Dr. Carmona and Ian Schrager to Present, Major ‘Global Spa Economy’ Report to be Unveiled
www.globalspasummit.org
New York, NY – March 31, 2008 – Dr. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) and vice chairman of Canyon Ranch, will deliver a keynote address at the second annual Global Spa Summit from May 18-20 in New York City, organizers announced today.
Dr. Carmona will discuss the vital role of spas in prevention and global health
during his address Tuesday, May 20, as part of the three-day gathering at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Now in its second year, the Global Spa Summit convenes leading executives from the spa, hospitality, travel, wellness, investment, and fitness sectors to chart the future of the booming global spa industry. As previously announced, Ian Schrager, a leading visionary in the luxury hotel industry and a pioneer in spa development, will deliver a keynote address on Monday, May 19th.
As Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona revolutionized the way millions of people viewed health and well-being, steering public health policy toward preventing disease rather than merely treating it. After completing his four-year term in 2006, he joined Canyon Ranch because of the shared commitment to promoting optimal health and wellness nationally and globally. He serves as company vice chairman, CEO of the health division and president of the non-profit Canyon Ranch Institute in Tucson, Arizona.
“As one of the first national leaders to promote wellness, prevention, and healthy living as a way of life, Dr. Carmona has helped spread the benefits of the spa lifestyle,” said SpaFinder CEO Pete Ellis, one of the Global Spa Summit Board Members. “We’re looking forward to his insight on how the spa industry can play an even greater role in helping people lead healthier, happier lives.”
Another highlight of this year’s Summit will be the presentation of the first-ever “Global Spa Economy” report, conducted by SRI International. The report will be the first major study to define the size and economic impact of the global spa industry.
The 2008 Global Spa Summit will feature presentations and panels led by leading industry investors, analysts, researchers, and executives. This year, in addition to spa industry reports on the latest developments in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America, there will be special presentations regarding the emerging markets of India, China, Russia, South Africa and South America. In all, the Summit will be attended by more than 200 delegates and their spouses from every continent and more than 25 countries.
More than 150 delegates from twenty-four countries attended the 2007 Global Spa Summit. Steve Case, known as the former CEO and Chairman of AOL is now the founder and CEO of Revolution, LLC which includes Miraval and Miraval Living and Kevin Kelly, president of Canyon Ranch, delivered the keynote addresses.
New to the event this year is the addition of spa industry partners, including TechnoGym, Pevonia International, CNL Income Company, and Sodashi. Other sponsors include: Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Raison d’Etre, SpaFinder, Spatality, and Steiner Leisure.
About Global Spa Summit
Global Spa Summit is an international organization dedicated to bringing together leaders and visionaries to shape the future of the global spa and wellness industry. Founded in 2005, the organization will host the second-ever Global Spa Summit in New York City in May 2008, where top industry executives will gather to exchange ideas and advance industry goals, such as establishing a common language and understanding across regions and continents and creating uniform performance benchmarks for spas worldwide.
Global Spa Summit is underwritten by Spa Finder, Inc., the world’s leading spa
marketing and media company, in collaboration with a team of international advisors, including principles from Raison d’Etre, Sweden, RMIT University, Australia, Spa Strategy, Inc., USA, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Hong Kong, Mandara Spa Asia, Bali, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc., Canada, Spatality Inc., Thailand, Cornell University, USA and the Wuttke Group, USA. For more information, visit www.globalspasummit.org.
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