As the largest beauty event on America’s west coast, the International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) will once again take over Long Beach, California, January 30 – February 1, 2010. Welcoming not only 400 top quality exhibitors, ISSE will also feature industry leaders such as Karg & Blackwell, Charlie Price, RUSK and Sassoon Academy, along with many global manufacturers, “indie” brands, education opportunities and industry celebrations. ISSE offers an opportunity for beauty professionals and cosmetology students to invest in their careers and for international visitors to see the American marketplace first hand.

One of the show highlights, the International Fashion Theater (IFT), will present inspiring performances by some of the industry’s creative stylists from the US and abroad. This year’s emcee will be NAHA 2009 winner and rising star Faatemah Ampey, who wowed the crowd at NAHA 20.   Faatemah’s passion, energy and larger-than-life personality are the perfect fit to pair with some of the biggest names in the industry.  ISSE 2010 will be no exception with new shows from Clairol Professional, Marcel Munoz, Martin Parsons, and Kim Vo, to name a few.  Nick Arrojo and TIGI will take the IFT stage for the first time and demonstrate their signature techniques.

Also a first, ISSE will host the Legends and Icons Gala, on Saturday, January 30, 2010, 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach Hotel.  Honorees for 2010 are Ann Mincey (Legend), Robert Cromeans (Icon) and Sonya and Christopher Dove (Icons).  The Legends & Icons Gala will be an evening celebrating the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the salon industry and the people who have helped it become what it is today. The Legends and Icons Gala also serves to raise awareness and funds for the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) charitable programs.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the NCA CARES Fund, an umbrella fundraising effort to benefit three important salon community outreach programs. The ticket price for PBA and NCA member is $150, $175 for non-members.  Gala tickets can be purchased online when registering for ISSE or by contacting NCA at 800.468.2274 or www.ncacares.org.

Other ISSE highlights include The Latino Fashion Group Photo Shoot by the Masters, The Latino Fashion Theatre, The Technical Theater, Hands-On Education and Complimentary Education Classes.  Continuing Education credits will again be offered for licensed massage therapists.  ISSE is open to licensed salon/spa professionals and cosmetology students only.

ISSE is produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA).  Visit probeauty.org or call 800-468-2274 or 480 281 0424 to learn more. To purchase tickets online, please visit www.probeauty.org/isse.