2023 SUSTAINABILITY, BUYERS & COMMUNITY SUMMIT | October 22-25, 2023
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Be part of the industry’s only green buying event that connects quality resource suppliers and interested buyers for three days of networking, business meetings, and sustainability education.
Each year our Summit (formerly GSN Buyers Conference) has been rated a “10” by both Buyers and Suppliers for its effectiveness, productivity and inspiration!
The event offers invitation-only buyers access to unique and emerging green brands who are innovative, credible, and committed to greening at some level.
Our intention is to provide access to a wide range of eco-friendly and sustainable products, thus making it easier for spas to make better choices without compromising smart business
As always, the GSN Planet Buyer’s Conference was well worth the investment of time and energy. The event delivered a productive and fun mix of high-quality networking, stimulating conversation with like-minded individuals and of course the opportunity to deepen our knowledge of new and familiar brands alike.
Over the course of three days, attendees take part in business meetings, fun and intimate networking events, and multiple presentations from thought leaders.
The variety of face time opportunities creates a unique environment that encourages lifelong relationships between buyers and resource suppliers. Most importantly, the GSN Sustainability, Buyers & Community Summit (formerly GSN Buyers Conference) is the key fundraiser for our non-profit association.
Your participation supports GSN’s ability to carry out our mission of educating and providing resources that promote greening, sustainability, and wellness in the hospitality and spa industries.
Learn more about Buyers Conference via the tabs above and please email [email protected] with any questions.
The Sustainability, Buyers & Community Summit is an invitation-only event that offers spa and wellness buyers access to quality resource suppliers who are innovative, credible and committed to greening at some level. Unique and emerging green brands that are not saturated in the marketplace are launched at our event, providing a fresh mix of suppliers. Our intention is to provide access to a wider range of eco-friendly and sustainable products, thus making it easier for spas to make better choices without compromising smart business.
Invited buyers are chosen based on their proximity to the event location, buying needs and capacity, and interest in sustainable or green products. Qualified buyers participate in 2:1 meetings to talk business and network with a variety of spa and sustainability resource companies.
This conference is funded entirely by GSN’s supplier members and is the top fundraiser for our non-profit organization.
Registration for Buyers Includes:
- 16 2:1 meetings, select meals, economy class airfare, airport transfers, and 3 nights accommodation at the host resort property
- Presentations by leading sustainability experts and inspirational thought leaders
- Opportunities to network with industry colleagues and mentors
- Dynamic Brand Showcase
Buyer attendance is by approved application only.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Buyers Conference offers brands the opportunity to share their sustainable story with buyers who were chosen for their interest in purchasing eco-friendly and sustainable products. The three-day event encourages lifelong relationships between buyers and suppliers through a variety of productive business meetings and fun networking opportunities.
The structured face time with key buyers, along with the networking opportunities and sustainable education creates an intimate environment that has proven to be more productive than traditional tradeshows. Past Buyers have included WTS, Marriott, Fairmont, Rancho La Puerta, Four Seasons, Mohonk Mountain House, Destination Hotels and Resorts, Pharmaca, and more.
- 75% of our Brand Partners are repeat participants
- 88% of Buyers planned to place orders within 90 days of the event
- 94% of Brand Partners found the quality of buyers ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’
Your participation makes it possible for us to carry out our mission of educating and providing resources which promote greening and sustainability in hotel, resort, destination, and days spas.
Brand Partner
Registration Includes (for one person*):
- 16 2:1 meetings with targeted buyers from premier properties
- Fun Networking Opportunities with Industry Colleagues and Mentors
- Presentations by Leading Sustainability Experts and Inspirational Thought Leaders
- Experiential Resource Partner Showcase
- Select meals, Three-Nights Accommodations at host property, and Airport Transfers
- Supporting our non-profit, with all net proceeds directly benefitting the industry’s only sustainability resources network
*Additional person rates apply of $1,900 per person in a shared room and $2,500 per person in a private room
Emerging Brand**
Registration Includes (for one person*):
- Up to 8 2:1 meetings with targeted buyers from premier properties
- Designated floor space to provide demos while not in meetings
- Fun Networking Opportunities with Industry Colleagues and Mentors
- Presentations by Leading Sustainability Experts and Inspirational Thought Leaders
- Experiential Resource Partner Showcase
- Select meals, Three-Nights Accommodations at host property, and Airport Transfers
- Supporting our non-profit, with all net proceeds directly benefitting the industry’s only sustainability resources network
*Additional person rates apply for additional participants
**Emerging Brand registration available only for young brands who have not attended a GSN Buyers Conference in the past
EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Please email [email protected] to inquire.
Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Sunday October 22nd
10:00 – 3:00 Partner Exhibit Set Up
1:00 – 3:00 Registration
5:00– 7:00 Welcome Reception | Opening Ritual
7:00 – 9:00 Spa Reception | Sponsored Complimentary Treatments at the WELL Spa
Monday, October 23rd
7:00 – 8:00 Morning Wellness Session Thank You Well on Wheels/Sound Bath Thank you Essence Sound Healing
8:30 – 9:15 Breakfast | Opening Remarks – Maggy Dunphy, GSN Board President
9:00 – 9:15 MILDRED talk Britney Beardmore & Sarah Duke, Co-Founders, Acrely Farms
9:15 – 9:55 Keynote: Nature, Neuroscience and Wellness: Inspiration for Next Generation Product, Program, and Spa Service Design Jennifer Walsh, Nature & Wellness Expert
10:00 – 11:35 Meet the Brands, Meeting Triads (Four Sessions)
11:35 – 11:45 Break
11:50 – 12:15 Educational Forum: Immunocompromised Care in Spas and Communities Christine Clinton, Founder, Christine Clinton Cancer Care & Christine Clinton Wellness for Life!
