By all accounts, the ITA’s return to trade show production was a great success! The event held from September 25-27 drew nearly 600 attendees who flocked to Columbus, OH for networking, education and to get re-energized for the upcoming tanning season. Forty product and service vendors filled the exhibit hall with their latest top-quality offerings for salon operators to peruse and choose. The company representatives were happy to spend quality time with attendees, some of whom were brand new to the business of selling sunshine.
The agenda included educational opportunities that were both varied and valuable – all the sessions were packed with salon pros eager to get all the info they could from the expert presenters and panels. IST Magazine’s Sun is Life® Certification session was also well attended – the salon teams who got certified are ready to do their jobs with a higher level of professionalism.
While the theme was “a No-Nonsense Business Conference,” there was still plenty of fun to be had after show hours, when the networking and camaraderie spilled out into the city of Columbus where the vibrant nightlife was enjoyed by all. The ITA plans to return to Columbus for next year’s event, to which many in the industry are already looking forward … just read the comments below!
“Hats off to the ITA for bringing a show back to raise money to fight tanning issues! We had never been to Columbus, and enjoyed the area you picked for the show with walking distance to movies, bars, restaurants and shopping. What we noticed about this Expo was the type of salon operators who attended. They were very interested in the issues confronting our industry and buying or purchasing products at the show. They were not just intent on seeking the ‘giveaways’ like the attendees we’ve seen at previous shows.”
Natalea Hoeper, Insurtec
“A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who attended the ITA Tanning World Expo in Columbus, Ohio! We were so excited to launch our 2016 product lines and hope you all loved them just as much as we do. It was great to see all of our old friends and make some new ones. Cheers to a great show!”
Lewis Henry, President
Devoted Creations
“It has been seven years since our last trade show, and it was great to be back. One of our main goals was to make the show affordable and convenient, and from what I heard, we succeeded. Several exhibitors told me there were many new faces at the show with business owners attending their first industry event. At the end of the show, several exhibitors asked about plans for next year and said, ‘Sign me up!’ Well, stay tuned!”
John Overstreet, Executive Director
Indoor Tanning Association
“I thought the show had a real nice energy to it. I agree with many long-time vendors; lots of new salon operator faces! Columbus was a great choice with lots to do outside of the show. Salon owners that I talked to seemed to have a keen interest in looking for new products, services and information to help grow their business. Our company has a philosophy of quality over quantity and we were thrilled to interact with the new customers that we would not have otherwise had the opportunity. We were encouraged that salons are reinvesting within the industry. Columbus offered many good restaurants and we had an excellent opportunity to network with customers in a more casual and laid-back environment during off- show hours. Nice job, ITA!”
Tammy Reed, Heartland Tan
“I was positively surprised at the attendance in Columbus. The early show hours were very busy. We saw quite a few salon operators during this show and had the opportunity to talk with people who had not attended other shows. We were thrilled that we had the opportunity to discuss our product offerings with them!”
Leif Vasström, Supra Brands
“I thought the show had a real nice energy. Long-time vendors mentioned that they saw many new faces they’ve never seen before. Columbus is a great city with lots to do outside of the show. Salon owners I talked to seemed to have a keen interest in looking for new products, services and information to help grow their businesses.”
Grant Miller, Owner
Sun Your Buns
“I enjoyed delivering the message on the importance of how inexpensive, yet vital it is to participate in the ITA. We have a committed group of folks who are willing to lead this fight to protect our industry, but we just need help from each and every salon. Together, we can impact change and improvement. I’ve put in my time and money for support and enthusiastically await others to do the same. I truly hope to welcome more folks to the ITA!”
Todd Earnhart
Glo Sun Spa, SkinFit Cosmetics
“This was the most refreshing tanning trade show I’ve attended in years. It was a different crowd than we’ve seen in the past. So many attendees admitted that they just usually did not attend our industry’s trade shows, but felt the need to be here this year due to the business climate. It’s tough for small salon owners to survive, and those who were there sought new ideas and fresh approaches to the way they manage their salons and staff. On the show floor, the crowd was interested in growing their business, rather than gathering ‘free stuff’ and attending parties. It really told me something about this years’ attendees; very serious about their business, ready to innovate for the future and determined to overcome the obstacles they encounter in the course of doing business in the present economy. I really feel that some salon owners have lost sight of the energy they had when they started their businesses and have been managing on ‘auto-pilot,’ not making changes from year to year. However, at this expo, many were really ready to change their game plans and market to the ‘new normal’ in this industry. Everyone I spoke to was very impressed and pleased with what they learned in Columbus. The Keynote Speaker got us all charged up! The individual sessions were really a shot in the arm for those attending, giving them a valuable and clear guide on how they can use the information in their business. I commend all who were able to attend and really look forward to the next opportunity to get together and share ideas on supporting each other in this very interesting business we’re in.”
John Fromme
Heartland Tan
“Columbus was a great location and lived up to my expectations. Inside the venue, the layout was perfect; the show floor, educational classes and a variety of food and drink were all easily accessible making it one of the most convenient shows of recent years. The turnout was really good, a nice mix of industry veterans and new salon owners that created a great opportunity to network for all. It was nice to see the industry coming together to share ideas with a unified goal.
Bill Mandry
Pura Sunless
