Modern Technologies in Spa Industry 2026
Where science, technology, and tradition meet at the heart of the spa industry
The largest professional conference on the future of the spa industry, balneology, and health tourism in the Czech Republic and Europe.
About the Conference
Why was this conference established?
The spa industry is on the threshold of a fundamental transformation. Traditional treatment methods must now rely on data, research, modern technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Modern Technologies in Spa Industry conference was established as a platform that:
- bridges science, research, and practice
- showcases the latest technologies and innovations
- opens key topics on the transformation of the spa industry
- creates space for dialogue among experts, public administration, and business
The 4th edition of the conference is part of the communication activities of the Centre for Spa Research project – the largest spa research project in European history.
Main Conference Topics
What will be discussed?
The conference spans two days, combining a ceremonial opening, strategic panel discussions, expert sessions, practical workshops, and networking.
Scientific evidence of spa care effects
Presentation of the latest scientific findings on the effectiveness of spa procedures and balneological methods.
New technologies in spa & healthcare
Digital tools, AI, IoT, and other technologies transforming modern spa industry.
Sustainability & natural healing resources
Sustainable use of natural resources and ecological approaches in spa operations.
Spa care as prevention of lifestyle diseases
The role of spas in prevention and treatment of modern lifestyle diseases.
Regional transformation & the role of spas
The spa industry as a driver of regional development and economic transformation.
Education, knowledge transfer & innovation
Connecting academic research with practice and modern educational approaches in the field.
Programme
Conference programme
Two days filled with strategic panel discussions, expert presentations, workshops, and networking.
Strategic Day – Vision and Transformation of the Spa Industry
Imperial Spa, Karlovy Vary
Welcome & agenda overview
Moderator
Welcome speech
Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová
Mayor of Karlovy Vary, Deputy Governor of the Karlovy Vary Region for Spa, Tourism and UNESCO
How the Centre for Spa Research is shaping the future of the Karlovy Vary Region
Alina Huseynli
Director, Institute of Spa and Balneology
Opening remarks
Pascal Boijmans
Head of Unit "Czech Republic and Slovakia", DG Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission
Investing in research as a driver of regional transformation: spas at the centre of change in the Karlovy Vary Region
Centre for Spa Research: the path to transforming tradition
Magdaléna Vereskova
Medical sciences lead, Centre for Spa Research, Institute of Spa and Balneology
Expert presentation
Jakub Hlávka
Director, Institute for Health Economics, Policy and Innovation, Masaryk University; Advisor to the President of the Czech Republic on Healthcare
Practical potential of research
Martin Plachý
Vice President, Association of Czech Spa Resorts
Is the Centre for Spa Research changing Czech spa industry? Benefits, limitations, next steps
Expert presentation
Radka Hodicová
Socioeconomic sciences lead, Centre for Spa Research, Institute of Spa and Balneology
The spa industry as a tool for regional competitiveness
Day 1 closing
Networking event
NetworkingSpeakers
Experts shaping the industry
Leading Czech and international scientists, physicians, representatives of the European Commission, and spa industry leaders.
Venue
Karlovy Vary Region – the heart of European spa industry
The conference takes place in a region with more than 300 years of spa tradition, currently undergoing a dynamic transformation towards science, innovation, and sustainability.
Karlovy Vary Region
300+ years of spa tradition
Previous Editions
Past conferences at a glance
Take a look at the atmosphere of previous editions of the Modern Technologies in Spa Industry conference.
The third edition confirmed the event's established position as a key expert platform with a strong international reach. It featured international experts, sharing of cross-border experiences, and opened new opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation, and sustainable spa development.
Be part of it
Become part of the conference shaping the future of the spa industry.
Be there when the future of the spa industry, balneology, and health tourism in Europe takes shape.
Register for the conferenceOrganiser
Institute of Spa and Balneology (ILaB)
The Institute of Spa and Balneology is the first and only public research institution in the Karlovy Vary Region focused on spa and balneology research. ILaB is the author and implementer of the Centre for Spa Research project, which is fundamentally changing Czech and European spa industry.
Conference Partners
Together we are changing the spa industry
