Aesthetics International Association (AIA) traveled to the east coast last month to exhibit at the International Congress of Esthetics & Spa (ICES) in Philadelphia, Pa. AIA has been an advocate and supporter of ICES for almost two decades because it is one of the best places for skin care professionals to network, expand their knowledge, and obtain new training and education that can be shared with clients. The ICES tradeshows are a great place for professionals to surround themselves with others who share their same interests and passions. Every person that attends an industry tradeshow takes away something different than the next. While I was at the tradeshow, I could feel the buzz of excitement from the attendees. AIA met with dozens of current and future skin care professionals, all of whom were more than willing to share their own story of how and why they chose this nurturing, feel-good, look-good profession. It was wonderful to hear and see so much enthusiasm. I watched attendees visit each booth, eager to learn about the latest procedure, sample the various products available, and check out the wide array of equipment. I overheard one attendee talking on the phone, explaining in great detail about all of the things that she had seen and tried so far and talking about how she could not wait to get back out on the floor. She also referenced a portable spray tanning booth that she had to have in her spa. This attendee had already done the math and concluded that by adding this one service to her menu, she was going to increase her monthly revenue by 10 percent. Her enthusiasm was infectious; I loved it!AIA will also be at the ICES tradeshows in Long Beach, Calif. on September 11th and 12th, 2016 and Miami, Fla. on November 6th and 7th, 2016. This year, the show in Miami will be held at the Hyatt Regency and the James L. Knight Center.Take full advantage of the ICES tradeshows! You never know what you are going to see, hear, and learn. I would love to hear about your favorite part of a tradeshow. Send your thoughts to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Melissa LawrenceMembership DirectorWant to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.