When: January 16-17, 2015
Where: Courtyard by Marriott – Blue Springs, MO
Who: The Body Art Professional, Devoted Creations, Eye Pro Inc., Formastar, Indoor Tanning Association, Insurtec, Light Sources, Lucas Products, New Sunshine, Nichesoft, Norvell Skin Solutions, Podz Eyewear, Pura Sunless, Jessica Robertson, SkinFit Cosmetics, Solar Elements, Sun Evolutions, Synergy Tan, Tan Incorporated and Wolff System Technology Corp.
Nearly 300 tanning salon professionals had a rootin’-tootin’ good time at Heartland Tanning’s Midwest Tan Fan Fair!
With a country-western theme and a plethora of educational offerings, the Midwest Tan Fan Fair attracted salon owners from all across the country. Rose Gillson brought two carloads of people – her family, who also happen to be her staff at Rose’s Tanning – and drove 175 miles from Knoxville, IA to attend. “This was a great show!” Rose exclaimed. “We all learned a lot about sales, customer service, motivation and client attraction, among many other things. We’ve been coming to this show for the past six years and we’ll definitely be back next year.”
Her fourth time at a Heartland event, Tammy Brittain of B-Tan in Wichita, KS says she learned a lot. “I loved all the presentations!” she commented. “The speakers were very upbeat and had some great information; they definitely got me excited and geared up for the season.” Upon returning home, Tammy – the salon’s manager – shared all of what she learned with her staff. “Everyone’s excited about trying the new products we brought back,” she added.
The award for furthest-travelled-to-the-show goes to Jo Lynn Taylor and the rest of them employees at Lion in the Sun Salons in Fairmont, WV. “We’ve been to a couple Heartland shows in the past and we always like coming back each year to get additional training,” Jo Lynn said. “This year, we got some great tips about improving sales and motivation among our staff and we were excited to put them to work at the salons.”
The excitement for the Midwest Tan Fan Fair was not limited to its attendees. “This truly was the most positive gathering of tanning salon owners and staff that I’ve seen in a long time,” commented Greg Henson, Heartland President. “There was a real feeling of optimism running through the crowd and everyone seemed eager to make the most of this season.”
An impressive speaker lineup was the event’s highlight. The keynote address – “Sales Energy – Having ‘the Juice’ to Get & Keep More Clients” – was presented by Andy Core. He was followed by presentations from Loren Groom and Bill Mandry (Pura Sunless), John Farr (The Power Group) and Christy Hogan (Podz Eyewear). The expo also featured vendor sales and product education, and sunless tanning training by California Tan and Norvell Skin Solutions. It ended with the “Cowboys ‘n Color After Party” featuring a live country band and mechanical bull. “Mixing some fun with the education gives everyone the opportunity to have a great time!” Greg added.
With so many happy attendees heading back to their salons armed with knowledge, Greg Henson says he and Team Heartland are looking forward to the upcoming Indoor Tanning Association World Tanning Expo in Columbus, OH. “We’re very excited that the ITA is hosting another show,” he commented. “I believe it’s exactly what’s needed to bring some energy to this industry, and by all accounts so far, it looks like it will be very well supported.”
