
Get The Look: NYFW - Christian Cowan Nail Designs
For Christian Cowan’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, the designer drew inspiration from classic feminine silhouettes, reimagined with a cool edge and unexpected textures.
The 12th Nail Tech Event of the Smokies took place June 28th-July 1 in the resort town of Gatlinburg, Tenn., and saw a record number of attendees, manufacturers, and educators.

Shop talk at the Venus Beauty Supply booth.
The 12th Nail Tech Event of the Smokies took place June 28-July 1 in the resort town of Gatlinburg, Tenn., and saw a record number of attendees, manufacturers, and educators — many of whom brought along their families to enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Sunday’s show featured many returning companies, such as Light Elegance, Gelish, LCN, CND, ProFiles, Designed by Tony Ly, and grand-prize sponsor AII Beauty, via their Tennessee distributor AML Distribution. Thirteen companies were new to the show, including YouTube’s The Meticulous Manicurist, Imperial Feet, Ugly Duckling Nails, Xtens, Fuzion, Emchi, Baby Foot, Creative Ballance, Centre for Beauty, Johens, and The Nail Art Connection by Tess Walters.

The official pre-party of the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies, the Event Gala brings together nail professionals, educators, vendors, and their friends for an evening of celebration.

Instructor Mona Poole (center) with students Nina Boatner and Jasmine Mckinzy Tripp.
Also new this year were a VIP ticket package and extended workshops held on Friday, in addition to the traditional Saturday and Monday hands-on workshops (29 in all!). The Event Gala dinner and cocktails celebration hosted by Precision Nails owner Jaime Schrabeck kicked off Saturday evening with 250 guests enjoying each other’s company, plus sampling sponsors’ products via Event Gala Swag Bags.
Color Up Therapeutics also made a big splash with their CBD mani/pedi products, says event organizer Jill Wright, while pro football player Eric Berry, owner of the newly debuted Medusa Nails, kept a low profile to allow Medusa’s products to shine. “Not being recognized was kind of hard in this part of the South, thanks to Eric’s days of playing college football for the Tennessee Volunteers,” says Wright.

Many adventurous attendees braved the new SkyBridge
Photo by Lanessa Hubbard
Many adventurous techs braved the new SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America that features glass floor panels in the middle of the 680-foot span, plus panoramic views of downtown Gatlinburg and the breathtaking Smoky Mountains.

Shopping at Glitz Accessories & Such.

Nails created with Vision Gel.
Next year’s event is scheduled for July 10-13, 2020, with tickets going on sale January 1. For more information on the show, go to www.nailtechevent.com. For Gala tickets, go to www.theeventgala.com.

For Christian Cowan’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection, the designer drew inspiration from classic feminine silhouettes, reimagined with a cool edge and unexpected textures.

MelodySusie is celebrating its 17th anniversary. It is a time to celebrate another year of growth, another year of innovation, and another chapter of the journey we've shared with nail lovers around the world. From first-time nail enthusiasts and bold creators to professionals turning passion into a career, we’re grateful for every person and community who has made nail artistry their own.
Sponsored by MelodySusie

Join us in congratulating this year's list of hardworking, game-changing individuals.

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The nails-only trade show welcomed 700 beauty professionals for education, shopping, networking and one unforgettable Smokies surprise.

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In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
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