Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1464744
48 ASCP Skin Deep Spring 2022 BEYOND TREATMENT PACK PROPERLY Ah, what to wear. For the show, you want to be comfortable, but that doesn't mean you can't be stylish—I've found that a black-based wardrobe with colorful accessories is the easiest. I've also found that no matter the outdoor temperature, convention halls are freezing. Pack a blazer, sweater, or pashmina. And, no matter how tempting, avoid high heels— except for when you're in a class, you will be on your feet and walking all day. There are plenty of cute flats (or short heels, which is what I prefer) to choose from— just make sure they're broken in (another hard lesson I learned). Finally, pack a few outfits for after- show fun. Something fancy for an evening out (including the high heels), a swimsuit (most hotels have pools), workout clothes (if that's your idea of fun), and casual clothes (if you're in a city that deserves a little sightseeing). LEARN SOMETHING Every trade show includes lots of classes, seminars, and demos, and class schedules are posted online. Most are free, but more advanced classes may charge an additional fee. Read through the schedule and note the interesting ones, including the date, the time, and whether there's an additional fee. CAREFUL WHAT YOU CARRY First, know that whatever you take into the show, you'll be carrying 10 times as much by the end of the day. Take a small clutch for your personal items (money, driver's license, your phone, medications, etc.). Then, put that clutch in a larger tote or backpack (most shows do not allow roller bags on the exhibitor floor). In the tote, you might want to stash a notebook or an iPad, business cards, a water bottle, maybe a few protein bars. Not much more. Between collecting free samples, brochures, product catalogs, and those cash-and-carry deals you can't pass by, you will be weighed down before you know it. DO A LITTLE MEAL PLANNING I'm not big on lugging around a bunch of food. Convention centers have food and drinks available, and you can always leave the show, hit a nearby restaurant, and have a nice lunch. I also like to stop by a grocery store to stock my room with water, some light breakfasts, and midnight snacks. If your room has a refrigerator, this works really well to cut food costs. Finally, if you want to have dinner in a restaurant, make a reservation. Trust me on this. STAY ON TASK If you've never been on a trade show exhibitor floor, it can quickly become overwhelming. Exciting for sure, but a little like Christmas, with every product, device, and gadget you could ever want, all for the taking. New, sparkly things are everywhere. It's easy to get carried away, spend money on things you don't want or need, and end up feeling like you didn't accomplish anything. To avoid losing your mind, start with a budget and a plan. Want to restock products you already offer? Many manufacturers offer a 10 percent discount on the wholesale price (and free shipping) so you can fill out an order form right at the booth and be done. Make a list of the manufacturers you know you want to visit (you'll find exhibitor lists and a floorplan on the show's website) and hit them first. Have specific product lines or devices you want to learn more about? Visit them next. Once you've completed all the tasks on your list, you'll have time to wander and discover new manufacturers and meet new people. CHECK THE SHOW'S COVID RULES Every show has different rules for dealing with COVID, and those rules can frequently change. Face masks and hand sanitizer are always good bets, but one show I attended last year required a negative COVID test within 48 hours before it started. Check the show's website right before you leave and make sure you have what you need to follow protocol. ENJOY! Whichever show (or shows) you decide to attend this year, embrace it all. Stay in the moment, take in the excitement, and know you're going to leave feeling inspired and ready to get back to business. OUR FAVORITE TRADE SHOWS FOR INDIE ESTIES Premiere Orlando June 4–6 premiereorlandoshow.biz ISSE Long Beach June 25–26 probeauty.org IECSC Las Vegas June 25–27 iecsclasvegas.com Face & Body San Jose August 21–22 faceandbody.com