Gain an Edge by Attending Trade Shows

Where are you? For an industry dominated by Vietnamese-owned salons, I’m surprised that there isn’t an equivalent percentage of Vietnamese nail techs and salon owners attending the beauty shows. Trade shows are an integral part of the beauty industry. The newest items, the hottest trends, and the best deals are brought to you in an exciting environment where you’re surrounded by salon professionals, like you, who are looking for the next best thing to bring back to their clients.

 

True, travel and show expenses can be costly, but what you get from attending at least one show can benefit you and your salon in the long run. For the admission price, you can attend tons of free classes on all things nails-, skin-, and hair-related, watch and be part of demonstrations, try out new products, get the best discounts straight from the manufacturers, and talk directly to the manufacturers and their educators who are there to help you. If language is a problem, many companies are either Vietnamese-owned or have educators who speak Vietnamese. If you’re lucky, you might even run into a class or two taught in Vietnamese (depending on the show).

 

The best way to start is to research and plan for your next trip. Know the dates and locations of shows well in advance to plan accordingly and to find the best airfare. Visit the show’s website to see if it has listed the class schedules and make note of those you want to attend and booths you want to visit. Dress business-casual-comfortable, bring your walking shoes, and have a great time meeting new people.

 

Being surrounded by those who love what they do and who want to help take the industry further can be great inspiration and motivation. Being inspired and adding the new products and services you find at the show can also translate to more revenue and more dedicated clientele. The next big show is in Orlando in June, so I hope to see you there!

 

 

Here are a few photos from IBS Las Vegas last April:

 

Odyssey Nail Systems team competitor Amy Oung entertained questions while doing a demo with a show attendee.

 

The Young Nails booth is usually packed with attendees looking for great deals and demos of their products. Many exhibitors let you try out their products.

 

 

 

Somer Downes, LCN Master Educator, used LCN Glitter Gels to create these stiletto nails. To see more show nails and get inspired, visit www.nailsmag.com/shownails.

 

 

 

Here are a few upcoming shows and events:

 

• Jun. 6-7 — Premiere Orlando, Orlando, Fla. — www.premiereshows.com

• Oct. 3-4 — Mid-American Beauty Classic, Columbus, Ohio — www.premiereshows.com

• Oct. 17-18 — Premiere Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala. — www.premiereshows.com

• Oct. 25-26 — Texas Beauty Show, Dallas, Texas — www.texasbeautyshow.com

• Nov. 8 — Nail Expo Show 2010, Long Beach, Calif. — www.nail-expo.com

 

For a full list of upcoming shows, visit www.nailsmag.com/resources/showcalendar.aspx.

 

 

— Kim­

 

Originally posted on Viet Salon