SPATEC Europe has kicked off at the Melià Villaitana hotel in Spain, where a record number of 170 delegates – from both operating and supplier companies – are taking part in one-to-one meetings over the next couple of days.

The event began with an opening speech from Jeremy McCarthy, international group director of spa for Mandarin Oriental. He told attendees of the trends he sees emerging in the industry – including the need for a more personal wellbeing offering for spa guests and the increasing importance of providing people in an urban environment with somewhere to just be still and focus their minds.

A programme of 20 minute meetings – split across two days – has started, with buyers and suppliers matched according to preference.

Networking will continue into the evenings during dedicated entertainment periods.