hansam

Just purchased our first salon(existing) on April 1st. It certainly has been busy. We have come across and have seen things in the first 20 days that I could have never imagined in my wildest dreams or worst nightmares over the this time, but trying to enjoy it and learn.

I am looking for some advice and opinions. Our thoughts (if things go as planned) are to move in next 12 months (lease up) real close to a larger space and allow us to do a few of things that we believe will help the salon to grow and be more profitable in the future.

I own another business in sales/marketing that I will attend trade shows/expo's to find out what the newest, latest and greatest products/services are in my field every 1-2 years (and network of course). If we plan to expand, build out, purchase some new equipment, etc. I thought I better get as much info as I can.

The internet, forums like this one, phone conversations with experts or even company reps are very helpful and infomative. However, I am somewhat of a visual person that likes to see, try and discuss potential high ticket items vs just taking word of rep or other users.

I have seen multiple posts on the show coming up in June in Vegas and show in Oct in Tennessee. I have read mixed opinions. It seems like the shows were much better a few years back.

I know any information is good information. However, are either of the show/expo's really worth the time and investment you make? Is it more of a lotion expo and hand shaking and meeting which may be able to be accomplished over phone vs traveling 000's of miles? Are there vendors there with new equipment that you can see, touch, get info, etc?

If the answer is yes, it is worth it to go. Which show should be attended? Vegas is more fun, but I hear Tennessee is a larger show.

Thanks

navigatin1

The one in Nashville will have all of the Manf/dist under one roof. The Vegas show is put on by Ergoline only.

For you fist show, I highly suggest you goto Nashville. Make sure to sign up for certification for you and your staff while you're there.

sunsally

Many local distributors put on pretty good shows, and equipment is often displayed and sometimes available for use - although often just one manufacturer at a time.

Near you in MI, CTS does shows in MI, Suntan Supply does them in Cleveland area, URI does them in Cleveland area, ETS does them in Indy, NTS does them in Illinois, etc Heartland has their "main" warehouse in MO - a driveable spot (not an easy drive - but do-able).

MOST of these shows will be heavy on lotion presentations, and staff training. But they will have equipment as well. However at this point in the year, MOST of those will already be over. You generally see them offered Sept - March. But call and ask or look for their websites etc and see what they have going on.

Nashville is definitely a VERY good idea for a new salon owner. They offer training seminars before the trade show floor opens which are well worth the investment! In addition that is when new equipment/lotions etc are introduced for the upcoming year.

That said - Vegas was a very good show last year as well. However, since you are so new still, you might be better off just settling in and "getting a feel" for your business, needs, etc before heading off - in that case, Nashville's timing will be best.

In the meantime - I encourage you to make Tantalk your new best friend, and spend a LOT of time reading threads, going through the archives, etc. There is a LOT of good information here that may save you a lot of missteps and poor investment decisions!

Welcome to the Industry!

JOHN @ URI

Nashville is the best show, all manufacturers under 1 roof.
The Vegas show or Distributors shows usually will only promote what they sell, usually Ergoline.

Ergoline is a top notch company, but you can see them & all others in Nashville.

Sarah_Lacy

Do you think there's a real ROI in going to a show?

hansam

I am certain you are most likely asking John that question since I posted and have never been. For me as a new salon owner and perhaps looking to expand next year, actually getting to meet, greet, see, and touch new products, vendors, make connections is always a good thing. Especially when you are new.

I am sure for those who have been in the biz for a while and have attended a few shows, they may have a different outlook of been there done that.

Sounds like Vegas is more of a fun show since you are in Vegas, but Nashville is a show that may have more to see and offer for the true reason we would be there.

kookyguy

I say go to all the shows, the energy you get from them is well worth the time and cost of the trip.

And Vegas is just fun! WOOOOOOO!! :)