5 mins
Show of STRENGTH
Professional Beauty London returned to ExCeL on April 3–4, bringing professional trade visitors together with some of the biggest brands in the beauty industry. For the first time, PB London was a hybrid event, with an additional online day on April 5
The industry reunited at ExCeL London on April 3–4, and on our online platform on April 5, as Professional Beauty London returned, bringing 15,709 professional trade visitors through the doors for two days of top education, innovation and networking.
Key exhibitors from all sectors of the beauty industry, including, skincare, aesthetic devices, nails, lashes, make-up, spa, tanning and more were on hand to demonstrate their latest innovations and showcase their professional products, with visitors also having access to educational sessions and seminars hosted by leading figures from across the industry.
In-person interaction
Visitors to the show were able to talk directly to some of the beauty suppliers they currently work with, as well as learn more about new brands and build relationships with companies they hadn’t met with before.
Jodi Copeland, owner of Boutique Tanning Lounge in York, says: “I came to have a walk around and see if there’s anything I can get myself involved in, any advice I can get on new products, and if there’s anything I can add to the salon. It’s been an eye-opening day. Yes, you can buy a lot online, but it’s better to talk face to face.”
Kelly Shaw, owner of k:SPA in Hampshire, also shared how beneficial it was to be able to have face-to-face conversations with the beauty brands exhibiting. “When you come to the show, you get to see everything and everyone in person. For me, it’s about how a company deals with me; the relationship I have with a supplier is so important. Even in a show environment, just having those five minutes with somebody, for them to explain and actually look at what they can do for you, makes it a lot easier than just scrolling online.”
Key client connections
For beauty brands exhibiting at the show, the event allowed them to connect with potential clients and educate them on treatments, while sharing their latest products and innovations
Tamara Reid, head of brand at Timely software, says: “Timely has travelled 24 hours to be at PB London, on flights from both New Zealand and Australia. It’s absolutely imperative for our brand to be here and be here in a big way. For us, it is better than Christmas – opening all of our leads, our trials and our activations is like opening a present every time, and, for us, the networking opportunities are second to none; it’s outstanding.”
Dale Needham, managing director of Aesthetic Technology, adds: “It’s good to see everyone back. It’s been beneficial on the brand-awareness and education side.
It’s important for us to ensure our potential customers are informed and have the knowledge they need before purchasing one of our devices, and PB London is the place to do that. We’ll be here again.”
US-based software brand Vagaro chose the show for its launch into the UK market.
Founder and chief executive Fred Helou says: “We have made a lot of good connections. Being able to talk and have a good candid conversation with potential customers is extremely beneficial to us.”
Skills hub
PB London saw the return of top industry names delivering educational sessions and seminars. The stages allowed visitors to access world-class education in all aspects of the industry in one venue.
On the Skin & Advanced Treatments Stage, sponsored by Gelida Medica, sessions included “How to treat signs of ageing on black skin” with Dija Ayodele, and “Rosacea 101: causes, symptoms and treatment” with Kate Kerr.
The Nails & Make-Up Stage, sponsored by Aprés Nail, held a panel with stars of BBC Three’s TV show Glow Up, and the “Learn a Skill” session with leading nail tech Teresa Foddering, with other topics covering make-up in the film and TV industry and how to create nail art using gel-polish.
On the Business Skills: Marketing & Social Media Stage, sponsored by the NHBF, sessions included “How to make great content for TikTok and Reels” with content specialist Keeks Reid and “Three ways to get your business featured in the press” with PR strategist Amanda Fitzgerald.
On the Business Skills: Management & Operations Stage, also sponsored by the NHBF, Sam Marshall and Keri Blue gave insight on how to ensure your beauty business is inclusive to transgender and non-binary clients, and Susan Routledge delivered a talk on “How to get clients loving price increases and long-term rebooking”, with other sessions including how to get returns from your marketing strategy and how to be successful when running home-based and mobile salons.
" WHEN YOU COME
to the show, you get to
SEE EVERYTHING
and every one in person.
The
RELATIONSHIP WITH
a supplier is so
IMPORTANT "
New for 2022, the Organic & Natural stage delved into sustainability, CBD and inner health; the Launch Pad Stage offered exhibitors the chance to showcase their latest treatments; and the Cidesco Stage saw the international standards body host speakers on everything from nano brows to oncology massage.
The show also hosted the World Spa &
Wellness Convention and the International Manufacturers and Distributors Forum (IMF) and Cosmetics Ingredients & Packaging International (CIPI) conferences. VIP visitors were also invited to several champagne receptions at the show, offering networking opportunities and a chance to talk with the Professional Beauty team.
In our Salon Owners Hub, business owners were able to drop in and talk to experts in digital marketing, finance, insurance, and websites to gain advice and ask questions about how to improve their own business skills.
Commenting on the success of the show, managing director of Professional Beauty Group, Mark Moloney, says: “It was good to see so many salon owners and therapists at Professional Beauty London enjoying the beautiful stands, with many visitors commenting on the strong stage education and professional atmosphere.
“Thank you to the 15,709 visitors who came to see a great selection of skincare, equipment and aesthetic brands. Now we are looking forward to next year, as we bring back more nails and tanning companies when the show returns to its usual dates of March 5–6, 2023.”
Professional Beauty London will take place on March 5-6, 2023, at ExCeL London. Register your interest: professionalbeauty.co.uk/london