Jessica Turner At SPA+CLINIC, we understand first-hand how valuable attending trade shows can be for business owners and operators, particularly in the digital age.
Without a doubt, social media is having a far-reaching effect on the aesthetics industry – applications like Facebook and Instagram are the “go-to” for professionals hungry to know about global trends, and are of course, a viable hub for networking.
But after attending Melbourne Beauty Expo last month, the merits of real-life interaction with peers, experts and suppliers is palpable.
Indeed, when it comes to grasping ideas, putting faces to names and truly exploring the latest fashions, we feel the pay-off of fronting up to industry gatherings gives you an all-important edge over your competitors.
And considering the latest beauty movements, how fantastic would it be to fly by an expo hosted by China, the country boasting the largest consumer market in the world?
As it happens, the 2017 China International Beauty Expo will take place May 6-8 at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, where there will be a strong focus on Australian product innovations and our unique array of natural, home-grown ingredients.
So, if you’re travelling East during May (or are inclined to book a last minute trip!), this trade show could be an excellent way to mix business with leisure. But for those planted on home turf here’s a taste of what’s happening.
1) China-Australia Beauty and Wellness Trade Summit
This is CIBE’s answer to the 35% increase in natural cosmetic demand in China.
Esteemed guests visiting from Australia will talk about our extensive array of raw materials that fulfill the supply chain gaps in the Chinese green beauty supply chain.
A number of influential speakers will cover critical topics ranging from FDA licensing and trading regulations in China to innovation and sustainability awareness.
It is a prime networking opportunity for all attendees and a chance to absorb the latest developments in this important growth market.
2) Beauty Mask Conference
In China, face masks are the fastest growing beauty category, so competition among local manufacturers is fierce.
The alarmingly high turnover rate in terms of beauty brands who produce face masks is therefore not surprising, because, due to the oversaturated market, they tend to come and go.
Speakers at conference will speak directly to beauty mask brands looking to secure loyal customers and survive long term.
They will attempt to unveil the differences between true product innovation and gimmicky features that do little in terms of hydration and lifting.
3) Gua Sha World Record Setting Spectacle
Many east Asian cultures are applauded for their holistic approach when it comes to aesthetics.
And from acupuncture to cupping, eastern healing therapies have taken flight in western culture too.
Gua Sha is a lesser known age-old Chinese healing technique dating back to the Ming Dynasty. It involves “scraping” the skin using a smooth edged jade “comb” to lightly bruise the skin in a way that’s thought to create an anti-inflammatory response in the body.
The practice has been dubbed the “Eastern facelift” because when the face is massaged using the technique, it promotes lymphatic drainage, blood circulation and detoxification.
For the delight of spectators, China International Beauty Expo has invited 1000 Gua Sha practitioners from across the country to perform on live models and win awards for excellence.
4) Beauty Influencer Live Stream Competition
Similar to the way Australian social media influencers are reshaping consumer habits, organisers of China International Beauty Expo are celebrating their local beauty bloggers and holding a live-streaming competition.
A number of influencers (all with 100K followers or more) have been invited to live film and share highlights of the event on their social channels.
Points will be awarded to the most disruptive ideas and creative direction.
5) Speed walk and scavenger hunt
No ordinary trade show, a marathon/scavenger hunt hybrid will take place in the middle of the event in an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of speed walking!
Event organisers have engaged a team of 100 beauty influencers and high profile fitness people to take a special trekking route across the grounds of the expo, collecting prizes along the way and streaming their journey live for their online audiences.
