Four Seasons Does it Again!
National Tanning Expo | October 24-25, 2022

Four Seasons Tanning has long been known for producing and hosting industry events that are both entertaining and beneficial, and this year was no exception!

For the last few years, St. Charles, MO has been the venue for the National Tanning Expo; this year, Nashville, TN proved to be a familiar favorite destination for many veteran salon operators. Over 600 attendees flocked to the NTE for a look at the latest in equipment and lotions, to interface with the industry’s expert product vendor reps and fellow salon professionals – and enjoy the excitement of Music City USA!

DAY 1

Looking to “level up” their professionalism, 40 salon operators and staff got up early to get educated with the Sun is Life® Training & Certification class taught by Sun is Life Director, Joe Schuster. Christine Nelson, Owner of Glo Tanning Spa & Salon in Williston, ND and Sun is Life grad, continued her investment in the program at the Expo. “We brought our Salon Manager Jasmine Morrison to get Sun is Life certified,” she stated. “She learned so much from Joe to bring back to our salon.”

Four Seasons has been a proud sponsor of Sun is Life and it is a popular offering at their events. “The NTE saw the Sun is Life class numbers soar as attendees came from across the country to be trained,” Schuster commented. “It is truly a pleasure to teach these people on a face-to-face basis. Proudly, everyone who took the test passed it and will receive a certificate they can display in their facilities.”

FS Marketing Manager Sheila Routon was thrilled with the class turnout. “Joe, thank you for all you do to help make Sun is Life Certification a huge success at every event we hold,” she stated. “You do a marvelous job and we hope to see you next year at NTE23!”

Also kicking off the first day’s educational opportunities at 8am, Four Seasons Sunless Specialist Megan Gordon offered the Bronze Novice Basic Sunless Certification to many salon operators looking for expert spray-tan training. The Exhibit Floor was also open at 8am for attendees to peruse the many vendors on hand. Leslie Westfall of Studio 636 in O’Fallon, MO was in Nashville to learn and interact with many of the product vendors with whom she does business. “In our industry, there is no better way to grow than to be in a room full of mentors,” Westfall said. “Everyone can learn from someone.”

At 8:45, attendees were welcomed with opening remarks by Four Seasons President, Melissa Gallion. She introduced the returning Master of Ceremonies – ever-ebullient industry veteran, Jerry Deveney, who got the ball rolling with the first informative speaker.

First up was Greg Jordan of Tan, Inc. who offered “Instant Rebate = Profit Power” followed by “Life is Better on the Sun E Side: A Complete Guide to Success in 2023!” presented by Sun Evolutions Business Development Manager, “Miss Gina” Jaeger-Morris.

After lunch, Brandon Cardinal (Sunless, Inc.) provided many attendees with key spray-tan techniques and knowledge with Norvell Core Sunless Training from 1-3pm. Meanwhile, the presentations continued with “Protecting Your Investment: Tips & Tricks to Help Run a Better Salon” hosted by JW North America President Kevin Apgar and Sales Manager, Brendan McCarthy. From the lotion sector, the dynamic Devoted Creations duo of National Sales Trainer Megan Racine and Client Relations & Marketing Specialist Alex Zeedyk hosted “Devoted Creations 2023 – Your Partner for Success!” Also that afternoon, Cardinal continued his spray-tan education with a Hands-On Skills Training for Core & Master Session.

Wrapping up the day’s business-tailored speaker agenda was Team New Sunshine, LLC – Jason Brooks, Exec. Director – Global Sales; Ashley Wottring, Marketing Director and Regional Sales Manager, Jess Snider – offering “New Sunshine: New Products & New Vision.” Finally, American Suntanning Association Director Melinda Norton informed the audience with an Industry Update Session.

After a long day of providing industry networking opportunities, Four Seasons continued a popular Expo feature, inviting attendees to enjoy a Welcome Reception co-sponsored by JW North America, New Sunshine, LLC and Sun Evolutions, Inc. The much-anticipated Exhibit Floor was officially opened and Show Specials were unveiled, as well.

The NTE saw the Sun is Life class numbers soar as attendees came from across the country to be trained.”

Joe Schuster, Sun is Life Director

DAY 2

The agenda of informative presentations continued bright and early with several salon operators sharing their wealth of business expertise. First up was “5 Ways to Increase Revenue Today” offered by Mike Blore, Owner/CEO and Samantha Easterly, VP of Operations – California Sun (CA). The crowd then took a break and returned to the packed Exhibit Floor for a look at new product offerings and to chat with manufacturer reps. “The vendor reps were abundant and our staff came home with not only product and sales knowledge, but lots of swag, too!” Christine Nelson added.

The morning’s presentations also included “Recruit, Hire, & Retain Superstar Part-Time Employees” hosted by Illinois salon owner, Don Kermath (Classic Tan & Rush Tan) and “Creative Sales Strategies: Ways to Gain Revenue and Motivate Your Staff” presented by Kirstin Estes, Owner of Lux Tan in Oregon. After lunch, the California Sun execs returned to the stage with “Learn to Love Slow Season” followed by another opportunity for attendees to browse the Exhibit Floor.

The busy afternoon’s schedule concluded with “Learn How to Create Successful Specials & Pink Wednesday Strategies” offered by Texas salon owner David Givans (Island Tanz). Emcee Deveney then took the stage to moderate an Industry Panel Discussion featuring the day’s presenting salon professionals: Mike Blore, Samantha Easterly, Kirstin Estes and David Givans.

Like the other attendees, Christine Nelson and staff also had ample time to interact with industry experts. “This was such a great event and we can’t wait for the next one!” she enthused.

Of course, the final day ended with many exciting prize giveaways, including: a KBL hybridSun Tanning System won by Mike and Rhonda Sellars of Valdosta, GA; Apple iPad donated by JW North America won by Celia Daunaway of Crossville, TN; Sonos Speakers donated by New Sunshine won by Imaan Vaid of Villa Rica, GA; and an autographed Bottle of Love Snooki AND a $500 American Express gift card donated by Sun Evolutions, won by Hannah Dulin of Chestertown, MD.

Melissa Gallion was very pleased about the result of the FS Team’s year of planning for the 2022 NTE, and felt it exceeded their expectations. “It’s so encouraging to see how committed these folks are to the industry, some traveling great lengths to get to our show,” she shared. “We hope this sets everyone up for a great 2023 season. On behalf of Four Seasons, we want to thank all salon operators, our customers, vendors and Sun is Life Training & Certification – everyone combined to make the event a great success!”

Expo Vendors