The International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) Midwest show took place Nov. 4-5. Produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), ISSE Midwest featured an array of education; including continuing education (CE) classes, nail competitions, and artistic presentations from some of the industry's biggest stars and top beauty brands exhibiting with the latest tools and products. With an increase in total exhibitor square footage from its initial launch in March 2011, ISSE Midwest 2012 experienced an increase in attendance at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Attendees were eager to buy from exhibiting brands such as Andis, BaByliss Pro, CND, Olivia Garden, OPI, P&G Salon Professional, RUSK, Satin Smooth, Scruples, STX, Surface Hair, TIGI, and more. "The industry asked for a professionally focused total beauty event for the Fall/Holiday season and ISSE Midwest successfully delivered on that request," says Steve Sleeper, executive director of the PBA. "We thank all those beauty professionals who attended and look forward to an even better show in 2014."
ISSE Midwest 2012 Highlights:
- Education: An array of education classes in hair, nails, skin, and business were presented by notable beauty professionals and companies, including: Charlie Price, Chuck Caple, Faatemah Ampey, Derek J, Geno Stampora, Martin Parsons, Lydia Sarfati/Repêchage, Mikal Clay, Millie Haynam, and more. For those in need of continuing education (CE) credits, ISSE Midwest offered an assortment of more than 60 classes to choose from. In addition, the show featured hands-on hair and nail classes and CIDESCO Section USA skin classes.
- Nail Competitions for Students and Licensed Professionals: With cash, prizes, and prestige on the line, ISSE Midwest partnered with NailPro to offer nail competitions for students and professionals. Winners included: Kazuko Tomiyama (novice) and Marina Lopresto (veteran), Hand Painted Nail Art; Azumi Kanene (non-divisional), Soak Off Gel Manicure; Classic Mully (novice) and Marina Lopresto (veteran), French Twist - One Hand; Classic Mully (novice) and Noriko Tomura (veteran), Tip & Overlay; and Classic Mully (novice) and Noriko Tomura (veteran) Salon Success.
- Top Industry Stars Presenting on Two Main Stages: International platform artists, educators, and some amazing artistic presentations were held on ISSE Midwest's two main stages. Some of the many featured artists included: Derek J, DJ Riggs & Berry Bachen, Farouk, FI Hair Gear, J's Hair Studio & Academy, Kris Sorbie, Martin Parsons, RUSK, The Teals & Steve Elias, and more.
- Industry Gives Back to Support PBA Disaster Relief Fund and CUT IT OUT: Following the recent tragedies of Hurricane Sandy and the devastation it caused, ISSE Midwest attendees gave generously to the PBA Disaster Relief Fund, which helps fellow beauty professionals affected by natural disasters recover their lives, careers, and businesses. In addition, attendees were asked to support CUT IT OUT, PBA's charitable outreach campaign to raise awareness and help put an end to domestic violence. Domestic violence was the root cause in the recent salon shootings in Milwaukee and Clearwater, FL, as well as the shooting a year ago in Seal Beach, CA. Great Clips, which recently sponsored CUT IT OUT with a $100,000 donation, was actively involved at ISSE Midwest selling pins to help raise additional funds.
ISSE Midwest and ISSE Long Beach (Jan. 26-28, 2013) are open to licensed professionals, students, and professionals only. All attendees are required to show proof of license and photo identification before entering. PBA strictly enforces credential checks to ensure only beauty professionals are admitted. ISSE Midwest 2013 will be held November 3 - 4, 2013.