BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – The Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham was the venue for this year’s SHINE, Europe’s only dedicated seminar and educational event for the indoor tanning professional and organised by The Sunbed Association (TSA), the UK and Ireland’s industry body.
Due to COVID-19, this was the first time the event had been held since 2019 yet was undoubtedly the most successful to date. With a sell-out 46% higher attendance by salon owners and operators than in 2019, there can be no doubt the indoor tanning industry is already bouncing back from the challenges of the last two years.
“We could not have hoped for a better response from our industry! We are already planning a bigger and better SHINE for 2023.”
Gary Lipman, Chairman
The Sunbed Association
The event offered a superb line-up of speakers, with Gary Lipman, Chairman of The Sunbed Association, launching the agenda as keynote speaker. Gary delivered a rousing, inspirational and thought-provoking presentation entitled “Changing The Narrative” that certainly encapsulated the spirit of the day with rapturous approval from the audience. Other headline speakers included exceptional presentations from Matt Russell from the American Suntanning Association and Dr. Marc Sorenson, author of the industry must-read “Embrace the Sun,” delivering a definite American influence on the day.
Lipman was delighted with the turnout. “We could not have hoped for a better response from our industry!” he exclaimed. “The positivity amongst all the delegates was palpable and the buzz in the Industry Display and Networking Zone was amazing. All of the suppliers with a display reported a very successful event and we are already planning a bigger and better SHINE for 2023.
“What was particularly interesting was the number of new salon operators in attendance, including many who hadn’t yet opened their salons,”Lipman added. “They came along to get as much information for their business as possible and I think this is a great indicator of the growing level of professionalism now prevalent within our industry, even at the point of entry.”
Case in point was Victoria, who attended the event in preparation to open a new tanning facility in Portchester, Hampshire. “SHINE was truly brilliant from start to finish and I can’t thank The Sunbed Association enough!” she enthused. “This event could not have come at a better time for me, as I am currently in the process of setting up my salon. I have come away feeling more optimistic than ever, full of knowledge from the brilliant presentations and from the opportunity to meet with existing salon owners. It really has given me that extra confidence boost I never knew I needed and I want to thank the TSA for making that possible!”
SHINE Exhibitors/Supporters
- BLISS
- Bronze Direct
- Cyrano
- Ergoline
- Ergoline Plus
- LightTech
- Soleil Tanning Group
- Smart Sunbeds
- UV Logistics
