2019 ISPA CONFERENCE & EXPO
A First Timer’s Orienta ISPA
by
ryan
o’gara
stePPing into an unFamiliar
setting can be a bit daunting. You
don’t know the dress code, you don’t
know proper etiquette. the unknown
can be uncomfortable.
iSPa board member eric
Stephenson remembers his first time
at the annual iSPa conference &
expo, and looking back at it now, he
can laugh about it. Stephenson told
the story to a group of attendees at
the first timer’s orientation to iSPa.
eleven years ago, Stephenson
excitedly prepared for his first
conference. he bought custom polos
with his company logo plastered
everywhere for him and his
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coworkers. Upon arrival, he realized
that wasn’t the vibe at the
conference. not even close. By his
own admission, he looked like a
square. So he and his coworkers went
out and bought a new wardrobe to
wear that week at conference.
Stephenson, along with board
members noel asmar, michelle adams
Somerville and the meadowood Spa’s
michael conte, shared their tips to
maximize the conference experience.
the orientation was designed to help
new attendees (and seasoned ones
looking for a refresher) prepare for the
week at the Venetian.
the session, which was sponsored
by noel asmar uniforms, began with
asmar organizing a group photo to
break the ice and ended with
Stephenson leading a group sing-a-
long of “Brown eyed Girl” while he
played guitar.
in between, the speakers went over
the best way to navigate conference,
discussing key topics like the hub, the
expo, the iSPa foundation Live &
Silent auctions, the experience center,
General Sessions, educational
Sessions, Smart Stage and the
Welcome Party.
the session set the tone for what
was yet another memorable iSPa
conference & expo. n