You may think it is a bit early to talk about next year’s makeup themed trade shows, but with possible travel and significant expenses involved you can never plan early enough. Usually, accommodation will get harder to find and more expensive to book the closer you get to a big event. So planning ahead not not only helps saving direct costs, but also allows you to save up in time.
Why Should I Attend a Trade Show?
It is very possible that you have already attended a makeup trade show, but not felt like it was worth your time and money. That is very likely if you were new and didn’t know many people. Yes, like everything (really everything) in life it is about people. Makeup Artistry is all about individuals: Models, clients, colleagues, photographers, designers, press, brides, etc.
Reason number one to go to a trade show is to connect with other human beings. For example to find likeminded artists, bounce off ideas, get valuable introductions, ask questions, present yourself, all in all to make connections that last beyond the event. Such events are unique opportunities to find so many beauty professionals at one spot.
Other reasons to attend are the exposure to new trends, products, and ideas, and the chance to learn valuable lessons for all areas of your trade. And of course, never forget the fun you can have if you take the time and submerge yourself.
IMATS
The International Make-up Artist Trade Show (IMATS) has several venues all over the world. Los Angeles (January 16-18, 2015) and New York (April 11-13, 2015) are the two U.S. cities that traditionally host the IMATS every year.
“What better place to connect with working make-up artists than the historical hub for film and TV productions? IMATS established the world’s first-ever make-up artist show in Los Angeles in 1997. Here you can learn from and network with thousands of make-up artists working in film, TV, fashion and red carpet. Stock your kit or make-up bag by visiting any of the hundreds of exhibitors.” IMATS
The Makeup Show
Next Spring, March 28 – 29, 2015, The Makeup Show will be held for the 6th time in Los Angeles, as the largest pro-driven event on the West Coast.
“Join us for two days dedicated to Artistry, Networking, Community, Inspiration and Education. Fill your kit with pro-driven essentials. Refine your skill-set in our exclusive hands-on workshops and seminars. Work with FX, Fantasy and Beauty. Explore Business strategies and opportunities during forums & Keynotes. Unite with fellow industry insiders. Network with brands execs and CEOS.” The Makeup Show LA
Other events will be in New York (May 2015) and Chicago (June 2015). If you want to go this year, there is one in November in Orlando.
America’s Beauty Show
With a long standing tradition of almost 100 years, America’s Beauty Show can look back at many, many successful events that took place in Chicago. The next event is from March 21 – 23, 2014.
“There’s only one America’s Beauty Show. For 90 years, we’ve been owned and produced by salon professionals, the members of Cosmetologists Chicago!
Cosmetologists Chicago protects, builds and drives the salon industry by monitoring and lobbying for professional licenses while providing advanced education and scholarships. It is our mission to give back to our industry by educating all pros, members and non-members alike, and improving the cosmetology profession by helping those in need and producing the all-industry America’s Beauty Show.” America’s Beauty Show
International Esthetics, Cosmetcs & Spa Conference
The International Esthetics, Cosmetcs & Spa Conference (IECS) is held in three cities every year: New York (March 8-10, 2015), Las Vegas (June 20-22, 2015), and Florida (November 9-10,2014).
“International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conferences are the premier spa and wellness events in the country. Taking place in New York, Las Vegas, and Florida, IECSC offers leading education and dynamic show floors. Spa and wellness professionals rely on IECSC for insightful guidance to grow their businesses and keep them at the forefront of their competitive industry.” IECS
International Beauty Show
The International Beauty Show (IBS) is hosted annually in New York. It is the longest running professionals-only trade show in the U.S. Next year’s show will take place March 8-10, 2015.
“IBS New York offers beauty professionals access to over 500 exhibitors who provide discounts and special show pricing on thousands of tools and products, unbelievable educational classes, and amazing networking!
Gain access to industry gurus from around the globe at one of the more than 100 hair, nail, makeup and business classes offered at the event with top industry educators from around the globe… FREE with admission. Watch industry legends perform on the Main Stage, or take it up a notch and attend an amazing “Hands-On Workshop” or “Master Class”. Student Day is Tuesday, March 11.” IBS
PHAMExpo
Next year the Professional Hair and Makeup Expo (PHAMexpo) will be held for the third time (June 27-28, 2015) in Los Angeles.
“PHAMExpo is the ultimate event for savvy beauty professionals, students, and anyone interested in the latest trends for hair and makeup. With leading brands, the latest products, and the hottest new treatments under one roof, PHAMExpo is the best place to brush up on all things beauty.
By bringing together the best products and biggest artists in the industry, PHAMExpo will energize, inform, and inspire attendees. This two-day event is jam-packed with an impressive line-up of local and national makeup artists and stylists, cutting-edge technology, and up-and-coming trends.” PHAMExpo
2015 Schedule
January
- 16-18, IMATS, Los Angeles
March
- 8-10, IECS, New York
- 8-10, IBS, New York
- 21-23, America’s Beauty Show, Chicago
- 28-29, The Makeup Show, Los Angeles
April
- 11- 13, IMATS, New York
May
- 3-4, The Makeup Show, New York
June
- 20-22, IECS, Las Vegas
- 27-28, PHAMExpo, Los Angeles
Note: Many trade shows are pro only events while others are open to the public. I did not include any B2B events and I don’t claim that this list is complete. Don’t forget to look out for local events in your city. You are welcome to comment with suggestions and/or personal experiences!