Elevate & Educate: Virtual Event Programming

Topic-focused, time-conscious, expert-led conversations.

Concluding each session with an energizing well-being practice. Tap into what’s timely and important. Elevate and Educate is your virtual pulse-check on the issues, ideas, and innovations shaping wellness in SoCal and beyond.

November 3, 2026 | 12PM - 1PM

featuring Mary Bemis

About the Panel

Mary Bemis is a leading voice in the global spa and wellness industry and Founder & Editorial Director of Insider’s Guide to Spas. She launched American Spa magazine, co-founded Organic Spa magazine, and has helped shape spa and wellness media for decades. Named a Top 30 Influential Voice Transforming Wellness by Medika Life, Mary is also an ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award recipient and a Folio Top Women in Media honoree.

Celeste Hilling is the CEO and Founder of Skin Authority and a respected expert in beauty, wellness, lifestyle trends, customer service, and brand loyalty. Described by MSNBC as giving the cosmetics industry a wellness makeover, Celeste combines research, marketing, and technology to make professional skin-health guidance and personalized wellness rituals more accessible. She is also passionate about mentoring future female leaders through her Touch Transforms program.

Dawn Ferraro has built her career with Marriott International, including nearly three decades as a Spa Director. She has led the spa at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa for 20 years, following nine years at Marriott’s Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa. Earlier in her career, she held Front Office Manager roles at several Marriott properties. In 2024, Dawn received Marriott’s Legacy of Excellence Award.

Christi Cano is a spa consultant and Founder of Get Spa Info with decades of experience as both a spa buyer and seller. Her leadership background includes opening Spa Ojai, Spa at Laguna Cliffs, and Wynn Las Vegas, where she selected product lines and vendor partners. For the past 20 years, Christi has advised luxury resort and day spas on brand research and purchasing, giving her a unique perspective on what helps vendors and spa partnerships stand out.

Michael Bruggeman is an entrepreneur, organizational development practitioner, and CEO of One Well World. After 25 years in healthcare leadership, he founded OM4 Organic Male to bring science-led skincare and welcoming spa experiences to men. He later launched haia Wellness, an inclusive skincare brand combining biotechnology, emotional well-being, and meaningful self-care. Through both brands, Mike champions a Science of Belonging—where wellness and beauty celebrate individuality.

A Year in Review

Join us on November 3rd for a special Elevate & Educate: A Year in Review with Mary Bemis, as we reflect on the trends, conversations, challenges, and opportunities that shaped the spa and wellness industry in 2026 — and what they mean for spas and brands as we look ahead to 2027.

One of the industry’s most respected voices and a lifelong champion of spa culture, Mary brings a unique perspective on where we’ve been, what’s evolving, and what deserves our attention next. As Founder & Editorial Director of Insider’s Guide to Spas, and a pioneer who helped launch and lead influential publications including American Spa and Organic Spa, Mary has spent her career at the forefront of the industry.

Together, we’ll look back at the moments that defined the year, the shifts we’re seeing across spa and wellness, and the ideas shaping what comes next. 

Sign Me Up!