Typically, distributor events offer one full day of product and sales
training from tanning industry educators. Attended by more than 500 salon
professionals, Forever Tan’s 2006 Southeast Trade Show was so jam-packed
with speakers, sponsors and presentations, that one day was simply not
enough; hence the trade show became a two-day affair.
In addition to the product education from the manufacturers represented
at the trade show, Forever Tan provided their show’s attendees with some
sales and marketing presentations. The first of such offerings was presented
by tanning industry veteran Anthony Tesoriero of JK North America, who
discussed the importance of offering equipment upgrades. Australian Gold/Swedish
Beauty’s John Stites was next to discuss sales techniques designed to
improve a salon’s bottom line. The extra offerings were completed with
a salon roundtable discussion, moderated by Tesoriero, and featuring top
manufacturer reps as panelists.
John Williams, co-owner of Tandemonium in Fredericksburg, VA, enjoyed
both the roundtable discussion and the event, as a whole. “There were
many strong industry professionals present, and I think they brought a
lot of good ideas to the attendees,” he commented. “It was a great way
to network with everyone. The larger venue this year was also fantastic.”
Hope Brooks, owner of 101 Degrees Tanning in Greer, SC, brought four of
her employees to the show, and found it both educational and motivating.
“This was our second year attending, and we loved the location and the
event, itself,” she said. “The staff at Forever Tan and the vendor educators
gave us knowledge about the tanning industry and confidence in the products
we represent.”
Gina and Chris McClain, owners of Island Sun Tanning in Lancaster, SC,
were lucky raffle winners, and are the happy owners of a Sun Ergoline
250 sunbed, valued at $9,000. “We’re very excited about winning this tanning
bed because we’re planning to open a second location in about four months,
and this new unit will go perfectly there,” Gina said. “It was great to
win, and we really enjoyed the event, too.” A total of 10 raffle prizes
were donated by the manufacturers represented at the show.
Steve Spencer, Forever Tan owner, was very happy with both the event’s
turnout and the experience that the attendees shared. “Our goal is to
partner with our customers and their businesses to help create a more
successful business environment,” he explained. “We feel our Southeast
Tanning Expo is a vital part of that plan.”
