LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 14, 2006) – A spa developer and consultant, who works with clients through all phases of spa development - from concept through operations - will be honored during the 2006 International SPA Association Conference & Expo, Nov. 6 – 9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Sylvia Sepielli, owner and president of Sylvia Planning And design (SPAd Inc), is the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Visionary Award.

“Sylvia Sepielli’s extensive talents and inspiring creativity are reflected in leading spas worldwide,” said ISPA Chairman Kate Mearns. “Her years of diverse global experience have made her one of the most knowledgeable and well-known innovators and visionaries in the spa industry.”

The ISPA Visionary Award is given to an active ISPA member who has contributed significantly toward both the definition and positive movement of heath and wellness over the lifetime of their career. Sepielli had the following to share about being chosen as the recipient of the ISPA 2006 Visionary Award, “Vision is driven by inspiration. The source of my inspiration has been all those with whom I have worked in the spa industry. To receive this recognition from my peers is a great honor.”

Upon entering the spa industry, Sepielli already had a strong foundation of international management experience from the 10 years she spent in Japan in the 1970s. She began pursuing her interest in healing arts with an in-depth study of Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine including Shiatsu, acupuncture and Chinese herbs. She then went on to own and operate a fitness center in northern California, and develop and manage a chain of fitness clubs in the United States and Japan. She began full time consulting in 1994.

Sepielli will receive the ISPA 2006 Visionary Award during the General Session on Nov. 6. and will also be a part of the Visionary Panel on Nov. 7. Recent past recipients of ISPA’s Visionary Award include John E. Lopis, Ph.D. and Ginny Michel-Lopis, founders of JGL Inc.; the late Edwin Neill II, former chief executive officer, Neill Corporation and Frank van Putten, president, SpaSmart Inc.

About ISPA
ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA’s membership is comprised of more than 2,500 health and wellness facilities and providers from 73 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.

Spas are entities devoted to enhancing overall well-being through a variety of professional services that encourage the renewal of mind, body and spirit.