Just when I thought not working couldn't get any better than sleeping in and going out for brunch like a lady who leisures, my time off aligned perfectly so that I could attend a pre-expo event for this year's Sydney International Spa and Beauty Expo.
The event was held at FiftyFour Park St Health Club & Day Spa in the Sydney CBD and showcased some of the speakers and industry professionals who will be featured at the expo on the 11th and 12th of August.
Firstly, can I start by gushing over the luxurious Fifty Four Park St? What a hidden gem in the middle of the city? The spa is on three levels and features every kind of massage and facial you can imagine, there is a nail and beauty treatment area, a room for exercise classes, a gym area, and the most magnificent indoor pool I've seen up close! This is definitely a place to be pampered and I think I'll have to visit Fifty Four Park St again some time soon!
When we went downstairs, we were treated to macarons, cupcakes, and champagne – I could get used to this – before the Expo Event Director, Julie Erben started proceedings and gave us the history of the expo and what to expect this year. It's going to be a great weekend, with over 10,000 industry professionals expected to attend. If you love beauty or are involved in the industry at all, this is the event to check out!
Mia Cassin, Media Manager of True Solutions, spoke after Julie as a representative of the exhibitors and made particular mention to the movements in the beauty industry over the past few years and how consumers have become the driving force of all things beauty in difficult economic times.
Melinda O'Rourke, Director of MO Luxury concluded the information portion of the event, discussing the business summit that is taking place at the expo. Melinda's brief mention of the importance of differentiating your business, customer service, and a strong online presence were enough to make me think that the business summit would be a valuable event to attend for anyone involved in business.
After the speeches commenced, we were treated to some demonstrations from some other contributors to the expo. Senior Makeup Artist for Becca Cosmetics, Megan Armfield provided makeup touch ups and some very valuable tips to everyone she spoke to. I learned so much from just standing near by listening in, and when it was my turn, she shared some excellent knowledge for my specific skin with me. I haven't tried Becca before but after seeing my skin, I will definitely have to!
Brow artist Jass Sampling gave some tips on eye brow maintenance and Nail Competition Coordinator, Tracey Boyle, showed some examples of gel nail polish.
The lovely ladies at FiftyFour Park St also indulged us with arm massages and manicures. I chose an OPI colour from the new Holland collection, Wooden Shoe Like To Know. A very different hue from what I would usually choose, but that's the point of trying out new things!
If the Spa and Beauty Expo is anything like the preview yesteday, it will be a must-see event! The expo will take place at the Sydney Convention Center and run over two days on the 11th and 12th of August. For more information and a guide of the event, check out the Sydney International Spa and Beauty Expo website or head to their Facebook page.
Let me know if you're going and hopefully I'll see you there!
