Reader to Reader: What's the most worthwhile trade show, professional networking event, or continuing education class you've ever been to and why?

Answer

IBS Las Vegas (www.ibslasvegas.com) is the only show I’ve been to. I loved the booths and the classes — my favorites were Akzéntz and Young Nails. It was amazing seeing so much talent in one building. As a new nail tech/salon owner, it was such a rush of excitement and so educational for me.  I’ll be going again next year. - JENNY MEEK, Classy Nails by Jenny, Fletcher, Okla.

The HRTE (www.thehrte.com)--the fact that they came to the Midwest was amazing! The one-on-one attention with educators was wonderful, as was the time spent with different companies that showed us the best of the best in nails. Everyone there left with more education then they ever dreamed they would receive! And networking with other Midwest techs was fantastic. - AUVA LANDENBERGER, Absolute Style Salon, Beatrice, Neb.

For me it was the Northwest Nailtechs Networking Event (www.nwnailtechs.com). It included a lot of information, one-on-one interaction, and hands-on training. Had I not gone, I would’ve never discovered Akzéntz gels and fallen head-over-heels in love. - ELIZABETH SEAMAN, Moxie Salon, Lewiston, Idaho

By far it was the NASP (www.northamericanschoolofpedicuring.com) Level 1 Advanced Pedicuring Program. It taught me so much. It included two days of theory and two days of hands-on training and has proved so beneficial to my everyday work. I also love saying I’m a Certified Master Pedicurist. - AMANDA MULLIN, A Totally Unique Nail Boutique, Palm Harbor, Fla.

The CND Leadership Conference (www.cnd.com) this year in Phoenix was amazing! The school where I’m an instructor sent me, and it was three days jam packed full of information and one-on-one coaching.  The conference included various speakers, like a chemist to further explain how the products work. - LINDSEY SAUERBREI, LaJames International College, Iowa City, Iowa

For me, the best event was the Nail Tech Networking Event of the Smokies (www.jillsnails.com/professionals.html). There were many distributers, demos, products, and private classes to choose from — and they were all about nails! Also, the companies gave out samples of their products, in case you didn’t see or make it to their booth or private class. I also network on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nailsmag) and Beautytech.com. - CINDEE MCDONALD, Allure Styling Salon, Cross Lanes, W.Va.

Premiere Orlando (www.premiereorlandoshow.biz) has been my favorite to date.  The magnitude of this show is overwhelming! It was great to meet some of my “nail heroes”, watch the competitions, and even compete. As we have no live competitions in Canada, this was a real treat! Being able to watch such talented, experienced competitors taught me so much. Since this show is so well attended, I connected with so many people I have chatted with on Facebook and with educators from around the world. With such vast participation, we can gather so many ideas to push us to a new level. - PEGGY BARTEL, Nail Workz, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada