In-person networking events are one of the best ways of meeting people and forming lasting relationships. It’s a great way to meet up with other techs in your region for a day (or even a weekend or a week) to learn new skills, share salon stories, and build relationships with your peers. You can often find out about them by checking online message boards (BeautyTech.com and NailsMag.com), reading industry publications (we regularly run information about them in NAILS File and here on the From the Editors blog), and checking with your local distributor.

Below you’ll find information on two upcoming events. If you live in the area (even if you live within a 200-mile radius), why not check one out?

The first annual Nail Tech Networking Event of the Smokies will be held on Sunday, June 22 at the Brookside Resort in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “It’ll be a fun day of learning new techniques and products, making friends and business contacts, plus discovering different business tips that will help move your career forward,” says event organizer Jill Wright. Seating is limited to 50 licensed nail techs or nail students. It’s $25 to reserve your seat and lunch and goodie bags will be included. For more details, call (270) 799-3637 or e-mail jnails1@hotmail.com.

The second annual Northwest Nailtech Networking Event will take place Sunday, August 3, at the Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton in Renton, Wash. Attendees will receive a full day of product education from some of the industry’s most talented professionals, goodie bags full of information and product samples, and a chance to win one of many door prizes. Tickets are $45 until July 1. For more information, go to www.nwnailtechs.com or contact event coordinator Brenda Palmer at (966) 816-9289 or bpalmer1375@hotmail.com.

If you’re hosting an event, make sure to e-mail all the information to us so we can post it here and run it in the magazine. Now get out there and start networking!

— Hannah