability—while increasing customer loyalty and profitability at the same time." said Stusser. "The congress will discuss and share strategic, pragmatic ideas, products, and practices that allow spas of all sizes to not only meet the challenge to become more sustainable, but also to develop and enhance their business relationship with their customers and communities. We will be convening a working session to further shape the character and qualities of an authentic 'green spa', and this gathering will be a major part of our continued efforts to build a suite of sustainability tools for spas. This is a conference with a true return on investment for everyone who attends."
Equally important, added Stusser, "is the opportunity for participants to connect with each other in a spa setting that optimizes state of mind. Our past meetings have been very inspiring, and this event promises take our work together to the next level. Lifetime working and personal relationships are built here."
During the congress's three full days (Monday, November 2nd - Wednesday, November 4th), attendees can participate in a schedule of interactive workshops, general sessions, and lectures by leading environmental and spa authorities. In addition, the congress—taking its cue from the mystical Rancho La Puerta setting beneath Mt. Kuchumaa, a peak held sacred by Native Americans—will offer mind/body/spirit experiences led by spa and environmental visionaries, including the Rancho La Puerta founder Deborah Szekely, 87.
"Rancho La Puerta is a very special, spiritual place," said Rhana Pytell, founder and director of GAIA Spa and industry visionary. "It has been a 'green spa' since day one, when guests were asked to bring their own tent and hear Professor Edmond Szekely give open-air lectures under an oak tree. Today the resort is a beautiful enclave of gardens and Spanish Colonial buildings set in the midst of their own 3,000-acre nature preserve. The warmth and friendliness of the staff and setting transcend all the bad news we've heard about Mexico lately, which never affected the Ranch experience at all. We hope our presence will also send a healing message to all travelers who may be still concerned about Mexico."
Conference participants will enjoy a special GSN/Rancho La Puerta rate (to be announced) that includes all conference fees, accommodations, meals, opening and closing ceremonies, use of facilities, world-class fitness programs, guided hikes, and roundtrip transportation from San Diego Airport. Spa treatments and therapies are available at reasonable prices. Arrival day is Sunday, November 1st, with departure on Thursday, November 5th. Rates can be extended for a full week's stay. For more details, see www.greenspanetwork.org and www.rancholapuerta.com.
Cici Coffee, Founder, Natural Body Spa and Shoppe said 'I am so excited to be able to attend a social networking event among like-minded industry professionals who share my desire to thrive in a sustainable business model. The Ranch will enhance the Green Spa Network's focus in a natural setting and embrace our intentions of health and wellness for a life-enhancing experience."
Green Spa Network is a working network and resource for spa owners dedicated to making local and planetary sustainability a driving force in their business plans. For more information about Green Spa Network and to access its tools and resources for spa businesses wanting to "go green," please contact Mark Fassett, Green Spa Network, 800-275-3045, [email protected], www.greenspanetwork.org.
The congress, to include GSN member spas and other business and spa industry leaders, will take place November 1st - 5th, 2009, at historic fitness resort Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico. The 70-year-old resort, widely known as North America's first fitness resort and destination spa, is located in oak- and chaparral-clad mountains adjacent to the Mexico-U.S. border, about one hour inland from the San Diego Airport via motor coach.
"This event will be an opportunity for participating spas to respond to the planetary imperative for sustainability—while increasing customer loyalty and profitability at the same time." said Stusser. "The congress will discuss and share strategic, pragmatic ideas, products, and practices that allow spas of all sizes to not only meet the challenge to become more sustainable, but also to develop and enhance their business relationship with their customers and communities. We will be convening a working session to further shape the character and qualities of an authentic 'green spa', and this gathering will be a major part of our continued efforts to build a suite of sustainability tools for spas. This is a conference with a true return on investment for everyone who attends."
Equally important, added Stusser, "is the opportunity for participants to connect with each other in a spa setting that optimizes state of mind. Our past meetings have been very inspiring, and this event promises take our work together to the next level. Lifetime working and personal relationships are built here."
During the congress's three full days (Monday, November 2nd - Wednesday, November 4th), attendees can participate in a schedule of interactive workshops, general sessions, and lectures by leading environmental and spa authorities. In addition, the congress—taking its cue from the mystical Rancho La Puerta setting beneath Mt. Kuchumaa, a peak held sacred by Native Americans—will offer mind/body/spirit experiences led by spa and environmental visionaries, including the Rancho La Puerta founder Deborah Szekely, 87.
"Rancho La Puerta is a very special, spiritual place," said Rhana Pytell, founder and director of GAIA Spa and industry visionary. "It has been a 'green spa' since day one, when guests were asked to bring their own tent and hear Professor Edmond Szekely give open-air lectures under an oak tree. Today the resort is a beautiful enclave of gardens and Spanish Colonial buildings set in the midst of their own 3,000-acre nature preserve. The warmth and friendliness of the staff and setting transcend all the bad news we've heard about Mexico lately, which never affected the Ranch experience at all. We hope our presence will also send a healing message to all travelers who may be still concerned about Mexico."
Conference participants will enjoy a special GSN/Rancho La Puerta rate (to be announced) that includes all conference fees, accommodations, meals, opening and closing ceremonies, use of facilities, world-class fitness programs, guided hikes, and roundtrip transportation from San Diego Airport. Spa treatments and therapies are available at reasonable prices. Arrival day is Sunday, November 1st, with departure on Thursday, November 5th. Rates can be extended for a full week's stay. For more details, see www.greenspanetwork.org and www.rancholapuerta.com.
Cici Coffee, Founder, Natural Body Spa and Shoppe said 'I am so excited to be able to attend a social networking event among like-minded industry professionals who share my desire to thrive in a sustainable business model. The Ranch will enhance the Green Spa Network's focus in a natural setting and embrace our intentions of health and wellness for a life-enhancing experience."
Green Spa Network is a working network and resource for spa owners dedicated to making local and planetary sustainability a driving force in their business plans. For more information about Green Spa Network and to access its tools and resources for spa businesses wanting to "go green," please contact Mark Fassett, Green Spa Network, 800-275-3045, [email protected], www.greenspanetwork.org.