Just in time for International Women’s Day, earlier this week American Spa hosted its first annual Women in Wellness Leadership Conference. 230 women attended the event at Convene in New York City, where they each networked and listened to a number of incredible speakers, including three keynotes from Lesley Jane Seymour, Sallie Krawcheck, and Emme. Breakout sessions allowed guests to get to know each other in a workshop style setting, and to top the day off. guests enjoyed a fun cocktail hour and left with gift bags from a number of sponsors.
Already, attendees of the event 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.”
Take a look above at some snapshots guests shared of the event, and below find some other great feedback that’s been shared across social media.
“This conference was much needed in our industry. It was essential! I think most would agree that it was and is mission critical. You nailed it from every angle and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for you being the magnet that pulls it all together, as women often do! Wellness is everything. It is health, it is mental clarity, it is financial stability, it is wholesome relationships; wellness is 'a mom is as happy as her most miserable child," as one of your guest speakers said. Wellness is the sum of all of these parts. I am grateful for your vision, and leadership in bringing it all home for us.” – Sultan Gonen-Griffin, co-owner, A La Turca Textiles
“Such an uplifting experience that was about the empowerment and courage of women. Go forward and embrace you best self, and don’t be afraid to be proud.” – Darcie DeBartelo, general manager, Spa Mirbeau, Albany
“WIW is an amazing addition to the show landscape with a truly unique offering. The day was extremely well organized and the content was professionally curated and extremely high quality. I regret my entire team couldn’t be there to learn and grow from the conference, but we are already planning a viewing party at the office when we receive all the video content.” – Laura Gerchik, general manager, Biologique Recherche USA
“I woke up this morning still feeling the high off of yesterday’s energy at the Women in Wellness Conference. There was talk of #metoo and #timesup, the inspiring younger generation, investing for women, reinventing yourself, and the list just goes on. It was right up my alley because it’s rare that I find myself completely captivated, walking away a better person. It was just inspiring. Today, I have more confidence in feeling as if I am not alone in this crazy world. Some things we already knew but need that kick or extra reminder. I’m seeing things in a new light and feel fortunate to have been around these uplifting women.” – Paulina Kajankova, editor, Insider’s Guide to Spas
“Thank you American Spa for putting on such a great event. I thought the day was extremely valuable and inspiring. The lunch round-tables were a nice addition. Being able to select which discussion to attend and having the ability to surround yourself with like-minded individuals was a great idea.” – Adria DeWitt, sales and marketing associate, Satin Smooth
“Congratulations American Spa on such an amazing event. I have been hearing and receiving accolades from everyone one who was blessed to be present. Many were overcome with emotion. The timing of your event could not have been better. Culturally, we are at such a critical crossroads which I feel is so beautifully coined in Baha’i writings, ‘we know the world of humanity is possessed by two wings, the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly.’” – Mark Wuttke, president and chief operating officer, Babor
“An amazing day. So energized! Thank you for many beautiful presenters and the collection of exceptional women in leadership. Already putting my new inspiration and tools to use today.” – Allison Schumann, hotel manager, Vanderbilt Grace
Stay tuned here on americanspa.com for more pictures and videos of the conference, coming in the near future.
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