American Spa successfully launched its debut Women in Wellness Leadership Conference March 6 in New York City. The day included more than 230 women in the wellness space who participated in a variety of powerful keynote sessions and breakout workshops designed to help them thrive, grow, and develop personally and professionally. “It was an absolutely magical day, and I am and honored that so many incredible women worked so beautifully together to make it happen,” says Julie Keller Callaghan, editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and founder of American Spa’s Women in Wellness Leadership Conference. “The speakers were inspirational and thought-provoking, and the attendees were engaged, motivated, and moved to empower themselves and other women. Additionally, my team proved, once again, that they are a brilliant, savvy group of women who make things happen. I feel completely blessed, inspired, and ready to do more to advance cause of women in wellness.”
Sessions kicked off with presentations by sponsors who shared their stories of their support for women and then delved into a variety of powerful topics. Keynote speakers included Lesley Jane Seymour, founder of the Covey Club and former editor-in-chief and social media director of More magazine, who shared the story of her personal journey and tips about reinvention; Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and cofounder of Ellevest, who gave a powerful talk about women, money, and investing for the future; Emme, body positive model and women’s advocate, who shared her touching life story and her advice for creating a life full of self-worth and positivity. The workshop-style breakout sessions were led by Dana Campbell, CEO of Optimize Corps, who shared tips for transcending burnout; Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, money coach and founder of the Fiscal Femme, who guided the group through steps to financial wellness; Tara Grodjesk, founder of Tara Spa Therapy, and Carolyn Parrs and Devi Records, founders of Women as Game Changers, who discussed ways in which women can embrace their feminine traits to succeed in business; Jen Groover, an award-winning entrepreneur, who shared her incredible story of success and gave tips for branding; Lauren Clifford Knudsen, senior vice president of J Public Relations, who led an informative session on social media authenticity; and Ivy Woolf Turk, founder of Project Liberation, who helped attendees discover ways to overcome fear. Other highlights included a networking lunch where participants delved into topics of note via moderator-led discussion tables, and a concluding cocktail party celebrating the gathering that included crystal energy readings and a photo booth. Attendees left the event with a gift bag, which was created in India by Freeset USA, by women escaping the sex trade that was filled with an assortment of incredible products.
Already, attendees are raving. “What a conference to remember,” says Joanne Berry, founder and CEO, of the Wellness Education Hub. “I’m very grateful that I was able to attend the first WIW event. The speakers were all amazing, the networking was incredible, and I look forward to attending this event every year! Kudos to Julie and the whole team at American Spa for organizing such a stellar event for us all and for such an inspirational, well-thought-out day for us all. It was great to connect with so many fun, powerhouse and passionate women.”
Event sponsors included Anatomie, Astral Brands, Babor, Belava, Biologique Recherche, Bon Vital, Borboleta Beauty, Circadia, Columbia Skincare, Crane & Lion, DiamondTome, Grande Cosmetics, Jane Iredale, LaFlore, Repechage, Rhonda Allison, Saian, Satin Smooth, Spa de Soliel, SpaRitual, Sothys, The Spa Mart, ToGoSpa, and Universal Companies.
Stay tuned for videos, photos, testimonials, and more from the inspiring inaugural event, as well as news of plans for future American Spa Women in Wellness Leadership Conferences. Join American Spa’s Women in Wellness Leadership Group on Facebook for ongoing updates. For more pictures and videos from the event, visit the 2018 WIW highlights story on the American Spa Instagram, @americanspamag, and search the #AmericanSpaWIW hashtag.
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