The International SPA Association (ISPA) is pleased to announce philanthropist and change-maker Mick Ebeling as the closing keynote speaker at the 2019 ISPA Conference & Expo taking place September 11th through the 13th at The Venetian Resort & Spa in Las Vegas. Ebeling will also be presented with the ISPA Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award for his creation of Not Impossible Labs, a one-of-a-kind technology incubator and content studio dedicated to changing the world through technology and story.
Nothing is Impossible
Ebeling founded Not Impossible in 2008, on the premise that nothing is impossible. His mantra of “commit, then figure it out” allows him to convene a disparate team of doers, makers, and thinkers to create devices that better the world by bringing accessibility for all. This unconventional approach brought to life highly acclaimed initiatives, including the EyeWriter, Project Daniel, Don’s Voices, and most recently Music Not Impossible. Through these initiatives, Ebeling has brought the ability to draw back to paraplegic street artist, 3D-printed arms to Sudanese amputees, and “voice” to an ALS patient who hadn’t spoken in 15 years.
His mantra of “commit, then figure it out” allows him to convene a disparate team of doers, makers, and thinkers to create devices that better the world by bringing accessibility for all.
“Mick’s passion for helping others through innovative and creative solutions makes him an excellent choice for the 2019 Alex Szekely Humanitarian Award,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “I’m confident this inspiring keynote speech will motivate our Conference attendees to explore inventive solutions to everyday challenges in their personal and professional lives.”
Harvesting the Power of Technology & Story
Prior to launching Not Impossible, Ebeling was a career producer and filmmaker. Since the launch of Not Impossible, he has been able to harvest the power of technology and story to change the world. A recipient of the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, and listed as one of the most influential creative people by The Creativity 50’s, Ebeling has sparked a movement of pragmatic, inspirational innovation.
The Humanitarian Award is named in honor of the late spa pioneer, Alex Szekely. It is awarded to recognize an individual who acts as a respected contributor to over wellbeing, encouraging the renewal of mind, body, and spirit—all of which are characteristics embodied by the ISPA members worldwide. Past Humanitarian Award recipients include Dr. Maya Angelou, John Ondrasik, Alice Waters, Jewel, Lisa Ling, and Peyton Manning.
More information about attending the 2019 ISPA Conference & Expo can be found at attendispa.com.