ISPA is hosting a virtual event series bringing together luminaries from a variety of backgrounds for in-depth conversations touching on topics that impact spa professionals both personally and professionally.

Called Heart of the Matter, the on-demand series kicked off in August with ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award winner Bryan Williams, who led a virtual session centred on fostering inclusion and diversity through leadership.

The most recent instalment saw Tembi Locke, New York Times best-selling author and actor, speak with ISPA Board chair Patrick Huey about grief, resilience and healing.

Confirmed upcoming participants and topics are as follows:

• Kathryn Hahn, Emmy-nominated actor and star of the upcoming Disney+ series WandaVision, HBO’s I Know This Much is True and the hit film, Bad Moms, will speak with Huey about seeking joy and the challenges of persevering in difficult times
• ISPA medical advisor Dr Brent Bauer and Dr Nadir Bhuiyan of the Mayo Clinic will discuss the spa industry’s pandemic response and share insights on planning for the immediate future.

“So many industry members have worked so hard in recent months to safely reopen their spas,” said ISPA president Lynne McNees.

“Through Heart of the Matter, we hope to offer the ISPA family an opportunity to pause during this hectic period and receive inspiration from the insights, advice and stories that will be shared in this series.”

Heart of the Matter adds to ISPA’s recent virtual offerings, which have also included a series of Reopening Town Halls featuring spa professionals highlighting their reopening efforts and Chats with Product Pros, which have focused on the ways in which spa resource partners have adapted to business during the pandemic.

“It’s been wonderful seeing our industry come together to share their experiences and observations during our Town Halls and Product Pros events,” said Huey.

“Heart of the Matter gives us an opportunity to remain engaged with our spa colleagues while offering wisdom that is relevant to us not just as professionals, but also as human beings.”

ISPA will announce further instalments of Heart of the Matter as participants are confirmed.

All session recordings will be available on demand at ISPA's website and the ISPA YouTube channel.