Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP), The International SPA Association (ISPA), and The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) have received a 2026 ASAE Power of Associations Gold Award for their collaborative work to advance the Esthetics Licensure Compact.

The Power of Associations Awards, presented by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), recognize associations that bring stakeholders together to address challenges, strengthen industries, and create broader benefits for the communities they serve.

The shared honor recognizes not only the progress of the Esthetics Licensure Compact, but also the solidarity behind it. ASCP, ISPA, and PBA represent distinct segments of the spa, beauty, and skin care professions. By aligning their expertise, advocacy, and industry relationships, the three organizations have presented policymakers with a unified position on professional license mobility.

"The most meaningful part of this recognition is that it belongs to all three organizations," said Lynne McNees, president of ISPA. "ISPA, PBA, and ASCP came to the table with different perspectives and constituencies, but with one shared priority: creating greater opportunity for licensed estheticians and the businesses that depend on their talents. This award demonstrates what becomes possible when an industry speaks with one voice."

The Esthetics Licensure Compact is designed to create a pathway for qualified estheticians to practice in all member states through a multistate license. The model legislation was developed with the Council of State Governments in conjunction with industry stakeholders and received some financial support from the U.S. Department of Defense because of its potential to benefit military spouses and families who relocate frequently. The legislation requires enactment by seven states to form the Compact Commission--three states (AL, KS and VA) are enacted, and it is expected that the seven states will be in place by the end of the 2027 legislative sessions.

For licensed professionals, working across state lines can currently mean completing new applications, paying additional fees, and waiting to resume work. Those barriers may lead to lost income and reduced access to career opportunities. They also create staffing challenges for spas, salons, and other employers seeking qualified professionals.

"This award is a tribute to what can happen when organizations put the needs of the profession ahead of individual recognition," said Leslie Perry, CEO of PBA. "Maintaining a coordinated approach has allowed us to give lawmakers clear, consistent information and a credible industry position. That unity is essential as we continue working to expand opportunity for professionals and strengthen the businesses and communities they serve."

The award application emphasized that the collaboration has required more than an initial agreement among organizations. ASCP, ISPA, and PBA have remained aligned on model legislation, coordinated their advocacy, and resisted changes that could weaken consistency among participating states. That disciplined approach has helped prevent the conflicting messages and competing proposals that can slow legislative progress.

"Our associations serve different audiences, but supporting the interests of the esthetics profession brought us together on this initiative," said Ashley Scobey, executive director of ASCP. "Estheticians deserve a licensing system that recognizes their qualifications and supports their ability to build sustainable careers. This recognition reinforces the value of industry partnership--a rising tide that lifts all of us."

Approximately 300,000 licensed estheticians practice in the United States. this compact is intended to support those professionals while helping spas, salons, franchises, and other employers address recurring workforce and licensing challenges. Its reach also extends to military spouses, independent practitioners, and small-business owners who may bear the greatest financial burden when required to repeat the licensing process after relocating.

The coalition's work has also established a coordinated national point of contact for policymakers seeking guidance from the esthetics profession. Their advocacy infrastructure is expected to remain valuable beyond the compact itself, strengthening the industry's ability to collaborate on future legislative and regulatory priorities.

ASAE will recognize the 2026 Power of Associations Award recipients during the Summit Awards Dinner on September 22 at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C.

About Associated Skin Care Professionals:Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and the only all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP empowers members to reach their highest potential through innovative business solutions, unmatched quality education and vital professional liability insurance. ASCP's 40,000+ members include estheticians, students, instructors and educators across the United States. Learn more at ascpskincare.com.

About the International SPA Association: The International SPA Association is recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing health and wellness facilities and resource partners across the globe. ISPA advances the spa industry by providing educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience, and serving as an authoritative voice for the global spa community. Learn more at experienceispa.com.

About the Professional Beauty Association: The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is the national trade organization representing licensed professionals, salon and spa owners, independent stylists, students, distributors, and manufacturers across the beauty industry. As the leading membership organization serving the professional beauty community, PBA keeps professional beauty professional, championing policies that protect the industry providing trusted education and resources, and fostering a community built on connection, creativity, and growth. PBA is home to the PBA North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), PBA Beacon through the PBA Disaster Relief Fund and other charitable programs. Through PBA Future Leaders, PBA develops and supports the next generation of industry leaders. Learn more at probeauty.org.

About the Power of Associations Award: ASAE's Power ofAssociations Awards recognize the association community's economic and societal contributions locally, nationally, and globally. The awards highlight the ability of associations to convene stakeholders, inspire collaboration, and address challenges affecting industries, professions and communities.