NEW YORK – An array of innovative on-site experiences served as the cornerstone for engagement at this year’s co-located International Beauty Show (IBS New York) and International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conference (IECSC New York), held March 5-7 at New York’s Javits Center.
The shows, both produced by Questex, spanned nearly 100,000 square feet, and drew some 30,000 beauty and wellness professionals for three days of education sessions and workshops, with presentations from industry-leading artists and estheticians. More than 500 brands participated, showcasing new products and services, and offering show-floor discounts.
“2023 marked a new chapter for both IBS and IECSC New York, propelled by the success of our new on–site experiences which were conceived as a way to celebrate and support our attendees,” Elizabeth Fantetti, Event & Partnership Director, Beauty & Spa Group, Questex, said.
One of the new onsite experiences on this year’s IBS New York show floor was the Powerhouse Pavilion, celebrating Black beauty industry entrepreneurs. It featured a gallery, sponsored by Myavana, that offered education panels spotlighting the history of Black entrepreneurs in the industry.
“It means so much as a Black woman. It is changing the game to help give a voice to the unsung and those who have been overlooked for so long. It is motivating to me to use my voice to make change,” Keya Neal, Industry Activist & DEI Strategist, Kolour Kulture, and one of the educators at this year’s show, said.
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The Look & Learn Stage offered beauty demonstrations by renowned artists, while attendees enjoyed cocktails and a chance to network. “We wanted to break the mold of the traditional Main Stage setup from previous years to engage younger attendees with the exhibitors as well as the presenters on the stage, so we went a little off the rails and had some fun with this area,” Fantetti said.
Other areas of engagement included a graffiti wall and selfie area. “We incorporated a funky graffiti wall sponsored by Andis that was kitschy and fun, a cocktail bar for networking with exhibitors and, of course, the stage for presenting the latest trending styles,” Fantetti said. “We even changed the seating and added small couches and soft cubes to the traditional folding chairs. It was very successful.”
The Healthy You Pavilion, located on the IECSC New York show floor, offered attendees the opportunity to “Say Yes to a Healthy You” while experiencing the latest in health and wellness products. Attendees could also stop by the Recharge & Hydrate Lounge for networking.
“This year we introduced the ‘Say Yes to You’ campaign, which turned the focus on our attendees. Those three days at our events were their chance to feel special, learn from top educators in the business and become their best selves,” Fantetti said.
In addition, the IECSC show floor featured the Studio Stage, a demonstration area developed for exhibitors to present the latest products and technologies.
“The feedback from everyone who took part in this year’s New York Shows has been overwhelmingly positive,” Fantetti said. “We can’t wait to build on this success and continue to grow.”
Future shows include IBS Las Vegas and IECSC Las Vegas, taking place June 24-26, 2023, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. IECSC Florida will take place Oct. 15-16, 2023, at the Palm Beach Convention Center.
Reach Elizabeth Fantetti at (212) 895-8487 or efantetti@questex.com; Keya Neal at (843) 324-1966 or info@kolourkulture.com
