Pulse November 2017 | Page 21

1 BrilliaNt idEas 1. American Spa is launching its first Women in Wellness Leadership Conference, which will take place March 6, 2018, in New York City. This carefully curated day-long experience is designed to help female leaders and aspiring leaders in the wellness space develop their professional and personal goals while networking with their peers. 2 2. Tara Grodjes k, president of Tara Spa Therapy, has teamed up with Women As Game Changers Training founders Carolyn Parrs and Devi Records to create an online series of interactive business building training sessions, specifically designed for women business owners and leaders in the spa industry. oPEN for BusiNEss 1. As part of its aggressive nationwide expansion, Massage Heights, announced it signed three franchise agreements during the first half of 2017 to expand the brand in Houston and Boerne, Texas, as well as in Woodland Hills, California. Massage Heights also opened six new retreats this year in Decatur and Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Collins, Colorado; Houston; Sea Girt, New Jersey; Morristown, New Jersey; and Naples, Florida. The brand is on track to open 10 locations in 2017, with a goal of having 300 Retreats open by the end of 2020. 1 2. Mandarin Oriental has expanded to the Caribbean by rebranding and managing a hotel on Canouan Island in Saint Vincent and The Grenadines. The spa at the resort includes nine treatment bungalows, including seven for couples. A portfolio of new Residences at Mandarin Oriental will be located near the hotel and are scheduled to be available in 2020. 2 3. For the first time in 40 years, Blackberry Farm will open a new property, Blackberry Mountain, in late 2018. Blackberry Mountain will be a 5,200-acre resort property inspired by the history and beauty of the Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee. To protect the natural landscape and habitat, 2,800 acres of the property have been committed to remain undisturbed in conservation, creating a private national park experience. #vegasstrong 3 We’ve learned over time how strong our spa community is when it joins together and last month in Las Vegas was no different. Thank you for rallying around our hospitality family at Mandalay Bay and for being for generous and selfless in your love and support. If you wish to do more for the victims and families affected by the senseless tragedy, visit gofundme.com/dr2ks2-las-vegas-victims-fund to donate or visit unitedbloodservices.org to find a place near you to donate blood. November 2017 ■ PULSE 19