The International SPA Association (ISPA) will present the 2016 ISPA Visionary Award in memory of Geraldine Howard at the 26th annual ISPA Conference & Expo at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nev. from September 13–15, 2016.
The ISPA Visionary Award is presented each year to someone in the spa industry who has made significant contributions to both the definition and positive movement of health and wellness over the lifetime of their career. The ISPA Board of Directors voted on this decision at the January Board Meeting. The award will be accepted on stage by Howard’s husband, Captain Peter Redman.
Co-founder of Aromatherapy Associates, Howard first got her start in aromatherapy in 1973, when she joined Micheline Arcier’s renowned aromatherapy clinic in Knightsbridge, London, where she met Sue Beechey. Together, Beechey and Howard founded Aromatherapy Associates in 1985 and turned their home-grown brand into an international success in the spa community. Howard passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.
“Geraldine was the epitome of a trailblazer for the world of aromatherapy,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “She was a part of our spa family and we are so honored to be able to celebrate her life and the impact she made on the community.”
“It was always Geraldine’s mission to tell the world how incredible essential oils are, and she saw Aromatherapy Associates as more than a business; it was her way of life. Most recently, in response to her own health challenges, she blended an oil called Inner Strength, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds for innovative new cancer research. Such is testament to Geraldine that even in the midst of her personal struggle, she found a way to help other people,” said Aromatherapy Associates in a recent statement.
Throughout the years, the spa industry has been deeply impacted by the loss of fellow colleagues and friends, including several spa industry leaders who lost their battle in 2016. In honor of all those affected by these losses, a donation on behalf of the ISPA community will be made to the Stand Up to Cancer organization to support collaborative cancer research programs.
More information about attending the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo can be found at attendISPA.com.
