More than 300 tanning salon professionals enjoyed the many educational opportunities presented at the 23rd Annual Northeast Tanning Expo.
Hosted by Future Industries, the Expo kicked off with Norvell University sunless spray-tanning training presented by Brandon Cardinal of Norvell Skin Solutions. The event was highlighted by three keynote presentations designed to help tanning salon owners be successful in today’s challenging economy. The first was “Failure is NOT an Option” offered by successful entrepreneur and speaker, Connie Brubaker. She was followed by “The Future of Your Business,” presented by FI’s Gina Palazzolo and Kendall Davis, and co-hosted by Kayla Brodie of Devoted Creations. The event also featured “Dollars and Sense,” hosted by Scott Eggers of New Sunshine.
“Our attendees found the presenters knowledgeable and informative,” said Kendall R. Davis, FI Salon Consultant, VIP Desk. “Connie Brubaker’s presentation was an excellent way to begin the day because her insightful, encouraging and entertainingly funny presentation helped set the tone for the rest of the event. Attendees also enjoyed the other presentations, which gave them the opportunity to collaborate in a smaller group setting and there was a genuine excitement and a high energy level as veteran salon owners shared their insightful stories and experience with the new salon owners.”
The Expo proved a valuable business-building tool for John O’Connell and four of his staff from Apple Spa, Hair & Tans in Clinton, CT. “I’ve attended a couple of times before,” said John, “and I always like taking members of our staff with me because they learn so much. From the product education to the sales and marketing tips, the Expo was very informative.” John added that it was nice to hear his employees utilizing what they’d learned at the show while talking to Apple Spa clients, and he’s personally seen a sales increase, which he attributes to what the staff learned at the event. “We’re definitely looking forward to next year’s Expo,” he added.
The Expo was a big hit for Andrea Mancini, owner of Sole Tans in West Newton, MA. “I brought an employee with me and both of us got a lot out of it,” she said, “just like last year. There was a lot of great info on the latest lotions, of course, and I also received some excellent sales and hiring tips from networking with other salon owners.” In addition to the business tips, Andrea brought something else back from the Expo – a 50-inch flat-screen TV she won during a drawing held at the event! “I was so excited when I heard them call my name because I’m the type of person who never wins anything,” she added.
Change is good, especially when heading into another peak season, and this was evident in the Expo’s combination of new ideas, techniques and initiatives. “Everything came together to make this one of our very best shows ever!” exclaimed Kendall R. Davis. “The attendance was high, our clients remained engaged and our sponsors who are very dear to us once again did their very best to provide information on the newest, latest and greatest products for the 2014 tanning season. It was a roaring success.”
A 14-year industry veteran, John "Ribby" Ribner has written hundreds of articles for IST Magazine and, as Director of Editorial Content, has also helped guide the publication's evolution. Ribby is a graduate of Central Michigan University's journalism program and has brought many years of newspaper reporting experience to his position of Head Writer. He is also the author of three novels, "Legacy of the Bear," "Prophecy of the Bear" and "World So Dark."
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