A pioneer and visionary of the spa industry will be honored during the International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Oct. 13-16 in Dallas, Texas, United States.  Frank van Putten, founder of SpaSmart Inc., is the recipient of the ISPA 2003 Visionary Award.
“Frank van Putten is one of the key people who led ISPA to the international reach it has today,” said ISPA President Jeff Kohl.  “His international vision for the worldwide spa industry will carry on for generations.”
In 1991, van Putten became the CEO of The Spa Finder Company, a post he filled until December 2000.  Under his leadership, The Spa Finder Company was instrumental in creating public awareness for the spa experience and was a key contributor to the remarkable growth of the industry. During his tenure, van Putten was responsible for creating Spa Finder Magazine and launching the “Spafinder” television series for Discovery’s “Health Network.”
In January 2001, van Putten founded SpaSmart Inc. to create new concepts and facilitate the development, marketing and distribution of unique products and properties for the industry.  The company brings expertise in business building, marketing strategy and design, and provides training for sales and reservations staff.
Present at the inception of ISPA, van Putten served four years on the ISPA Board of Directors, including two years as ISPA secretary.  For his work that helped grow the ISPA membership and for integrating the day spa segment into the association, he was previously honored with the ISPA Association Award in 1997. Frank van Putten will receive the ISPA Visionary Award on Thursday, Oct. 16, during the ISPA Conference & Expo. 
The 13th annual ISPA Conference & Expo is the premier event for the worldwide spa industry.  For additional details on the Conference, visit http://www.ispaconference.com.  Information on Conference registration, as well as an online registration form, are included on the site. 
For nearly 13 years, ISPA has been recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization for the spa industry.  ISPA’s membership is comprised of more than 2,000 health and wellness facilities and providers from 63 countries.  ISPA strives to advance the professionalism of the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, to promote the value of the spa experience to society, and to be the authoritative voice of the spa industry.  ISPA is where spa industry players become leaders and leaders become legends. 
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