Session #1:
The Ugly Truth of Operating Thermal Destinations

László Puczkó 
Senior Health Spa Advisor, Ensana Health Spas
László has been working in the field of travel, hospitality, leisure, and health for 25+ years. He is a wellbeing and experience atelier, strategist, mentor and trainer. He has gained experiences in private as well as in public sector environments.
László is one of the very few people in the world who has been active in every aspect and domain of the health, wellbeing and travel spectrum, i.e. medical and wellness tourism, wellbeing and hospitality, spas and leisure experiences.
He is an economist and art & design manager, and holds master degrees, a PhD, and is a Certified Management Consultant. László has been lecturing and running tailor-made trainings and masterclasses in over 40 countries all around the world.
He has been actively involved both in industry as well as academic arenas and authored numerous industry reports, specialist books and publications. He was the project lead on the path making report for UNWTO & ETC titled Exploring Health Tourism, as well as a pioneering study for Global Spa Summit titled Wellness Tourism and Medical Tourism: Where do spas fit?
László is a hot spring and wellness enthusiast and holds a Diploma in Forest Bathing!
He is Faculty Member of the Medical Wellness Association and member of FEMTEC’s Commission of Tourism & Health, Global Experts Network of IGCAT, World Experience Organization, and Research Associate at the Wellness Tourism Association.

Fabrizio Caldara 
Director, Pietro d’Abano Thermal Studies Center
Fabrizio Caldara is a highly experienced professional in the field of thermal research and
development, with well over a decade of expertise in managing innovative
projects, coordinating academic programs, and fostering scientific
advancements in thermal mud and water treatments. Proven track record
in leadership roles, academic collaborations, and significant contributions
to scientific literature.

Mária Batta
Vice President, Hungarian Baths Association
Mária is a dedicated HR professional with expertise in organizational development, talent acquisition, career management and personnel development.