The fourth annual WORLD SPA & WELLNESS CONVENTION is returning
The fourth annual WORLD SPA & WELLNESS CONVENTION is returning with a bang, this month we sit down with conference producer JEAN-GUY DE GABRIAC to find out what he’s got up his sleeve…
Without revealing too much, would you be able to give an idea of what we can expect from this year’s World Spa & Wellness Convention (WSWC)?
WSWC Dubai 2018 returns to The Meydan for the fourth year on February 5th. Every year Mark Moloney, Managing Director of Professional Beauty wants to add a fresh and exciting take in the main theme, the format of the sessions, the new faces of senior-executive speakers in the Spa, Wellness & Hospitality industry, and also in the setting itself. This year, we strip things back to basics and focus on topics that are more relevant to you as a spa director, owner or manager and even your therapists, because at the end of the day the therapists are our future! Am also excited to announce that there are a number of spa categories that you can enter in the first ever Professional Beauty GCC Awards taking place on February 5th – make sure you enter your spa!
Are there any topics or sessions on this year’s agenda that you’re particularly excited about?
The main theme will be “CHANGE is coming, be ready for DISRUPTION”! Like all sectors, spa and wellness is always evolving, morphing and cross-fertilizing with two powerful drivers: innovation in technology on the one hand, and the guests demands for ever-increasing personalization on the other hand. For 2018, we have invited prominent disruptors to share their views in panels and keynotes. We shall also dig deep into the following topics: “Building a spa community”; “Making Wellness a key to repeat business”; and “Leadership development”, among many others... After the success of last year’s panel on driving profitable fitness operations, we shall dig deeper into this hot topic that is, literally, moving and shaking the world. My passion resides in helping the 30+ chairs and speakers flying to Dubai from across the world to find exciting angles, savoury pearls of wisdom and milliondollar ideas that delegates can benefit from!
What do you look for from speakers and chairs? What do they need to deliver?
Delegates will be delighted to meet, network and gain a wealth of knowledge from a stellar line up of Senior executives such as: Cedric Betis Managing Director Talise Group/Jumeirah Group ; John P. Rees Senior Director of Operations| Middle East & Africa Marriott International; Karina Stewart, co Founder Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa ; and from our Keynote, Michael Newcombe, GM Four Seasons Los Angeles & Chair of Global Spa and Wellness Committee Four Seasons. We shall also receive inspiring Regional or Group Spa Directors such as Paul Hawco, Group Director Spa TALISE; Sharon Barcock, Director of Spa & Fitness Operations & Development MEA Hilton Worldwide ; Maggie Derblay, Director of Spa & Fitness at Atlantis The Palm Kerzner International ; Patrick Heuy, Group Spa Director Asia Minor Hotels ; Emma Darby, Operations Director Resense Spa ; Mohammed Abdelsamiea, Group Spa Director SPARADISE... and many more
How integral an aspect do you think the networking element is to the success of the WSWC?
Cleary the education agenda is key, but of course networking plays an important part too. Indeed, general sessions provide great content, applicable by most, if not all. However, one has a better chance of catching behind-the-scene details during more intimate & interactive formats where delegates also share their own points of views: the Breakfast club with tea, coffee & biscuits, then luncheons, and the Creative Networking Sessions every afternoon.
1. Could you explain the concept behind the creative networking sessions, which were added last year, and what you feel they added to the convention?
The 300 savvy European delegates love the content of panels & keynotes, but they also enjoy sharing best practices and asking operational questions in a more intimate setting. This is why we offer break-out sessions each afternoon that are animated like “think tanks”. Two speakers per topic kick-off by sharing inspiring tips for about 10 minutes each to get the conversation started. Then delegates ask questions, or also share their own experiences & best practices for 40 minutes, which usually tends to pass really fast. Finally, everyone gathers in the general session room for the last 30 minutes of the day, and listen to the concluding thoughts of the other networking sessions. In 2018, the CNS will touch on these topics: on Monday, “Stairway to leadership” with pearls of wisdom offered from the best of the best; “Become the best spa of your country or region” with tactics & strategies from winners of the prestigious World Spa & Wellness Awards and “Attract more For more information visit www.professionalspawellness.com/dubaiconvention International Guests in to your Spa” where stories are shared from the best in the industry. On Tuesday, Regional / Corporate Spa Directors will engage delegates on “Diamond secrets to boost retail”; “Boost your revenue per guest” ; “Digital detox / mental wellness”.
2. Why would you encourage delegates to also explore the Professional Beauty show floor, particularly the spa section?
The best way to fully benefit from Professional Beauty is also to make a list of all the products, equipment and amenities that are needed for your operations, and then select the vendors among the exhibitors in order to discover innovations that can bring novelty to your Spa & Wellness operations, increase the perceived value for guests, simplify operations for your associates and help your Spa get ahead of competition. Not only is it common sense to stay in tune with innovations, but also so rewarding to experiment for yourself the sensations. One always has to be in the client’s shoes, to keep them coming back, again and again.
