Paralympic Medalist and Author Amy Purdy will receive the 2025 ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award at 2025 ISPA. - ISPA

Paralympic Medalist and Author Amy Purdy will receive the 2025 ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award at 2025 ISPA. 

ISPA

The International SPA Association (ISPA) is pleased to announce Amy Purdy will reconnect with spa leaders as the opening keynote speaker at the 2025 ISPA Conference. The New York Times best-selling author and three-time Paralympic medalist will help celebrate ISPA’s 35th anniversary, to be held March 11-13 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Purdy, who was a favorite at ISPA’s 25th anniversary gathering, returns to inspire the spa community once again.

Amy Purdy is a trailblazer and advocate for individuals with physical disabilities. She co-founded Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), an organization that has made significant strides in including action sports like snowboarding in the Paralympic Games. Purdy has won medals at the USASA National Snowboarding Championship and is the most decorated Paralympic snowboarder in U.S. history. Her story of resilience and determination has inspired millions around the globe. 

“We’re so excited to welcome back Amy as part of our 35th anniversary,” said Lynne McNees, President of ISPA. “Her journey is incredibly inspiring, and we know our ISPA members will leave her session with newfound motivation and the confidence to achieve goals they once thought impossible.”

Purdy’s creativity and positive reach extends beyond sports. She has made her mark in the entertainment industry, appearing in a Madonna music video and starring in the award-winning film “What’s Bugging Seth.” Purdy and her husband were featured on the TV show “The Amazing Race,” and Purdy finished as runner-up on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” with partner Derek Hough. Purdy's memoir, On My Own Two Feet: From Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life has inspired readers with her story of overcoming adversity. 

Join ISPA at The Broadmoor to experience Amy Purdy’s compelling keynote address and celebrate 35 years of spa leadership excellence. Daily keynote presentations are a highlight of the annual ISPA Conference. ISPA announced earlier in June that culinary power couple Will Guidara and Christina Tosi will co-headline the event’s second day. The final keynote speaker for the 2025 ISPA Conference will be announced soon. 

More information on the 2025 ISPA Conference can be found at attendISPA.com. Additional details, including the event’s agenda, speaker lineup and more, will be unveiled in the months ahead.

About the International SPA Association: ISPA, with its headquarters in Lexington, KY, and managed by Associations International, is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on experienceispa.com.

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