The Hotelier Middle East Spa and Wellness Summit 2014 will kick-off tomorrow at Grosvenor House Hotel Dubai, with 300 spa professionals expected to attend.
The two-day event, running from February 10-11, will feature a host of topical panel debates, interactive workshops and practical demonstrations alongside an exhibition of essential spa products.
Speakers include Sharon Barcock, director spa operations and development Middle East & Africa, Hilton Worldwide; Simon Casson, regional vice president & general manager, Four Seasons Resort Dubai and chairman, Four Seasons Global Spa Taskforce; Paul Hawco, group director of spa, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts; Dr. Shylaja Pillai, spa manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates; Neil Hewerdine, vice president of spa services at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai; Salina Handa, founder & managing director, SensAsia Urban Spa; and Lindsay Madden-Nadeau, regional spa director UAE, MSPA International.
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They will be discussing live on stage topics including therapist training and legislation, providing value without compromising on service, building a repeat customer base, maximizing revenues, and wellness and sustainability.
Numerous hands-on demonstrations will cover specialist therapies such as ayurvedic medicine, detox spa and chiro-golf massage, while workshops on subjects including how to create a business plan for a new spa and how to manage vendor negotiations will provide vital business intelligence.
Ahead of the event, MSPA’s Madden-Nadeau said that running a successful spa is “actually very simple”, but that too often, they can be mismanaged.
“Spas can actually be very simple-they need to provide a comfortable environment, good service and value for money. For the guest it is about the service provided. We are lucky that the evolution of spas has brought the environment to a whole new level however if service is not there, guests will not return,” she said.
“I think hotels can benefit from spas within their properties and these days it is necessary to provide these services for the guests. Spas and staff costs can end up having high overheads and if mismanaged it is difficult to gain the profitability expected,” acknowledged Madden-Nadeau.
“The UAE offers an amazing experience to grow and develop in the spa business. Keep focused on your main performance indicators and get as involved in your operation as you can. Think big picture and focus on your key revenue generating initiatives instead of getting lost in smaller less lucrative approaches that don't add up,” she advised.
For more essential spa management insights and to discuss industry challenges and opportunities affecting your business, don’t miss the Hotelier Middle East Spa and Wellness Summit, sponsored by The Product House and Sarum Trading.
Spa professionals attend for free. Contact: Amanda.elisha@itp.com
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