An Exclusive Q&A With The IECSC New York Show Director

IECSC NY has been re-scheduled amid COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concerns, and will now take place August 1 to 3. Registration will re-open in early April. To give us a sense of the event, we spoke with show director Kathy Gruttadauria, who has been running the event for over 13 years.

031019 IECSC 2[IECSC NY 2019]What is IECSC NY?
The International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference (IECSC) is the perfect place for qualified industry professionals looking to meet and do business with top spa, beauty and wellness companies. Our audience is huge: we invite estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists, nail technicians, spa owners and more to network at one of the largest beauty expos in the country.

Why do buyers and exhibitors choose IECSC NY over other leading spa expos?
With IECSC’s long and successful run (over 30 years) and ever-changing business atmosphere, our exhibitors and attendees trust IECSC to deliver quality events time and time again. We not only connect leading buyers and suppliers, but also put on Advanced Education Workshops and host leading speakers in the beauty industry. Attendees connect with other spa professionals, exchange knowledge and apply that education to the work they do every day.

What are exhibitors looking to gain from attending the event?
Exhibitors are looking for personal and professional growth, along with exceptional networking. Everyone is different: we target estheticians looking to create the ultimate luxury experience, makeup artists discovering the latest trends, wellness practitioners looking for holistic solutions and students eager to learn – just to name a few. With 300-plus exhibitors, free product-focused education, a lineup of impressive speakers and targeted learning tracks, there is a lot to discover at IECSC NY.

What are some of the educational opportunities offered at IECSC NY?
IECSC New York offers a variety of educational topics and formats to meet attendee needs including:

  • Targeted learning tracks addressing key categories of business management, social media and marketing, esthetics, medical spa and wellness
  • In-depth multi-hour advanced education workshops, seminars and makeup workshops
  • CIDESCO USA Education offering continuing education hours
  • Product-focused education presented by exhibitors

How can exhibitors get the most out of IECSC NY?
Besides very attractive sponsorship opportunities, exhibitors can fill out the exhibitor profile on www.iecsc.com, take advantage of our complimentary marketing (also on website) and just get out there and glow! We also have a variety of industry influencers at the event, such as the Spa Industry Association, Lipgloss and Aftershave, The Skin Games and more! Please check out the exhibitor list for more details and connect with them.

How does IECSC NY differ from other locations?
New York is a mecca for the high-end spas and owners – and, well, it’s NYC, a cultural capital of the world! And not only will you be able to attend IECSC NY, but also The Beauty Experience, right next door, where you’ll find more buyers and suppliers. Even more exciting, those who register for The Beauty Experience NY get to go to IECSC NY for free. It’s two shows for the price of one. Buyers and exhibitors should also check out The Beauty Experience media site. There, they can keep track of the latest beauty industry news and discover how beauty professionals are innovating each day. Just search for the companies you’re looking for, or a hashtag, and find all the relevant content.

031019 IECSC 1[IECSC NY 2019]Are there any “hidden gems” at IECSC NY?
In my opinion, the show, education and atmosphere are all gems. IECSC NY is one of the largest spa expos in the country, and it’s right next to the Beauty Experience: a brand-new concept. Two shows for the price of one? It’s hard to find a better deal.

What are some of your favorite exhibitor success stories?
Lightstim and Image Skincare immediately come to mind. When I first started working with them, they were both startups. Now, they are internationally known. I really admire their products and staff.  Companies that attend our event tend to be up-and-comers, and it’s always a joy to see them grow.

Ultimately, what do exhibitors love most about IECSC?
Exhibitors love that we work with them as partners towards a mutually successful event. We always have our clients’ best interests in mind – hand-picking buyers and sellers to attend IECSC NY – and so everyone leaves with something they’ve gained, whether it’s a new client or a makeup-tip or a new friend. The possibilities are endless!

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IECSC NY 2020 will take place August 1 to 3 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Registration will re-open in early April.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive content and show coverage. For more information, please reach out to Kathy Gruttadauria at [email protected].

Also, be sure to check out our other hosted buyer events. At SPATEC North America, America’s leading spa operators of leading medium-to-large hotel resort, destination, athletic, medical and day spas meet in a series of one-on-one meeting with key leading domestic and international suppliers, over two dedicated business days. Find out more by visiting https://www.spatecna.com/

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