By Alex R. Thiersch, JD, CEO of the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa)

Starting Friday, November 8, AmSpa will host its Orlando Medical Spa Boot Camp at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. In this final training of 2024, we are introducing two new industry experts to share their tried-and-true business strategies specific to medical spas from industry experts and established owners who have been where you are. Whether you are a medical professional transitioning from the hospital setting or an entrepreneur venturing into this booming industry, AmSpa’s Medical Spa Boot Camps will give you the tools and connections to elevate your practice and boost your profitability. Don’t miss this opportunity—register now and transform your business!

Friday, November 8

The Boot Camp kicks off with a welcome reception, sponsored by Allergan Aesthetics.

6 – 7:30 p.m.: Friday Night Kickoff Reception—Meet other medical aesthetic professionals from across the country to build your community. This event features a full open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres.

Saturday, November 9

The Boot Camp begins at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast. My opening keynote follows at 8:30 a.m. From there, we will move into the main program:

• 9 – 10 a.m.: The Plan, presented by Mara Shorr (BrinsonAnderson Consulting)—What are the most effective ways to develop a business plan for your medical spa? Rodriguez shares his 25 years of experience in the industry as he discusses the ins and outs of the planning process and helps you determine how long it realistically takes to open a practice.
• 10 – 10:45 a.m.: The Financials, presented by James Turcott (Skytale Group)—Do you know your medical spa’s strengths and weaknesses? This presentation will discuss how to maximize, predict and follow up on financial metrics to reach your medical spa’s financial goals.
• 1:15 – 3:15 p.m.: The Law, presented by Sam Pondrom, JD, (ByrdAdatto) and Alex R. Thiersch, JD (AmSpa)—In this presentation, Sam Pondrom, JD, and Alex R. Thiersch, JD, will discuss the long-standing and emerging legal issues that every medical spa owner needs to know about. As you can imagine, there is a lot to cover here, since new concerns seem to be arising daily.
• 3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: The Marketing Plan and Social Media, presented by Jared Rohrer (Aesthetic Conversion)—Learn the right marketing techniques for your medical spa, along with budgeting frameworks and a social media strategy that aligns with your goals and manpower.
• 4:30 – 5:15 p.m.: Consultations That Convert, presented by Sahar Saghezchi (Cupertino Facial Esthetics)—As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Learn how to put your best foot forward with effective patient consultations—and how to turn them into consistent business.

Saturday continues its programming with Drinks with Vendors from 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Following drinks is the Saturday Night Networking Reception from 6:45 – 7:30 p.m., allowing Boot Camp attendees to meet with other attendees and instructors from the Academy for Injection Anatomy Advanced Cadaver Course. Saturday concludes with an educational keynote and session* from 7:30 – 9 p.m., sponsored by Galderma.

*Denotes session not eligible for CME credit.

Sunday, November 10

The Boot Camp begins at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast.

• 8:30 – 9 a.m.: How Emotional Intelligence Will Make or Break Your Business, presented by Cathy Christensen (AmSpa)
• 9 – 9:30 a.m.: KPIs: How Knowing Them Will Maximize Your Revenue, presented by James Turcott (Skytale Group)—James Turcott from Skytale Group will teach you about the top 12 most important service categories and common mistakes to avoid. This session will help you determine how to increase your hourly value and learn to measure your KPIs to increase overall profitability.
• 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.: The Team, presented by Mara Shorr (BrinsonAnderson Consulting)—A medical spa is only as good as its personnel, so it’s important to make sure you hire a staff that can do everything you want it to—and more. In this session, you’ll learn about recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who can make your medical spa dreams come true.
• 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.: Choosing the Right Treatments for Your Medical Aesthetics Practice, presented by Kirstie Jackson (AmSpa)—AmSpa’s Director of Education, Kirstie Jackson, will teach you how to weigh and assess the right treatments for your practice to offer, from injectables to lasers to ancillary treatments, like hair restoration and sexual wellness offerings.
• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Medical Spa Success Panel, Moderated by Cathy Christensen (AmSpa); Panelists: Julie Davis (Pura Vida Body & Mind Spa); Michelle Chapman, APRN (MC Aesthetics); and Susan Lynch, MMS, PA-C (Sarasota Premier Aesthetics)— Medical spa leaders will discuss their paths to growth and success in this dynamic industry.

Meet Our Orlando Medical Spa Boot Camp Faculty

Cathy Christensen, AmSpa

Cathy Christensen is the President and chief operating officer of the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), and has been with the company since its infancy, joining as director of operations in 2013. Prior to this, she worked in the publishing industry, where she began as an editorial assistant and transitioned into her second career in operations of AmSpa after climbing the ladder to become the editor-in-chief of Skin Inc. magazine and the conference director of the Face & Body events. Christensen has contributed to AmSpa’s significant growth since 2013, and oversees team members who specialize in marketing, membership, sales, events, legal and content. She prides herself in her ability to embrace challenges and persevere, and even have a little fun while doing it.

Kirstie Jackson, AmSpa

Kirstie Jackson is the director of education at the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa). She has worked internationally with exceptional aesthetic, dermatology and plastic surgery practices since 2005. Her multi-faceted expertise spans business development, leadership, marketing, patient engagement, software transitions, compliance, training and clinical research. She has previously been on the executive board of the Association of Dermatology Administrators and Managers and believes creating a strong foundation is the key to success.

Sam Pondrom, JD, ByrdAdatto

After graduating from Oklahoma State University, an intrinsic sense of curiosity and a keen eye for details led Sam Pondrom, JD, to work as an accountant for two Engineering News-Record top 40 construction firms. It was there where he honed his ability to analyze complex problems and craft clear, concise answers. Utilizing these skills, Pondrom works in partnership with clients addressing their complex business and health care regulatory issues in the most simple, straightforward way. He lectures to doctors and other providers throughout the country at medical conferences on a myriad of issues dealing with the business of medicine.

