If this year’s attendance record at the 2010 International Salon & Spa Expo is any indication of the looming economic recovery, 2010 appears hopeful. A record 40,000 beauty professionals attended ISSE Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. Produced by the Professional Beauty Association, the show’s attendance was up 21% from last year. Likewise, exhibitor attendance was also up 3% from last year with a sold-out expo floor of 397 exhibitors, which boasted better-than-expected sales experiences.
"The phenomenal, record-setting attendance ISSE experienced proves the importance the industry places on this show and the value it places on education, networking and the opportunity to connect with exciting new products and services," said PBA executive director Steve Sleeper.
Key exhibitors included Conair/Rusk, Clairol Professional, Global Keratin and Sally Beauty Supply. Attendees were also met with more than 250 education classes on hair, skin, nails, massage therapy, marketing and business strategy taught by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tabatha Coffey, Charlie Price, Ruth Roche, Karg + Blackwell and Martin Parsons.
Further highlights included the Latino Fashion Theater, editorial-photography training by renown photographer Babak, education-credits accrual by licensed massage therapists and the Legends & Icons Gala, supported by the PBA | NCA Cares Fund, which raised $3,400 to aid in Haiti earthquake relief while honoring Ann Mincey, Robert Cromeans and Sonya and Christopher Dove.
The PBA has also reported a significant increase in onsite exhibitor renewals for 2011—which the show will return to Long Beach Jan. 29-31.
