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Nurturing networks
More than 110 buyers and suppliers gathered for We Work Well's spa event, W3Spa EMEA, in Cascais, Portugal, in June
W3Spa EMEA, the networking event organised by by We Work Well, took place in Cascais, Portugal, between 9-12 June.
Forty-two supplier companies gathered with 44 buyer representatives, from a total of 23 countries to create new business connections.
Event programme
The 112 attendees participated in the We Work Well format, which comprises five pillars: to Meet Well, Grow Well, Move Well, Nourish Well, Rest Well and Give Well. To meet these objectives, the organisers set up face-to face meetings between attendees, education sessions led by industry expert Lisa Starr, plus workouts and mindful moments guided by the company's fitness director Cameron Close. The Hotel Cascais Miragem hosted the event and provided healthy meals. Attendees took part in a charity session hosted by the Salvador Association, which campaigns for the social inclusion of people with motor disabilities.
In addition to the networking possibilities provided during these activities, the company organised a treasure hunt challenge around Lisbon, which required teamwork and further collaboration. The business conversations continued at the final black tie dinner, which had a James Bond Casino Royale theme.
Stephen Pace-Bonello, event director, W3Spa EMEA told Spa Business: “The positive energy throughout the event was incredible, whether during the pre-scheduled meetings or the time spent together outside the conference room. Seeing people from around the world come together through a shared passion for our industry is a reminder that the strongest business relationships are built through genuine human connection. This is what makes W3Spa so special.”
"I found exactly what I came looking for. W3Spa is where collaborations begin" – Eglė Rukšėnaitė, founder, E77 Wellness Hospitality
Praise for the format
A range of suppliers and operators spoke to Spa Business about the event.
Magdy Abdelaty, EMEA area director of wellness for Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, said: “W3Spa is an essential industry gathering that brings together the right people for crucial networking and learning.”
Holly Mandall, global head of spa and education for Aromatherapy Associates, said: “I really enjoyed the W3Spa networking event – it brought together a fantastic group of people, sparked genuine conversations, and created opportunities to build meaningful professional collaborations.”
Lutfiye Ibrahim, sales and business development director of Opatra, said: “Amid a world of disconnect, W3Spa created a space for immersion, authentic connections and genuine business interaction within the spa community.”
Amanda Schmiege, senior director of spa and wellness for Four Seasons, EMEA, said: "The quality of conversations, the openness of the community and the thoughtfulness of the programming all stood out. I left feeling genuinely energised – with new ideas, valuable connections, and a renewed perspective.”
Benjamin Jansen, corporate spa director for H World International and Steigenberger, said: “W3Spa creates a focused environment for meaningful conversations, new ideas and real business opportunities.”
Orla Kenny, head of partnerships and education manager for skincare brand Seabody, said, “W3Spa was a memorable event for Seabody, bringing together a wonderful mix of people in a truly engaging and uplifting setting. It was a great opportunity to engage, share and be part of such a vibrant gathering within the wellness community.”
Eglė Rukšėnaitė, founder, E77 Wellness Hospitality, said: “I found exactly what I came looking for: new solutions, trusted partners and products that will become part of our upcoming wellness and hospitality projects.”
Johnny Gorter, sales director of W3 diamond sponsor Gharieni Group, said: “The event was exceptionally well organised, the atmosphere was welcoming and professional and the quality of meetings exceeded our expectations.”
Nicole Fletcher, MD, Carol Joy London, said: "Stephen and the team do a fantastic job of ensuring every attendee is engaged and understands the importance of meaningful follow-up conversations. The networking is seamless and the social programme is always thoughtfully curated – creating a relaxed atmosphere that, more often than not, ends with a lively dance floor.”
"The positive energy throughout the event was incredible" – Stephen Pace-Bonello, event director, W3Spa EMEA
We Work Well
We Work Well is led by Lucy Hugo and Monica Helmstetter. The company offers a range of networking conference programmes for markets including spa (W3Spa), fitness (W3Fit) and hospitality (W3Hospitality). l
Future events
The next EMEA edition of W3Spa will be held at Corinthia Budapest between 25-28 May 2027.
Before that, We Work Well's calendar includes:
• W3Fit North America,
21-24 September, The Langham, Pasadena, California
• W3Hospitality EMEA,
6-9 October, Hilton, Malta
• W3Fit EMEA,
13-16 October, Hilton, Malta
• W3Spa North America,
25-28 October, The Langham, Pasadena, California
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