The North American thermal spa industry will come together once again on 9-12 May in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the annual Hot Springs Connection conference.

US and Canadian owners and operators of thermal mineral pools, spas and resorts will meet at Hot Springs National Park to celebrate the fourth installation of the event.

Launched in 2018 by tourism professional Vicky Nash, the conference was realised to unify and elevate the hot springs leisure industry globally.

A primary focus for the 2022 gathering will be upon the growing trends in facility upgrades and overall property revitalisation.

This year, sessions and presentations will be hosted at the Hotel Hot Springs.

With 25 speakers, a spectrum of topics will be covered, including:

• Current Spa Trends and Adaptations.• Medical History of Geothermal and Hydrothermal Treatments.

• Combining Pre-surgical Rehab with Post-surgery Thermal Therapy. • International Hot Springs Collaborations.

• New Construction, Expansions, Renovations and Restoration Projects.• Locating and Drilling New Wells.

• Engineering Optimisation Strategies for Geothermal Energy.• Balneology Methodology and Culture.

• Health Benefits of Bathing in Thermal Mineral Water. • Attracting and Retaining Employees.

• Market Research and Industry Trends. • Marketing and Public Relations Campaigns.

Conference participants will tour several local landmarks including the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, Ozark Bathhouse Cultural Center, Lamar Bathhouse Row Emporium, Grand Promenade display springs and The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa.

Attendees may also opt to experience traditional hydrotherapy treatments at the Arlington Thermal Bathhouse & Spa, Buckstaff Bathhouse and Quapaw Baths & Spa.

Exhibitors, vendors, suppliers and consultants will be available throughout the event to discuss and demonstrate various products and services.

“Having this event at Hot Springs National Park is a natural fit because of its historic use of geothermal water in health and wellness treatments,” said Nash, event founder.

Federally protected in 1832 with the official designation of Hot Springs Reservation, the therapeutic waters were popular for those seeking relief for a variety of ailments throughout the 19th century.

Alongside her affiliation with the event, Nash is the executive director of the recently-formed Hot Springs Association – claimed to be the first trade organisation specifically established for commercial hot springs facilities in the US.

“The purpose of the association is to unify owners and operators internationally and to collaborate on ways to initiate positive growth,” she says, “currently, the hot springs resort industry is experiencing a significant resurgence across the country with numerous redevelopment and renovation projects underway.”

Perks for members of the new Hot Springs Association include a discounted ticket price (US$789, €718, £598) for the Hot Springs Connection conference, while non-members tickets cost US$1,189 (€1,082, £901) each.

For additional event information, go to the event’s official website.