The Southwest’s Main Event!
By Margarett Wolf
The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa (ICES) kicked off its trade show season with a bang, and recently wrapped up the first of its enhanced quarterly conferences at the Dallas, TX event. Held from April 13th to the 14th, the 2008 Dallas International Congress of Esthetics and Spa united informed industry giants, a wealth of exhibitors and knowledge-hungry attendees at the Arlington Convention Center.
The 2008 Dallas International Congress of Esthetics and Spa rocked the southwest with a vibrant atmosphere, record-breaking attendance numbers and exhibitor booth capacities maxed out. Congress management says attendees had a chance to witness the newest skin care and spa topics and techniques and were able to purchase groundbreaking industry innovations. Attendees, exhibitors and presenters alike said they enjoyed the dynamic, event-filled learning environment and experienced the latest industry happenings. One esthetician commented about the instructional value of the congress. “I can tell that ICES really goes the extra mile to provide attendees with the best in educational resources,” she said.
Customized event
The two-day event featured new and exciting elements designed to inform, inspire and involve skin care and spa professionals in the dynamic, ever-growing industry. Congress management says it worked hard to put together an event custom-tailored to meet the constantly changing needs of attendees and exhibitors.
The trade show floor was a complete success and exhibitors raved about the congress. Ben Johnson, M.D., of Osmosis SkinCare said, “Dallas was the most amazing trade show I have experienced in my 10 years in the skin care business.” “The Dallas show blossomed into one of the finer trade shows in our industry this year,” said Wayne Sprowl, president of Dr. Grandel USA. “We saw and talked to more real business owners in Dallas than in any show we have been to in the last few years. I believe the estheticians had fun at this show and got the education they came for. I am sure they will be back next year. We will!”
Education at its best
The Dallas congress opened with the General Session. Attendees filled the General Session hall to witness industry leaders present lectures and demonstrations on a variety of trailblazing topics. Lectures and demonstration topics included:
• “The Lightening & Brightening Body Facial,” by Bella Schneider
• “S.O.S.—Secrets of Success,” by Amy Puls, D.C.
• “Summer Facial Treatments,” by Mark Lees, Ph.D., M.S.
• “Stop Me Before I Strangle Someone!” by Meagan Johnson
• “The Young And The Rested. . . The New Sixty Million Dollar Market,” by Denise R. Fuller
• “How Do I Exfoliate? Let Me Count The Ways!” by Monica M. Leedom
• “Male Grooming—What Is Missing In The Waxing World?” by Deborah Coddens
• “10 Ways To Go Green In Your Spa,” by Lake Louise Ziwa, M. Ed.
• “Energyceuticals, Products & Services For A Healthy Spirit,” by Linda Bertaut
• “Laser, Light, IPL and LED—What Are They All About?” by Michelle A. D’Allaird
After the morning General Session presentations, attendees flocked to an abundance of manufacturer workshops or attended the congress’ special class and seminar. The topics covered included:
• “Makeup For Everyone,” an in-depth makeup class, by Christian McNally
• “The Business Of Skin Care,” an advanced business seminar, by Monica M. Leedom, Denise R. Fuller and Amy Puls, D.C.
Networking fun
Congress management considers its trade shows to be exciting and stimulating events. In fact, Monday morning General Session attendees witnessed an inspirational congress event up close: an on-stage marriage proposal to General Session lecturer, Michelle A. D’Allaird. (D’Allaird accepted.) And ICES once again confirmed that it’s not all about work and no play at the trade show’s Texas Bar-B-Q, which took place on Sunday. Not only did the event provide a chance to network, it also played host to a night of line-dancing, singing and southwest eats and culinary treats. Next year’s Dallas congress will take place at the Arlington Convention Center from March 22nd to the 23rd.
Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa and Dermascope magazines cosponsor four International Congress of Esthetics and Spa educational conferences/trade shows annually in Arlington, TX, South Beach, FL, Long Beach, CA and Philadelphia, PA. Dates for the upcoming 2008 International Congress of Esthetics and Spa conferences: South Beach, FL, May 17-19, Long Beach, CA, September 20-22 and Philadelphia, PA, October 19-20.