Getting with the programme

Robert Teulings, director of Dutch wellness resort Thermae 2000, co-founder of the International Spa & Wellness Knowledge Center and one of the 2015 Professional Spa & Wellness Convention speakers, gives a preview of his convention session 

What can we expect from the From HR to RH: Resources for Humans session?
We have had long conversations (with session chair Morgan Lefrancois, spa business development manager at Clarins) about what you need to do to climb the spa business ladder. I look forward to explaining this, something from which spa managers can benefit. 

What would you like the audience to take away from this session?
An understanding of the fact that we live in a society where transparency and mutual respect is more important then the role and position you have.

What is the most important role the spa and wellness industry can play at the moment? 
Spa and wellness is coming closer and closer to preventive care. Especially spas with USPs such as thermal water can develop programmes for prevention. 

What have been the biggest industry changes in the last few years?
The biggest change is that there is much more competition in the market. Not only from spas and wellness businesses, but also from hotels, fitness centres and other businesses that are jumping into our industry.

What would you like to see happen in the industry this year? 
In general, the spa world is not that open to sharing information, in contrast to the hotel industry. I would like to see this change. 

Why are events such as the Professional Spa & Wellness Convention important for the industry? 
Because we speak the same language: you are motivated by hearing that you are doing the right things, and you hear new ideas that could work in your own operation.

Robert Teulings is speaking as part of the From HR to RH: Resources for Humans at 11 on Monday February 23. Click HERE for the full convention programme