LEXINGTON, Ky., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The International SPA Association
(ISPA) recently agreed to extend its management contract with Host
Communications, Inc. for another three years. Host Communications, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Bull Run Corporation (Nasdaq: BULL) and affinity, sports
and lifestyle marketing and management company, first represented ISPA in 1998
and since that time has more than doubled ISPA's membership and significantly
increased its revenue.
"ISPA is the voice of the spa industry and we have been committed to
leveraging ISPA into this position by building a strong membership base and
working with key constituencies to increase awareness and exposure for the
association," said W. James Host, CEO of Host Communications. "This has been
a terrific partnership, and we look forward to the next three years and
securing even stronger results for this affinity group."
ISPA comprises more than 500 member spas and 900 suppliers, with members
in 49 countries. In addition to generating new membership growth, Host
Communications manages the association's European, Asian and domestic
conferences annually, and produces ISPA's Pulse magazine, which has grown from
a 16- to 78-page publication in three years. Host's Interactive Group
recently unveiled http://www.experienceispa.com with numerous enhancements and
interactive components, as well.
Additionally, working closely with the ISPA Board of Directors, Host
Communications and ISPA commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP to complete
the most extensive survey ever conducted on the spa and wellness industry.
Highlights of the survey were released this month, indicating that the
industry includes nearly 5,700 spas in the U.S., generating revenues of
$5.3 million, with 95 million spa visits reported annually.
"The phenomenal growth that ISPA has seen in recent years is directly
attributed to the talented management team that Host Communications has
assembled," said Jeff Kohl, ISPA Treasurer and Spa Director of the Sonoma
Mission Inn & Spa.
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of
the spa industry, representing more than 1,400 health and wellness facilities
and providers in 49 countries. Members encompass the entire arena of the spa
experience, from resort/hotel, destination, mineral springs, medical, cruise
ship, club and day spas to service providers such as physicians, wellness
instructors, nutritionists, massage therapists and product suppliers. ISPA is
committed to forming and maintaining alliances that will educate, set
standards, provide resources, influence policy and build coalitions for the
industry. ISPA's vision is to revitalize humanity and its mission is to
educate the public about the value of the spa experience and engage their
participation.
Lexington, Ky.-based Host Communications has represented numerous well-
recognized industry associations, such as the National Tour Association,
National Athletic Trainers Association and Quest, the J.D. Edwards user group,
since inception in 1974. Host Communications, ranked by SportsBusiness
Journal as one of the top five sports marketing companies in the world, has
its own printing, publishing, events, hospitality, interactive and sports
divisions. The ISPA account is overseen by Host Communications' "Affinity
Management International" division.
Contact: Jim Host, CEO Host Communications, Inc., 859-226-4242
SOURCE Bull Run Corporation and Host Communications, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.experienceispa.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/232438.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 232438
CONTACT:
Jim Host, CEO of Host Communications, Inc.,
859-226-4242
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