The International Salon and Spa Expo Long Beach Continues to Grow, Attracts Big Crowds in 2013
The ISSE ‘Total Beauty Event’ Concept Makes Show Major Industry Influencer
The 2013 International Salon and Spa Expo Long Beach (ISSE Long Beach) continues to be the West Coast’s largest and most influential total beauty event. An energetic crowd of nearly 40,000 beauty professionals from around the world attended the show, produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). PBA’s ISSE concept has evolved beyond the traditional “hair show” in the past years to be the industry’s most complete beauty event relating to hair, nails, cosmetics, esthetics, wellness, massage and advanced education.
ISSE Long Beach always has a diverse exhibitor base, and 2013 was no exception. Known as the launch pad for new beauty products and services, ISSE Long Beach 2013 featured a sold-out expo floor, welcoming more than 400 leading beauty brands. Ranging from international beauty leaders to indie trend-setters, exhibiting brands included Andis Company, ARROJO, BaByLiss, Farouk Systems, Johnny B Hair Care, Macadamia Natural Oil, Moroccanoil, Keratin Complex, OPI, P&G Salon Professional, Repêchage, RUSK, Wella, Young Nails and Zotos International. On-site sales and reservations for 2014 exhibit space exceeded expectations as brands appreciated the professional caliber of the show and did not want to miss out on space in 2014.
Always working to improve the attendee experience, PBA streamlined and expedited the check-in process. New and/or improved processes for attendees to check in, including online ticket activation to a PBA members-only check-in line, sped up the entry process and eliminated long lines and wait times. Regular posts on social media platforms also helped guide and direct attendees to the correct check in and credential check locations. These improvements helped get attendees out of the rain on Sunday and onto the show floor promptly and efficiently each day.
ISSE Long Beach also featured more than 100 complimentary educational opportunities as part of the ISSE Long Beach expo ticket. The NAHA Stage, which featured Martin Parsons and many past NAHA winners such as Faatemah Ampey, Steve Elias and Charlie Price, was continually at room capacity. Beauty professionals learned first-hand from these individuals on how to conceptualize and create a winning entry for the North American Hairstyling Awards, the industry’s most elite photographic hairstyling competition.