Behind the scenes at all the parties, launches and events in the world of beauty and spa

BABTAC CONFERENCE AND AWARDS 2019

CASTLE HOTEL, WINDSOR

For the first time, Babtac ran the Innovative Beauty Conference alongside its annual awards. The new programme featured business topics such as treating cancer patients and improving your social media. PB editor Eve Oxberry and Aesthetic Medicine deputy editor Georgia Seago went along on September 13 to see speakers including salon owner Sam Pearce, business coach Liz McKeon and beauty blogger Caroline Hirons. The conference was opened by QVC host and therapist Alison Young, who also announced the awards winners during the evening event. Winners included Scotland salon group Zen Lifestyle, aesthetic therapist Martine Jarman, and nails entrepreneur Leighton Denny.

UK SPA ASSOCIATION SUMMER NETWORKING EVENT

SOUTH LODGE HOTEL & SPA, SURREY

A host of new initiatives were announced at the UK Spa Association’s networking event on September 14, when almost 200 spa operators and suppliers gathered to talk all things wellness. Eve and Georgia went along to meet with industry pros and share ideas on initiatives such as encouraging more young people to consider spa as a serious career choice and the new trade-only focus for National Spa Week, which takes place in November. Rob Cross of Muru Leadership also spoke at the event on the topic of mindful leadership.

Guests had a chance to look around the new South Lodge Spa, where the event was hosted, and to sample drinks from wellness-focused brands including Pukka teas.

NAVY BREAKFAST EVENT

IVY CHELSEA GARDEN, LONDON

Pro tools brand Navy hosted a breakfast event in Chelsea to celebrate its one-year anniversary and launch its Back to British campaign. The brand, which was created in 2018 by former salon owner Rebecca Crawforth, is based in Yorkshire and works with local suppliers. Session techs including Michelle Class, Metta Francis and Robbie Tompkins were there to support the brand, along with key press and influencers. Guests left with goody bags including Navy products and personalised embroidered tool pouches.

WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

The third annual World Wellness Weekend was celebrated on September 21–22, with some 2,356 hotels, spas and fitness centres in 98 countries around the world taking part. Properties from Fiji to Maui organised free wellness actives such as yoga classes, taster treatments, wellness talks and discounts. World Wellness Weekend saw a huge increase in the number of properties participating this year, up from 656 in 2018.

LINNAEAN LAUNCH PARTY

LINNAEAN LIVING, NINE ELMS, LONDON

London wellness concept Linnaean Living, which recently opened on the riverside in Nine Elms, hosted a launch party in September. Eve went along to meet the team, including consultant Penny Etheridge, who is also managing the salon on an interim basis. The space houses a hair salon, restaurant and bar on the ground floor, while the upstairs is dedicated to beauty and aesthetics with four treatment rooms and high-end mani and pedi stations. It stocks niche brands including Zelens, Orveda, Grown Alchemist and Allies of Skin.

SANDERSONS SPA LAUNCH PARTY

SANDERSONS BOUTIQUE STORE, FOX VALLEY, SHEFFIELD

To celebrate the opening of its new treatment rooms and beauty retail area, department store Sandersons held a launch party with a special appearance from Joanna Lumley. Celeb make-up artist Armand Beasley, who works closely with the store, was also there, along with hundreds of shoppers, who toured the two treatment rooms, lounge and reception area. Featured brands in the new organics retail area include Voya, SKN-RG, Caudalie, Clarins and SoNatural Therapy.