In February, we reported that the Indoor Tanning Association will host its Tanning World Expo on September 25-27, 2015 in Columbus, OH. A convenient venue, Columbus is centrally located for a majority of the salons in the U.S. and an airport hub for those flying in to attend. Our industry is well known for its “after event” entertainment. Well, TWE attendees will be in for a treat! Check out late night dining, sushi, Italian, Greek, steakhouses, brew pubs and more, all within walking distance from the Convention Center. There are also a few coffee shops to get the day going before the show starts. Combined with an exhibit floor full of new products, it’s going to be an awesome event!
A few years ago, the ITA took a step back from the tradeshow business but returned with the goal of truly giving back to the industry. The decision to host the event returns the ITA to some of its roots.
The Association was formed in 2000 with the express purpose of hosting a national trade event that would raise funds to defend the industry against damaging legislation at State and Federal levels, explained John Overstreet, Executive Director. After a nine-year run (2000-2008), the ITA discontinued their involvement with producing trade shows. However, with the ever increasing regulatory assault on the indoor tanning industry, Overstreet explains the return to hosting the event, saying, “It’s time! The profits raised from the show will be used to help the ITA continue its mission of representing the best interests of the tanning industry.” Overstreet also stated that he is “thrilled to have Sun is Life® Training and Certification on board as the educational provider” for the event.
IST’s Sun is Life Training and Certification has been selected as the educational partner for the Tanning World Expo.
IST Publisher Vince Lorraine and I had conversations back then about the need for a training and certification program that would truly run in accordance with State and Federal guidelines relating to tanning systems, tanning lamps and tanning salons. We both agreed that in order to survive the constant bombardment of biased media releases about tanning salons and the varied state-by-state regulatory efforts, we would have to provide training that was fact-based, that agreed with state and federal guidelines and would be easy for salon owners and their staff to understand and retain.
To survive, we, as an industry, need to become much more educated. It’s important to have the blend of an exhibit floor filled with the latest product offerings and a strong education program. IST’s Sun is Life Training and Certification has been selected as the educational partner for this show.
The Sun is Life program will be provided at the TWE for those salon operators needing to take and pass accredited indoor tanning salon education. It’s a great opportunity to get face-to-face training and bring your salons up to standard. But it’s not designed only for salons that are new to the industry. Employee attrition is something all small business owners wrestle with. Bring your new personnel to the training and get them started correctly from the beginning.
While Sun is Life is valuable for “newbies,” veteran salon staff and managers can also benefit from Sun is Life and perhaps even learn something new. Once you take and pass SIL certification, you and your team can increase your learning at your own pace by taking the Sun is Life training modules online. This LMS education program is different than our classroom-style certification program, concentrating on areas such as customer service, lotions, lamps, media, salon hygiene and much more. These are fantastic learning modules created to bring your salon up to the highest standards. Perhaps best of all, you can take this training online, at your home, 24/7.
When was the last time you attended an indoor tanning expo? You’re really missing out if you don’t attend the 2015 Tanning World Expo, get up to speed on training and see the industry’s latest products. September will be here before we know it! Mark your calendars and get ready for the industry’s biggest show and some fantastic education. See you there!
