Starting the year off right, The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa (ICES) opened in the Sunshine State to another year of groundbreaking numbers on April 6th and 7th. Pleasant temperatures and beautiful blue skies greeted aestheticians, hair removal specialists, educators, massage therapists, and makeup artists for this two-day event.
General Session was hosted by Nina Curtis, who opened the show by welcoming the attendees on behalf of DERMASCOPE Magazine and Les Nouvelles Esthetiques and Spa. General Session was sponsored by Circadia by Dr. Pugliese and Sothys Paris on Sunday and Monday. Composed of speakers, well respected among their peers, General Session consisted of aestheticians, educators, spa directors, massage therapists, makeup artists, yoga therapists, and business owners – all presenting the most sought-after topics and demonstrations to help attendees advance their career. This year’s General Session speakers included lectures and demonstrations by EuGene Gant, Michael Q. Pugliese, Melissa Black, Dori Soukup, and Pamela Taylor on Sunday. Following on Monday, Christine Heathman, Anabel de la Vega, Catherine Warren, Joseph Mandato, Nancy Raegan, and Nadine Toriello took center stage.
Attendees were provided with a wide range of knowledge, experience, know-how, and finesse within each of the covered topics proving, yet again, that the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa assembles the best teachers, manufacturers and distributors on the latest in techniques, technologies and modalities. All told, there were 26 educational classes and 43 product knowledge trainings. Ironically, however, even with the large amount of educational classes and demonstrations available, a majority of these classes were still standing room only.
There was definitely a class for everyone, whether it was in General Session or the workshop classes. Aesthetics International Association also conducted educational classes on both days, for attendees to learn on all aspects of the spa business. Kenna Strunk, Alexandra Zani, and William Strunk spoke on overcoming retail, skin care solutions with contemporary technology, and simplifying social media, respectively.
Let us not forget the tradeshow floor! From the time that excited and energetic attendees waited patiently for the doors to open, both Sunday and Monday, the tradeshow floor was overflowing with attendees. Exhibitors voiced their satisfaction regarding attendees’ enthusiasm and the positive energy that emanated throughout the entire convention center. As with last year, many exhibitors not only sold out of product, but they also established new networking relationships between other exhibitors and attendees – making this tradeshow an all-around success.
The 12th annual Professional Hair Removal Conference (PHRC) also coincided with the ICES tradeshow. With 15 hours of continuing education available, this year’s PHRC experienced an increase in attendees from the previous year. Attendees were pleased with the detail and knowledge bestowed upon them from the conference coordinators and speakers.
We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all who made this event possible, from the educators and exhibitors to the attendees and sponsors. We look forward to seeing all of you in Miami again next year – March 8th and 9th, 2015.
