There were instructional sales and marketing sessions, breakout sessions, and a thriving expo floor.The event was highlighted by a panel discussion, in which salon professionals asked questions of a group of tanning industry veterans on how to make their salon better.  “There was such an abundance of education and training at this event, that I believe we’ll be able to use at least three things we learned,” said Don Kermath of Classic Tan and Rush Tan salons.

    
 
 
 
 
   

The symposium was jam packed with prizes, surprises, and business building ideas with a special focus on small business.  There was even a new Ergoline Sun Angel for the attendees to use.  The show’s venue allowed for one-on-one attention that sent salon owners home with a trove of marketing and selling tools to use.  For Clara Tucker, owner of The Hair Hut & Tanning Salon, the show was more than just educational. “I wanted to learn more about the proposed tanning tax, so I met with John Overstreet (ITA Executive Director),” said Tucker. “I’m very thankful that he took the time to talk with me, because I really learned a lot.”

    
 
 
 
 
   

Despite warnings by radio stations that urged people to stay home due to a fierce winter storm, nearly 500 salon professionals and industry veterans gathered for the networking event of the year.The 17th Annual Southeastern Tanning Expo had it all – educational seminars, giveaways, Q/A with the experts, entertainment and more.  A good mix of new and veteran salon owner, some traveling over 100 miles, all came for the same reason – to learn as much as they could to help their businesses continue to be successful.  “We knew that this expo would be a great way to learn some sales and marketing tips….We had such a great time at this show, that we’d like to bring some of our staff with us next year.”