In a dramatic departure from past show formats, the International Beauty Show ‘83 has taken on an entirely new dimension that according to show organizers promises convenience organization and a new manufacturer educational format.

The three day event is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees and boast over 100 guest artists and thousands of exhibits. Among them, some 30 exhibitors have geared their product line to manicurists, nail sculpturists and the nail industry in general.

In addition, the first annual International Professional Free Style Acrylic Nail Competition has been added to the agenda in an effort to keep the beauty industry abreast of the art. It is offered to professionals only and will cover any and all methods of nail extension using acrylic materials only, including, but not limited to, classic dip n’dap sculpturing using either foil, paper or plastic extender forms (any style); putty sculpturing; nail capping and nail tips. (Nail wrapping is not allowed. Glue-on tips must be fully sculptured over.)

According to the program, all standard equipment is allowed including but not limited to, sable brushes, polish brushes, dappen dishes or plastic cups, measuring spoons, liquid droppers, files, emery boards, power tools, smoothing discs, cuticle pushers, nippers, nail clippers and any shade of red nail polish, etc.

“Contestants must furnish model, equipment, light, extension cord, and enough labeled product to complete one hand (five fingers).”

As part of the competition, six awards will be presented in the nail category. First place will receive the prestigious International Gold Venus Medallion plus $500 in cash. Second place will receive a silver medallion and $400. Third place will receive a bronze medallion and $300. Each of the three honorable mentions will receive a copper medallion and $100.

The nail competition is scheduled for Sunday, March 13. Entry fee for the competition is $100.

This event is “designed for professionals to advance and display the current creative state of the art. The goal is technical excellence and the purpose is to widen the acceptance of nail care as a full service feature in beauty salons,” according to the program.

The IBS ‘83 will be held at the New York Coliseum in New York City. As part of the change in format, Convention & Exhibitions, the organizers of the event, have redesigned the show into six “centers”; Full Service Salon, Aesthetics and Body Care; Professional Implements and Sundries; Salon Management and Business; Educational Professional Services, and Cosmetologist’s Boutique, Personal Needs.

“The whole show has been organized according to the professional’s interests and needs. Everything is so convenient, the attendee can plan the day in advance,” boasts the show brochures.

This convenience has been emphasized by the material available from the show organizers Salon owners and managers attending the show will receive a portfolio that will include a show program, an appointment book, details on the full service salon concept, and complete information on all the show’s competitions and educational programs. The portfolio can also be used to collect and store show material for later perusal.

Trade shows appear to be the life blood of our industry these regional events allowing manicurists, salon owners and manufacturers the opportunity to renew acquaintances, exchange ideas, compete and show off talents and otherwise become absorbed within the excitement of a growing and thriving industry.

Having just returned from the New York International Beauty Show, I can vouch for the excitement and interest shown and growing in the nail care aspect of the beauty industry. Hair salon owners were curious as to how they can improve the efficiency of their nail services, mani­curists were treated with a little more respect by other attendees, and nail salon owners continued to show an interest in then fielding industry. In short, the nail faction of the beauty industry showed remarkable poise, growth and product knowledge that impressed many of the non-related exhibitors at the New York event.

But still the need for further education lingers even though many manufacturers are making the commitment to the industry by offering a variety of product- related instruction. The majority of the questions fielded at that event dealt with product and the best application techniques, not surprising, especially considering the growth and the changes apparent in the manufacturing aspect of the industry.

Yet even with this obvious need voiced by the manicurist, many do not take advantage of the competitions. This one aspect of trade snows can be a very important educational experience as one can see how talents measure up and can become more aware of the latest in the art of working with nails.