24 Dec 2019
California hosts global hot springs convention
BY Megan Whitby
120 international owners and operators of geothermal pools, spas and resorts recently gathered in the US for a conference called Hot Springs Connection, at Indian Wells and Desert Hot Springs, California.
Representatives from 20 US states, Canada, Australia and New Zealand met for the two-part conference, claimed to be the only US hot springs event.
The 2019 meeting was the second in the event’s history, followed its debut last year in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
The first half included general sessions, breakout events, trade exchange and networking. Topics covered ranged from water stewardship, natural resource protection, heritage preservation, and standardizing regulatory requirements.
The event also included a focus on geothermal energy, wellness trends, new design standards, hospitality training, tourism marketing and running profitable spas.
“This is an important collaboration to unify the hot springs resort industry in this country,” said Vicky Nash, the event’s founder and organiser. “Together we can enhance public perception about our hot springs and create a variety of meaningful guest experiences.”
The second half of the conference showcased a range of Desert Hot Springs’ local geothermal destinations with behind-the-scenes tours. This included El Morocco Inn & Spa, Aqua Soleil, Desert Hot Springs Inn, Sky Valley Resort, Miracle Springs Resort and Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel.
The event also saw the launch of the Hot Springs Association – a nonprofit trade association for hot springs owners and associates.
In addition, a preview of the new website Hot Springs of America was featured at one of the general sessions. It has been designed to be a centralised tool for tourists to identify hot spring sites in the US and will launch in early 2020.
Next year’s convention has been confirmed, but the date and location are yet to be announced.
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