12:15 – 12:30 Educational Forum: GSN Calculator App: A Case Study – Grand Geneva Resort Charné Le Roux, Founder, Greenspa.Africa Thor Holm, Spa Director, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
12:30 – 1:15 Lunch
1:15 – 1:30 Educational Forum: A Case Study – EWG x Honua Hawaiian Skincare Carrie Pezzuti, Director, Impact and Strategic Partnerships Nicole Lampsa, COO, Honua Hawaiian Skincare
1:30 – 2:00 Educational Forum: Regenerative Wellness: Beyond Sustainability Stephen Smith, Founder & CEO, Onda Wellness
2:10 – 3:45 Meet the Brands, Meeting Triads (Four Sessions)
4:00 – 4:15 Shuttle departure for Sunset Cruise
5:00 – 7:00 Cocktails | Dinner Cruise on Lake Geneva Thank you – Eminence Organic Skin Care
7:00 – Fireside Chats
Tuesday, October 24th
7:00 – 8:00 Morning Wellness Session Thank You Well on Wheels / Walk with Walsh Jennifer Walsh, Nature & Wellness Expert
8:30 – 8:45 Shambala Meditation Mike Bruggeman, Formulator & CEO, OM4 & haia
8:45 – 9:30 Breakfast
9:15 – 9:30 MILDRED talk Alessia Todde, Director of Outside Sales, Eminence Organic Skin Care
9:30 – 10:25 Educational Forum: Forbes Travel Guide Standards: Sustainability Excellence Michael Conte, Senior Executive Trainer, Forbes Travel Guide Moderator: Kate Morrison, Spa Director, Ojai Valley Inn
10:30 – 12:05 Meet the Brands, Meeting Triads (Four Sessions)
12:10 – 12:45 Educational Forum: Creating the Wellness Organization – Cultures that Attract Talent & Promote Growth Roundtable Discussion Mike Bruggeman, Formulator & CEO, OM4 & haia
12:45 – 1:30 Lunch
1:30 -2:30 Educational Forum: Wellness in Transformative Times Dr. Rich Blundell, Founder, Oika Moderated by Nicole Lampsa, COO, Honua Hawaiian Skincare
2:30 -4:05 Meet the Brands, Meeting Triads (Four Sessions)
4:05 – 4:15 Break
4:15 – 5:00 Educational Forum: Sustainability by Design Panel Discussion Charné le Roux, Founder, Greenspa.Africa; Jared Pickard, Founder, Be Here Farm + Nature; Jennifer Walsh, Nature &. Wellness Expert; Lynn Curry, Principal, Curry Spa Consulting Moderated by: Mike Bruggeman, Formulator & CEO, OM4 & haia
4:15 – 5:30 Experiential Activity: Earth Story Walk Dr. Rich Blundell, Founder, Oika
5:30 – 6:30 Sip & Stroll Showcase | Close of Silent Auction
7:00 – 9:00 Cocktails | 2023 Sustainability Awards Dinner Educational Speaker: Balancing Sustainability and Profitability: Can They Coexist? Charné le Roux, Founder, Greenspa.Africa
9:00 Closing Ritual
Supplier Rates*
Early Bird Brand Partner | $7,500 (Ends January 15)
Brand Partner | $8,500
Emerging Brand | $4,500
Registration includes booth, meetings with buyers, conference activities, select meals, accommodations, and airport transfers.
*Additional person rates apply of $1,900 per person in a shared room and $2,500 per person in a private room
Brand Registration
Questions? Email [email protected].
Buyer Application
Questions? Email [email protected].
Event Sponsorship
Opportunities are available to sponsor merchandise, room drops, treatment rooms, and a specialized experience. Please email [email protected] to inquire.
How Can I Attend as a Buyer?
The GSN Buyers Conference is an invitation-only event. Buyers are selected based on their proximity to the host location, the size and buying ability of the property, and interest in purchasing eco-friendly or sustainable products.
For consideration, applicants must have significant business within the spa and wellness industry. If you would like to be considered for an invitation, please apply below.
Are There Event Sponsorship Opportunities?
Absolutely! There are many opportunities to sponsor the conference including merchandise, room drops, spa treatment rooms, specialized experiences, and more. Email [email protected] to inquire.
Location:
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The physical address is: 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Shipping details will be provided after registration.
When should I plan to arrive / depart?
Please arrive at the Grand Geneva Resort by mid-day on October 22. Departure is mid-day on October 25.
Dress Code:
Business casual during our meetings will be fine. Casual attire is welcomed for any of our receptions and dinners. We want you to be comfortable!
Room Reservations:
Room reservations will be made on your behalf. As part of your registration, room and tax are included for the conference. Additional nights can be arranged for you, if requested. Additional nights and all incidentals will be on own.
Transportation to the property:
If we receive flight details from you, roundtrip ground transportation will be arranged for you on October 22 and October 25, 2023. An e-mail prior to the event will be sent out detailing what time and where to meet your driver. A manifest of outgoing transportation will be available onsite during departure. At this time, we are not able to provide transportation for early arrivals or late departures.
Dining:
Select meals will be provided by the extraordinary culinary staff of Grand Geneva Resort. We have collaborated on the menu, with an emphasis on fresh, wholesome, gourmet food that will support your ability to focus on the business at hand. We will take any noted dietary restrictions into consideration when planning the menus and everything will be clearly labeled for your convenience.