As the 2014 Professional Spa and Wellness Convention approaches, on 23 to 24 February at London ExCeL, we discuss the event and the industry with three of its speakers.

Paul Hawco, spa director, Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai:

What can we expect from your presentation as part of the Going Green Pays session?

A fresh and honest perspective on what has become a must-do for spas. My presentation will cover Dubai and the wider Middle East, looking at where we were, where we are and the potential that lays ahead when it comes to sustainability. I will also be recognising how luxury spas can commit to sustainability without diminishing customer expectations.

Why are events such as the Professional Spa and Wellness Convention so important for the industry?

They are excellent vehicles as they provide a chance for professionals at all levels to connect and to gain exposure within the industry.

Randal Eastman, vice president and partner, Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreats:

What do you hope delegates will take away from the Spa Franchise session?

Awareness: that it's possible to take a nicely packaged concept and scale it up, without sacrificing its soul. Not easy, but possible. Secondly, a bit of inspiration, that many of you should perhaps grow your brand to have a deeper impact on societies globally that are crying out for wellness and where there simply aren’t enough offerings in the market.

Which are the most pressing issues currently facing the spa and wellness industry?

The sector needs to move beyond pampering to really tackle preventable conditions, such as lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases. In the wellness industry, I think we all have a role to play – and a responsibility to act. We all have limited time on earth and while we are here we should do more than simply make money and make people feel good. We should leave our imprint on their souls.

Larisa Marinica, director of Purovel Spa & Sport, Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul:

What can we expect from your presentation as part of the Getting it Right from the Start: The First 100 Days as a spa owner or director session?

My presentation will be realistic, motivational and educational; exploring the multilateral facets of the spa business. It’s [designed to] empower you to successfully and positively tackle the challenges of your first 100 days as a spa director.

Which industry trends do you think will be big in 2014?

Modern life can be isolating, with many of us lacking physical contact. Spa [treatments and services] that involve a return to authentic, traditional practices based mainly on the vital and healing power of touch, such as the Turkish hammam, [will therefore be big]. Parallel to this, we will witnesses a boom in [the use of] sophisticated technical devices.

For more on the Professional Spa and Wellness Convention in London on February 23 to 24, and to book your place, visit professionalspawellness.com/convention