New York International Beauty Show

The electrifying energy of the beauty industry comes alive each year at the New York International Beauty Show.

Stylists work their magic at the show.

While a trade show doesn't exactly sound like a roaring party, the New York International Beauty Show (IBS New York) reads like a who's who of beauty industry bigwigs. That, in essence, makes it one of the biggest beauty events of the year. It attracts buyers in several segments of the beauty industry, including the following:

• Colorists
• Cosmetologists
• Distributors
• Estheticians
• Instructors/Students
• Makeup Artists
• Massage Therapists
• Nail Technicians
• Salon Owners/Managers
• Skin Care Specialists
• Spa Owners/Managers
• Stylists

Additionally, IBS New York features educational courses that are free with paid admission to the show. The courses focus on hair, nails and salon and spa businesses. The MainStage portion of the show puts the spotlight on established guest artists, who offer hands-on teaching sessions for participants.

Held annually in New York City, the show is open only to beauty industry professionals. Those who participate benefit from the promotional efforts of the show's marketing campaign, including direct mail (flyers, postcards, brochures and newsletters), vertical marketing to industry-specific fields; monthly magazine advertisements and previews in national and international publications, Internet and e-mail coverage, and press releases. The show also receives widespread press coverage, most recently featured on FOX and CBS.

Attendees must provide proof of eligibility, either in the form of a valid license or other beauty-related credential. People under the age of 15 are refused entry into the show.

One of the highlights of the New York International Beauty Show is the MainStage. Some of the biggest names in the industry have the opportunity to show off their talents here, offering demonstrations of their artistic, runway-worthy looks. "Performers" on the MainStage at the 2007 IBS New York included:

• Nick Arrojo: Celebrity hair stylist
• Nicholas French: Hair designer and platform artist
• Mark Garrison: Hair stylist and beauty expert
• Patrick McIvor: Master colorist for Redken
• Charlie Price: Dallas hair dresser

Each year, the show attracts a lengthy list of exhibitors. The 2007 show featured a wide variety of renowned attendees, including:

• American Laser Centers: Hair removal, skin rejuvenation and cellulite therapy services
• Body Drench: Extensive tanning and body care collection
• China Glaze: Professional nail color
• Creative Nail Design: Professional hand and foot beauty products
• Dreamcatchers by Paris Hilton: 100% unprocessed European hair extensions
• Helen of Troy: Electrical and non-electrical personal care products, including hair appliances, massage cushions, footbaths, body massagers and body powder
• MAC Cosmetics: Makeup, skin and nail care products
• OPI: Nail products for salon professionals and consumers
• Rusk: Hair care products, chemical services and engineering tools
• Seche: Manicure and pedicure products and spa treatments
• TIGI: Cosmetics, hair and body care products and accessories
• Tweezerman: Beauty tools for personal grooming

IBS New York may well be considered as much a social event as an industry networking opportunity. The floor of the venue is filled with individual professionals seeking information on the newest and most innovative products, as well as companies hawking their wares and offering new collections at discounted rates.

Exhibitors use the show as a chance to put the spotlight on upcoming – and often revolutionary – products. Examples of such innovation include a digitally-enhanced flat hair iron, a slimming corset designed to peel the pounds off in just a few days and a selection of green tea and fruit-flavored extracts offering plenty of health benefits.

If you're fortunate enough to be an accredited beauty industry professional, you'll have no problem gaining admittance to the show. The next one takes place from April 27-29, 2008, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. IBS New York recommends joining the official mailing list in order to receive the most up-to-date information on the upcoming event.

• Fall Makeup Ideas
• Animal Face Painting
• Bad Makeup Pictures
• What Is Your Makeup Style
• Sexy Eye Makeup Quiz

• Eye Makeup Pictures
• How to Apply Eye Makeup
• Eye Makeup Ideas
• Free Makeup Samples
• Eye Makeup Tips

• Linda Mason, Makeup Artist
• Jobs in the Beauty Industry
• Beauty Supply Catalog
• Category:Beauty Careers
• Beauty Contests