Approximately 250 women attended American Spa’s second Women in Wellness Leadership Conference at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on 12 March.

Intended to inspire and motivate women in the spa and wellness industry to live their best lives, the one-day event opened with a welcome from Julie Keller Callaghan, editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa magazine and founder of the event, followed by a keynote speech on achieving financial wellness from Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC’s “Today Show.”

The day involved a host of speakers, including Dolores Barclay, an award-winning Columbia University professor; Diane Harris, editorial director of Considerable and a passionate financial wellness advocate; Carrie Kerpen, author of Work It: Secrets For Success From the Boldest Women in Business; Brunilda Nazario, M.D., associate medical director and lead medical editor at WebMD; Betty Ng, founder of Inspiring Diversity; Elizabeth Scherle, cofounder and president of Influenster; and Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid. From sessions on maintaining integrity in business to ageing well to overcoming perfectionism, the event provided attendees with tangible tools to transform their careers and lives.

“The second edition of American Spa’s Women in Wellness Leadership Conference was a smashing success,” said Keller Callaghan. “I’m so proud of my team for producing such a remarkable event, and I’m so grateful for the attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made it happen. The day was filled with powerful sessions from brilliant women, amazing networking opportunities, and a lot of fun. The vibe was positive, empowering, and unforgettable. I can’t wait for our next event.”

A fundraiser for the Green Spa Network was also held the evening before the event, to benefit the nonprofit organisation and its green tree planting initiative. Hosted by Joanne Roche, executive director of GSN, Anna Moine, principal of amlconsult, and Darlene Fiske of S’well PR, the event was attended by more than 50 women and raised US$2,500 towards GSN's pledge to plant one million trees.

The Women in Wellness movement continues this year in California, where the inaugural West Coast event will take place 28 October at The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach.

Nominations for American Spa’s annual Women in Wellness Awards are also underway. The awards recognise women in the industry who are making a difference. The third instalment of the celebratory awards programme honours women for their influence, passion, inspiration, innovation, and accomplishments.

Nominations, which are open to the public, will be accepted through Friday, 31 May, 2019 in the following categories: Industry Icon, Owner and Operator—Spa or Wellness Facility, Founder—Product or Equipment Company, Spa Director, Spa Consultant, Educator and Trainer, Philanthropist, Industry Insider, Environmental Leader, PR and Marketing Guru. The winners will be selected by a panel of wellness journalists and announced in the fall in American Spa magazine. To submit a nomination or for more information, go to www.womeninwellnessawards.com.