With more than 350 salon professionals in attendance, the 11th Annual Southwest Expo hosted by Heartland Tanning Inc. was a huge success.
Heartland’s Ft. Worth Expo was all about education and fun, starting from its very first day. “The event kicked off Friday morning with salon operator certification, and basic and advanced sunless spray tanning certification from Norvell Skin Solutions, which was very popular with our attendees,” says Jeremy Bleeker, Heartland national sales manager-distribution. “At night, we invited everyone to blow off a little steam with a welcome/cocktail reception sponsored by Devoted Creations. The event had a casino theme, which allowed attendees to gamble for ‘money’ they could use for discounts on Heartland Tanning purchases.”
Saturday’s schedule featured presentations by the sponsoring manufacturers, as well as a panel discussion – a first for Heartland’s Texas show. The format allowed attendees to ask questions of six tanning industry professionals – Steve Bovee (Pacific Tan), Katie Carr (New Sunshine LLC), Greg Henson (Heartland Tanning Inc.), Joe Levy (Smart Tan), Rick Norvell (Norvell Skin Solutions) and Steve Underhill (SNU Consulting). “The attendees asked many great questions,” Bleeker shares. “Many wanted to know more about the Tan Tax, and there were lots of questions about sales and marketing. Another highlight we’re very excited about was that Gene Czako of Light Sources getting 17 attendees to become members of the Indoor Tanning Association!”
Judging from the positive reactions from Expo attendees, Bleeker and the rest of Team Heartland feel positive about the upcoming season. “It seems as though everyone was excited about 2011 and looking forward to doing business and enjoying their success,” he affirms. “It was great to be able to provide them with an event that added to their motivation for another year in indoor tanning. We’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”
Heartland's next events are slated for Jan. 14-15, 2011 in Atlanta and Feb. 4-5 in Kansas City, Mo. Visit Heartland's website for more info.
