A packed house, a dynamic speaker lineup and more than $50,000 in giveaways set the stage for what has quickly been established as the tanning industry’s premiere annual event.
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“With the National Tanning Expo in St. Charles, Four Seasons has once again proven its unmatched excellence in putting together a trade show for the tanning industry. Great venue, interesting program and upbeat atmosphere. KBL is honored and proud to have participated in the show,” says Hans-Juergen Kreitz, KBL Germany.
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Held at the Ameristar Casino & Hotel Resort in St. Charles, MO, the show began with a power-packed, fun-filled “start your engines” kick-off welcome led by Four Seasons Sales & Service President, Ed Jerger.
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Keynote Speaker, Kindra Hall, kept the crowd of more than 500 salon professionals energized with an uplifting, motivational presentation entitled, “The Irresistible Power of Strategic Storytelling.” Her words and message came straight from the heart and brought everyone to their feet.
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“The professionalism, desire for growth and pure passion to be the best has proven Four Seasons to be not only the best distributor that Tan Republic has ever partnered with, but now, they have the best Tanning Expo!” comments Lance Donnelly, Tan Republic Franchise Company.
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The educational and motivational spotlights continued to shine throughout the show with informative presentations by salon professionals and representatives from every major company. “We had a great time at the expo!” says Diana Hediger, Sunset Tan and Spa. “We learned so much from the seminars, roundtable discussions, certification classes and the new product information.”
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Tan U Owner, Tanya Wagner, shares that she had plans to close her salon until she attended the National Tanning Expo. “I was so inspired, I purchased a new KBL stand-up unit and am now looking for a new location to expand my business,” she commented. “I can hardly wait for next year’s event!”
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The “School of Business” educational training introduced this season was a huge success. With standing room only, Mike Blore, CEO of California Sun captivated the crowd by sharing insightful lessons learned in his educational topics, “Creating Highly Successful Membership Programs of Value” and “How to Increase Your Bottom Line.” Social media was another hot issue! Attendees were mesmerized by JoZe Cruz of Tropical Tan as he revealed simple and easy tips and apps to assist salons with promotions and customer engagement. “This event was an informative and eye-opening learning experience,” comments Jessica Jacobs, Tropitana Tanning Salon.
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“This show was much needed by all of us, especially for new salon owners,” comments Teresa Burnett, Owner of LeTan LeBronze. “The training title, ‘School of Business’ was very appropriate! This year’s Expo exceeded expectations! As an industry veteran of 35 years, we attend shows to stay a step ahead of our competitors, gaining education and ideas through classes and fresh ideas from fellow salon owners. We enjoy seeing all the new tanning and skin care products and the latest in UV and sunless equipment.”
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Burnett continues, “I applaud the Four Seasons team for providing an environment for salon owners and staff to gain a renewed excitement! I am excited about 2019, and I am looking forward to next year’s show! Go Big!”
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“Many show attendees showed a lot of grace and didn’t roast me too thoroughly over having to sit on the floor during some of the educational seminars,” declares Four Seasons President, Ed Jerger. “I felt embarrassed enough about that situation, and I am very grateful to those who told me that they would forgive me. So, we definitely left ourselves some room for improvements – we started the improvement process immediately. We are looking for a larger venue.”
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“Repeal the Tan Tax!”
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Another Expo highlight was the Panel Discussion, which gave salon operators the chance to openly converse with their peers and tanning business experts about ideas and industry-related topics. The session culminated with shouts of “repeal the Tan Tax!” from the throngs of attendees. (A video of this remarkable example of industry solidarity is available for viewing at fstanning.com)
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Moderated by Expo Emcee, Jerry Deveney, Panel Discussion participants included Mike Blore, California Sun; Trish Pariseau, The Local Bombshell; JoZe Cruz, Tropical Tan and Melinda Norton, President of the American Suntanning Association.
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The show concluded with an array of prize giveaways valued at more than $10,000. For the Grand Finale, a KBL-7900 sunbed valued at $39,995 was won by Dewey Vindrine, owner of Hello Sunshine Tanning & Spa in Greenwell Springs, LA. The Grand Prize tanning system was awarded by Christina Lorenz and Hans-Juergen Kreitz of KBL Germany.
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Jerger confirms, “The National Tanning Expo was a success; no doubt about that! Most exciting to me was that the salon owners were ready to reinvest in their businesses. They certainly did that at the show!” He added that equipment sales were off the charts, show specials for lotion packages were sold out within hours, and every vendor reported heavy traffic and great sales at their booths.
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“As our Sheila Routon always says: “It takes an army to pull off something like this.” We are so lucky to have assembled such a great army!” Jerger continues. “It is formed by several units: our employees, the staff of our vendors, the speakers and hundreds of other contributors, assuring the victory by offering muscle power or dollars. Thank you to all for a very well-done Job!”
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For more information on the upcoming 2019 Expo, visit: fstanning.com
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