We’re renovating and expanding…just like you!

Guest Editorial

When I was perusing websites for the 2018 Leading Spas of Canada Directory, I saw that many of our members are renovating and expanding. It is inspiring to hear so many stories of innovation and growth. And, as the association representing you, we must be sure to keep pace. So we’re starting the New Year with some renovations and expansions of our own. These are just a few of the things we have planned for 2018. 

New Membership Fee Structure
With the guidance of our Board and recommendations put forward by the membership committee in 2015, we’ve restructured our membership fees to support continued growth. We now have six categories of membership under the Leading Spas of Canada banner. 

1. Leading Spa Member with Quality Assurance (QA) Distinction
2. Leading Spa Member
3. General Spa Member
4. Resource Partner
5. Education Partner
6. Student Member

Under the new structure, Leading Spas with QA Distinction will pay a bundled annual fee, with half of the cost of assessment billed in each year of the QA cycle. In addition, upon review of their unique needs, we have adjusted the membership fee for Education Partners to $400/year. We’ve also added a General Spa membership category for home-based spas, mobile spa businesses, spas in development, and individual professionals. And, we are now offering a student rate of $50 to encourage more professionals to join the association as they launch their careers. 

Networking Event in April 
You’ve told us that this is one of the most valued aspects of your membership. We heard you loud and clear and so we’ve planned a networking evening and awards soiree to take place in April. Join us for a fun evening to celebrate the 2017 Canadian Spa & Wellness Award winners and reconnect with your industry colleagues. 

Industry Research Project 
Did you know that the last time research was done on the Canadian spa and wellness industry was 2006? New spa owners and resource partners who are opening or expanding their businesses frequently reach out to us for up-to-date information and we haven’t been able to help. But that will change in 2018. We’re working on a research project that will provide members with a profile of the Canadian spa industry and an overview of the trends that will influence your business. It will also provide us with valuable insight for future planning.

Expanded Distribution of the Leading Spas Directory and Preferred Advertising Rates in Two Publications
In previous years, the Leading Spas of Canada Directory has been distributed through Air Canada and WestJet, Maple Leaf Lounges, and Tourism Boards across Canada. This year, we’ve expanded distribution to include The National Women’s Shows in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. Members have always received preferred advertising rates in the directory, and now through our partnership with Dovetail Communications, Leading Spas of Canada members can take advantage of preferred rates in Spa Inc. magazine, too.

Website Amalgamation and Improved Online Service
We’re amalgamating the spaindustry.ca and leadingspasofcanada.com websites to create a single “go-to” hub for the members and consumers. Member profiles will still be the prominent feature on the site, along with tips and resources to educate consumers about why they should choose to visit Leading Spas. There will also be a section of the site for members to access resources and information, and connect with one another. In addition to the ease of finding everything you need in one location at leadingspasofcanada.com, we’ll be making the payment process easier by adding a shopping cart feature to the site.

New Sponsorship Opportunities
We’re excited to share these opportunities with sponsors who want to elevate their profile in the Canadian spa industry. We’ve developed a suite of packages to suit all budgets with unique opportunities for reach and promotion. 

For information on these activities, visit leadingspasofcanada.com or call 1-800-704-6393. For sponsorship and advertising information, contact Dovetail Communications at 905-886-6640 or edith@spainc.ca.

It’s an exciting time to be part of the spa industry and we’re looking forward to growing with you in 2018.