The International SPA Association (ISPA) is pleased to announce it will present long time member Jennifer Wayland-Smith with the 2023 ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award at the 31st annual ISPA Conference from May 9–11 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wayland-Smith’s leadership in the spa and wellness industry spans over an impressive 35 years, beginning in the early 1980s when she studied corporate community health education at the University of North Texas.
This unique field eventually propelled her into the spa industry, leading spa teams in opening and operation, from the Spa at Bally’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to over seven years at the Spa at the Hershey Hotel in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and many others in between.
Today, she leverages her extensive experience as a consultant on spa projects at some of the United States’ most prestigious venues alongside spa leaders at the pinnacle of their careers.
ISPA has benefitted from more than 25 years of commitment and leadership from Wayland-Smith. Beginning with her service as the Membership Committee chair, she went on to devote seven years as a dedicated member of the ISPA Board of Directors (2004-2011), and eventually served in the Vice Chair role as well as on the Foundation Board. Additionally, Jennifer served with the Speaker Task Force since 2014 and recently returned to the ISPA Nominations Committee for the 2022 Board of Directors selection process.
“Jennifer is the epitome of a dedicated contributor, and we could not be more excited to present her with this award,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “We know that if we ask Jennifer to do something, she will say ‘yes’ before she even knows the task!”
Upon learning about the award, Wayland-Smith said, “I was speechless when I first received the call. I was humbled, excited, super proud and I feel so privileged to be considered for this award among the past winners I know and consider my spa friends.” She went on to say, “Giving back to this industry has just come so naturally to me, it has not been a job or a chore for me, it has just happened. That is what I love to do, to provide information, to help, to be a resource in developing relationships . . . it has confirmed for me that I am doing the right thing.” Wayland-Smith added, “I’ve said many times over the years, when people ask me what I would be doing if I wasn’t working in spa, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing, it’s only spa.”
The ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award is given to an active ISPA member who has contributed significantly to the growth of the association. The recipient demonstrates leadership and commitment to ISPA and extensively assists in the promotion of the association, as well as its mission and vision.
About the International SPA Association:
ISPA, with its headquarters in Lexington, KY and managed by Associations International, is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA and the ISPA Conference are available at experienceispa.com.
- Log in to post comments