Southern Spa & Salon Conference - Beauty at it's Finest

For three consecutive years, the Hickory Metro Convention Center has hosted the Southern Spa and Salon Conference. Sponsoring last year's conference, held November 2 and 3, were two prominent companies in the spa industry: Skin Care Specialty Systems, Inc, and SPA Management: The World's Only Spa Management Journal. Open to the public, the conference attracted more than 40 exhibitors who displayed the latest products from wrinkle reducing vitamins and skin-friendly make-up to stylish spa attire and updated information on the popular skin purifier, microdermabrasion.

The microdermabrasion classes welcomed both recent graduates as well as seasoned estheticians in search of new as well as updated certifications. Topics addressed in conference seminars and classes included infant massage, building your business or brand, hiring staff, making your skin look younger, LED photo therapy, skin care and facial treatments, holiday makeovers, stone therapy and a host of subjects.

During the conference's opening night reception, Salon Millennia staff accepted the 2003 Esthetics International Humanitarian Award in recognition of their contributions to Hickory-area charities. Salon Millennia is a salon and day spa located in downtown Hickory. Every member of the Millennia staff donated money to communities groups. The salon donated its $500 award to the Family Guidance Center.

The Southern Spa and Salon Conference appears headed for a bright future. The show is scheduled to return to the Hickory Metro Convention Center for at least the next three years. The event is open to the public. For more information on the next conference, contact the Hickory Metro Convention Center at 828.322.4924.

If what you are looking for in a spa or salon is tranquillity, SpaDels in Iredell County, Salon/Spa Palazzo in Cleveland County, and Margo Blue in Mecklenburg County are among the foothills' most popular choices for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

by Suzanne T. Jackson