The International SPA Association (ISPA) will present the 2016 ISPA visionary award in memory of Geraldine Howard at the 26th annual ISPA Conference & Expo, set to take place from 13-15 September at The Venetian in Las Vegas.

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.

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 died earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. The award will be accepted on stage by Howard’s husband, Captain Peter Redman.

“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 honoured to be able to celebrate her life and the impact she made on the community.

The spa industry has been impacted by the loss of colleagues to cancer, including several spa industry leaders who lost their battle in 2016. In honour of all those affected by these losses, ISPA will also make a donation to the Stand Up to Cancer organisation to support collaborative cancer research programmes.