"SHOW  AND TELL"

Sun Ergoline Symposium a Success

by John P. Ribner

For its 2004 Factory-Direct Seminar, Sun Ergoline had the perfect recipe for success – one part product preview and four parts educational seminar, stirred gently and served to a crowd of about 140 people.

In the tanning industry, few things are more exciting than the debut of new products. Knowing this, the folks at Sun Ergoline gave salon professionals a sneak peak at its latest sunbeds at its 2004 Factory-Direct Seminar on October 9 at the Hilton-Columbus in Columbus, OH. The premiere event also featured four presentations that fell in line with Sun Ergoline’s mission to be a partner in the success of tanning salons. All in all, this added up to an event that was nothing short of a complete success.

Reese Fields, owner of three Tanning Retreat salons in Columbus, OH, was one of about 140 tanning pros that eagerly attended Ergoline’s event. He was excited to preview Ergoline’s Ambition sunbed line, which features three units – Ambition 200, 250 and 300. “I actually pushed back the opening of my fourth salon in order to see this equipment,” Reese said. “I was very impressed with this new line and decided to purchase four Ambition 200 beds and three of the 300 beds for the salon, which will be opening in December.” In addition to the Ambition line, Ergoline also unveiled its brand new Excellence 850 high-pressure sunbed, which was also highly anticipated.

While many salon pros came to the Sun Ergoline event to purchase equipment, one lucky salon owner won a bed! Debbie Brown, owner of Coral Video and Tanning in St. Paris, OH, won a Sun Ergoline Evolution 600 sunbed valued over $27,000. Fields won the sunbed as part of a drawing held at the event.

Sun Ergoline has always positioned itself as a company willing to partner with tanning salons; never was this more evident than during the presentations featured at its symposium. Chris Mochinski, T.W. Tan National Training Manager, conducted a presentation focusing on success strategies while Lateef Khan addressed the issue of eliminating equipment down-time though preventative maintenance. Also to the ben-efit of salon pros was the discussion by veteran industry speaker Anthony Tesoriero, Sun Ergoline Director of Education, which focused on the power of brand recognition. Last, but certainly not least, was the presentation by John Moffatt, Mystic Tan Event Manager, regarding the benefits of adding Mystic Tan sunless spray booths to a tanning salon.

“This event was a home run!” exclaimed Doug Duncan, Sun Ergoline Branch Manager. “We were able to pack the house, exceed our sales projections and introduce some new equipment to many interested salon owners. We’re very excited about it and would like to hold a similar event next year.”