Jared Rohrer, Aesthetic Conversion

As the CEO of Aesthetic Conversion, Jared Rohrer specializes in digital marketing for the aesthetic medicine sector, focusing on creating transparent and effective strategies for medspa and plastic surgery businesses. His expertise has made him a notable voice in the industry, speaking at major conferences and collaborating with top brands to share practical, result-driven insights.

Sahar Saghezchi, Cupertino Facial Esthetics

Sahar Saghezchi,RN is the founder of Cupertino Facial Esthetics, a Bay Area medical spa specializing in medical aesthetics, intimacy wellness and cosmetic dentistry. She started in plastic surgery as a patient care coordinator, gaining the majority of her experience learning every inch of plastic surgery from renowned plastic surgeons. She moved into consulting and assisting medical spas grow and expand. She has recently opened a new business, The Cakery Infusions Wellness Lounge. When she is not treating her patients between the two locations, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, cooking, and working out.

Mara Shorr, BrinsonAnderson Consulting, Inc.

Mara Shorr is a seasoned professional when it comes to the aesthetic practice management arena. She has spent nearly 15 years guiding practices across North America toward their strongest operational, administrative, and financial health. She has served as an editorial board member for DERMASCOPE magazine, writes for numerous aesthetic industry publications, and is a respected international speaker and key opinion leader for nearly a dozen aesthetic industry conferences annually, as well as a proud textbook chapter author for The Business of Plastic Surgery: Volume 2.

Alex R. Thiersch, JD, AmSpa

Alex R. Thiersch, JD, is the founder of the American Med Spa Association, and he is also a partner at the business, health care and aesthetic law firm of ByrdAdatto. He has extensive experience representing industry professionals before state medical boards and is one of the most sought-after speakers in the country regarding matters of practice management and medical aesthetic law, including conferences for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Global Aesthetics Conference, Vegas Cosmetic Surgery, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the Medical Spa Show and others.

James Turcott, Skytale Group

James Turcott is a partner at Skytale Group who excels at simplifying the way clients view the financial performance of their business. Through numerous types of reporting models, Turcott ensures clients understand what the data actually means. When provided accurate and timely data, clients can confidently makes necessary adjustments to their business and capitalize on new opportunities.

Get to Know Our Success Panelists

Julie Davis, Pura Vida Body & Mind Spa

Julie Davis is the creator and founder of Pura Vida Body & Mind Spa. As a self-professed and unapologetic nerd, she has always been passionate about learning. Her educational journey includes a Bachelors Degree from UCF, a law degree from Mercer University, a master’s in health administration from Ohio University, and several healthcare management certifications. With over 20 years in the healthcare industry, including experience in plastic surgery and medspas, she is well-prepared to lead the Pura Vida Body & Mind Team. She believes in leading by example, so don’t be surprised if you see her working right alongside the other Pura Vida team members.

Michelle Chapman, APRN, MC Aesthetics

Michelle Chapman is a board-certified, Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and her Master's degree from Florida Atlantic University. Michelle began her career in the medical field as a registered nurse working in various ICU specialties. She later returned to school to earn her advanced degree, which ultimately propelled her into the world of aesthetics where she discovered her true calling. Michelle’s mission is to create an environment where everyone feels truly cared for.

Susan Lynch, MMS, PA-C, Sarasota Premier Aesthetics

As a Medical Aesthetic Specialist and Certified Master Injector with more than 15 years of experience in the field of aesthetics, Susan has garnered a reputation for her exceptional expertise with injectables, IPL, and photofractional laser treatments, as well as PRF gel natural filler. Susan brings an extensive knowledge of today’s most innovative injectable and bioregenerative treatments to each consultation, and her microneedling treatments lead to rave reviews from her patients.

Visit Industry-leading Vendors

Also, you’ll have the chance to visit with a number of exceptional vendors throughout this event. Attend the Orlando Medical Spa Boot Camp to check out the latest and greatest from the following companies:

• Aerolase
• Aesthetic Conversion
• Allergan Aesthetics
• Boulevard
• BuildMyHealth
• CareCredit
• Clarius
• Dermalogica
• Doctorlogic
• Environ/DermaConcepts
• Galderma
• Liguori Accounting
• Lumenis
• Merz Aesthetics
• MyAdvice
• Nextech
• PatientNow
• Sciton
• Skytale Group
• Solta Medical
• TouchMD
• ByrdAdatto
• AmSpa

More than 90% of surveyed attendees would recommend an AmSpa Medical Spa & Aesthetic Boot Camp to their colleagues. Join the more than 1,500 medical aesthetic professionals that have attended this business and legal training to build or improve their medical spa practices. We hope to see you in Orlando from November 8 – 10. Sign up here to register!

Make it a team training opportunity when you bring your injectors along. The same weekend, Chris Surek, DO, FACS, is bringing his all-star aesthetic trainers for the Orlando Academy for Injection Anatomy (AIA) Advanced Cadaver Course. Learn more and reserve their spots at https://americanmedspa.org/aiaadvanced.

Regarding Recent Hurricane Activity: AmSpa is in contact with Hyatt Regency Orlando in the wake of the storms that have affected the region, and we are confident in our ability to move forward with the Orlando Boot Camp and AIA Injector Training.

"Hyatt Regency Orlando is open for business and ready to welcome you! Our property was not affected by Hurricane Milton, and we are delighted to continue offering our guests a comfortable and enjoyable stay. In addition, local roads and Orlando International Airport (MCO) are fully operational."