The professional beauty industry trade show season officially starts with the first International Beauty Exposition at Bally’s Las Vegas, January 20-21, 2019. Formerly the Western Buying Conference, the International Beauty Exposition has combined the Western and Eastern Buying Conferences into one larger, more dynamic show.
Hosted by manufacturer rep groups from both coasts, approximately 150 national and international manufacturers will be exhibiting. The show offers a “quality over quantity” experience, providing a more relaxed format that allows time for genuine connections and business deals to be made. “[Beauty retailers and distributors] value a smaller and more intimate show where they actually have a chance to meet with the manufacturers and have conversations without the hectic pace of a larger show like Cosmoprof. It’s more laid-back and casual, whereas at Cosmoprof you may have a half hour appointment and you have to get in and out quickly to get your business done to move on to the next one,” explains Harlan Kirschner, CEO of The Kirschner Group and the show’s treasurer.
Of course, the show will give retailers and distributors a peek at what’s new for 2019 in both the professional and consumer beauty markets. And manufacturers throw in a few surprises for attendees, often launching new products at the show and offering unbeatable deals. “From the retailer and distributor perspective, they can see 150 manufacturers all in one spot. They will have access to principals and decision makers, see promotions and complete lines that are not always pictured in product catalogs. The show allows attendees to see products live, where they can also touch, smell and feel them,” Kirschner adds.
For the first time, the show will be inviting international retail buyers from Latin America and Europe, opening up new opportunities for manufacturers looking to expand their distribution to international markets. “We are also reaching out to all the members of the International SalonSpa Business Network (ISBN) and will hopefully have many of them attend,” Kirschner says.
For the second year in a row, non-represented manufacturers will be allowed to exhibit. Additionally, a full 40 manufacturers are new, indie brands offering fresh, innovative products that appeal to all forms of retailers, but especially to specialty retail buyers. The non-represented, indie brands are expected to infuse the show with energy–although established brands will bring plenty of that too.
For those who have attended the show in the past, the format has changed slightly. Instead of a party on the first evening of the show, organizers have opted to schedule only a cocktail party so that show attendees can go out and enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer. Attendees will also receive coupons offering discounts to highly rated restaurants, shows and entertainment a few weeks prior to the exposition.
For more information or to register, visit internationalbeautyexposition.com.