ConferenceS and Events

Buyers Conference 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 market place 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 one-on-one 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:

• 20 one-on-one meetings, 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.

APPLY TO ATTEND AS A BUYER

Please email info@greenspanetwork.org with any questions.

Buyers Conference offers brands the opportunity to share their sustainable story with buyers who were chosen for the 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 fun 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*):

• 20 One-on-One 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
• 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 10 one-on-one meetings with targeted buyers from premier properties
• Designated floor space to provide demos while not in one-on-one meetings
• Fun Networking Opportunities with Industry Colleagues and Mentors
• Presentations by Leading Sustainability Experts and Inspirational Thought Leaders
• Experiential Resource Partner Showcase
• 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

REGISTER HERE

EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Please email info@greenspanetwork.org to inquire.

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

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.

APPLY TO ATTEND AS A BUYER

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 info@greenspanetwork.org to inquire.

Location:

Wild Dunes Resort | Isle of Palms, South Carolina

The physical address is: 200 Grand Pavilion Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451. Shipping details will be provided after registration.

When should I plan to arrive / depart?

Please arrive at the Wild Dunes Resort by mid-day on October 23. Departure is mid-day on October 26.

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 to and from Charleston International Airport (CHS), on October 23 and October 26, 2022.  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:

Meals will be provided by the extraordinary culinary staff of Wild Dunes 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.