INDIANAPOLIS, IN – On February 24-26, Tanning Supplies Unlimited (TSU) shifted the sun spa industry into high gear with Expo 2022. Held at the Bullseye Event Center in Downtown Indianapolis, the event was attended by salon owners from across the U.S.
The Expo agenda kicked off on Thursday morning with a unique opportunity for attendees: private tours of New Sunshine’s manufacturing operations at their 150,000 square-foot Indianapolis headquarters. Salon operators were able to see how all the great New Sunshine products are made. The lucky participants walked away in amazement from all they saw and learned during the tour, each receiving a nice gift bag.
“So much sharing of knowledge and expert guidance was there for those looking to learn and improve their profit centers.”
Eric Haynes, VP of Sales
The heart of the Expo took place from 8am to 8pm on Friday. Attendees got to see a huge variety of tanning systems up-close and personal with ten KBL units on display. “The exhibit highlight was the much-anticipated U.S. reveal of the all new and uniquely beautiful K Series,” stated TSU Vice President of Sales, Eric Haynes. “We featured two gorgeous K7 models, which showcase KBL’s world-leading dominance in design, engineering and technology in the sun spa market.”
Also on display was the KBL flagship model that is taking America by storm – the KBL P9S featuring SunSphere UVA LED face- and shoulder-tanners. “The P9S was fully operational with the hybridSun lamp package, letting everyone see the unit in its full glory!” Haynes enthused. The equipment display included four tanning systems from ULTRASUN which highlighted the many options for providing salon guests with a “Recharge Yourself” experience.
Exciting spa equipment options on display also drew crowds all day, with a fully-operating Cocoon Deluxe Wellness Pro, POLY Pro LED Red Light Therapy, and the MECOTEC cryo:one all-electric cryotherapy system. “You could feel the excitement in the air throughout the Expo!” exclaimed SunForce Marketing President Jerry Deveney, on hand to answer questions about the POLY Red Light system. “It was a great show overall – like the old days!”
Attendees were able to experience a session in all the operational units. Multiple salon operators also took advantage of the opportunity to try tanning systems from KBL, ULTRASUN and Sportarredo at their choice of local salons.
While activity was steady in the equipment exhibit area, New Sunshine sales reps spent the day educating salon operators and offered training on all the wonderful new lotions, skin care and sunless products. As always, New Sunshine was very generous with product samples and hand-outs for all.
Rounding out the day’s schedule were updates on the American Suntanning Association from ASA President Melinda Norton, who updated the group on what the association accomplished in 2021 to further their mission of protecting the rights of salon owners.
On Friday, a delicious, up-scale buffet lunch was presented featuring charcuterie, extensive salad and veggie options, along with carving stations and an irresistible offering of fantastic desserts. To wrap up the full day of business, networking and education, attendees were treated to a cocktail party with an open bar, and giveaways by New Sunshine and TSU.
On Saturday morning, the education opportunities continued as attendees took part in an extensive, hands-on spray-tan training and certification class presented by New Sunshine. The three-hour session included tips from the spray-tan pros, and participants were able to see them in action with live sunless spray demonstrations, finishing the session with their training completion certificates in hand. “So much sharing of knowledge and expert guidance was there for those looking to learn and improve their profit centers,” Haynes added.
TSU Co-owner Mike Gilley considers Expo 2022 to be a fantastic success. “We want to thank everyone who attended, and even all of those who tried to attend but were held back with weather-related travel issues,” he stated. “We truly appreciate your business, and are already working on our next Expo. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”
