Having recently held a busy three-day event, Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) have reported amazing attendance and participation at this year’s event, indicating that the beauty industry is resilient and poised for renewed growth.
Serving as a powerful stage for both attendees and exhibitors, the event allowed both to connect, experience new products and conduct significant business meetings. Encompassing all sectors of the industry under one venue, CPNA remains the single most important forum for the beauty industry in the United States.
The event, which was held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center from July 31st – August 2nd, brought over 760 exhibiting companies to a sold out show floor along with almost 25,000 quality attendees that included importers, distributors, manufactures, and global beauty leaders all under one roof. As in years past, CPNA attracted many new and innovative brands in addition to industry leaders.
Top trade publications from across the globe with several consumer media outlets joined leading beauty industry professionals at CPNA to seek out the newest emerging trends. CPNA also saw the continued presence of online media, which is still going strong and growing with over 100 bloggers reporting live from the event.
Staying connected during the event this year was made easier by utilizing “Foursquare.” Attendees and exhibitors shared where they were on the floor and took advantage of show specials through their phones or hand-held devices. Attendees also gained quick access to the show map and located products based on category, courtesy of chirpe.com/cosmoprof2011 (interactive smart phone map feature). Whilst a previously used tool, One-2-One Beauty Matchmaking software, facilitated introductions between manufacturers and distributors.
Through close-knit collaborations with countries seeking to expand their beauty trade presence, CPNA dedicated special sections on the show floor to distinct International Country Pavilions. Country Pavilions allow small- and medium-sized companies from select markets to participate in the event with the objective of obtaining direct “face time” with distributors and retailers to secure U.S. distribution.
The International Buyer Program, a CPNA exclusive, sponsored once again by UNIPRO, continued to unite buyers and sellers around the world. Beauty and cosmetic companies showcased their products and were offered the opportunity to have pre-scheduled appointments with a group of selected importers and distributors. Overall, 560 meetings were held involving more than 200 exhibiting companies and 134 qualified international buyers, including Australian.
The Discover Beauty Award also returned this year with 17 brands participating. These brands were judged on creativity, innovation and market readiness. The 2011 Discover Beauty Award winner is Snowberry, a natural anti-aging skin care line, from New Zealand.
Special education seminars were filled to capacity with more than 1,100 attendees in total. Businesses and industry leaders from multiple sectors of the industry participated to share their knowledge and insights. Every year CPNA brings industry leaders to the forefront to share innovative ideas and experiences that will help the beauty industry better understand the dynamics and market trends, present and future.
Cosmoprof North America 2012 will take place July 22-24 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more information on exhibiting or attending, please visit www.cosmoprofnorthamerica.com or call 800-557-3356.