Aesthetics International Association (AIA) is on the road again. That’s right, it is tradeshow season! This time, we were warmly welcomed in sunny California at the International Congress of Esthetics & Spa, Long Beach. AIA has been a supporter of ICES for decades and this trip was exceptional! All weekend, the weather was beautiful, there was a freshness in the air, and passion could be felt buzzing all around.

During General Session, attendees learned treatment techniques and general knowledge from a number of different speakers. Some of the topics that were covered include stretch moves, anti-
aging secrets, the microbiome of the skin, and chemical peel treatment steps. They also discovered new business management tips, the latest medical spa technologies, and the secret of Tibetan massage. As always, the tradeshow offered an amazing lineup of strong, passionate professionals.

The show opened on Sunday morning and hundreds of attendees were waiting for the show to begin. Most of them were devising a plan, reviewing the exhibitor map, and discussing which classes they did not want to miss later that afternoon. As I walked up each aisle throughout the day, I found myself stepping to the side to make room for the overflow of people. It was great to see the attendees filling up their bags with goodies and picking up new products to take back to their spa. The energy that the attendees bring to the tradeshows never ceases to amaze me.

Thank you to everyone that stopped by our booth to visit and discuss aesthetic politics and current laws. Thank you for loving the career path that you have chosen. Until next year, Long Beach. You were wonderful!

Melissa Lawrence
Membership Director