NOT ONLY IS THE International SalonSpa Business Network Conference known for its lineup of impressive speakers and innovative panel session, it’s building a reputation as one of the best networking opportunities in the industry.

“There is no question that our membership and attendees at our conference each year are some of the most successful multi-unit salon and spa operators in North America, and the amazing thing is how everyone is so open and willing to share their secrets of success,” says Gordon Logan, ISBN president and founder of SportClips.

This year’s power networking occurs April 15-17 at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The conference kicks off with a special session, “The 2 to 10 Project: Financial Performance & Practices for Salons with 2 to 10 Locations.” Hosted by Qnity’s Tom Kuhn, the session promises valuable, objective benchmarking and other relevant information to benefit salons hoping to grow their operations.

This year’s keynote speakers include Marketing Master Peter Shankman and Economist Alan Beaulieu. Shankman will provide timely and pro table insight on how to create an amazing client experience and how to get a salon’s clients to do your PR for them. (For more on Shankman, see One to One on page 28.) Economist Alan Beaulieu will show attendees how to interpret economic indicators so they can develop action plans in time to implement them before shifts occur.

In breakout sessions, Eurisko’s Dr. Leon Alexander will shed light on how customers think, act and buy; and the Social Media Club’s Serena Ehrlich will guide salons on building and managing their social media/online reputations. In the “State of the Industry” panel, hosted by MODERN SALON Media, industry leaders will focus on the forces shaping the future of the professional salon and spa industry. And, the “Trends in Products and Services” panel will review trends, and offer predictions on what will be the next biggest thing in the industry.

On April 16, ISBN will present its Legend Award to Farouk Shami, who came to the U.S. with $71 and through determination built Farouk Systems, the multi-national corporation that manufactures brands, such as BioSilk and CHI.

Says Gordon of the conference, “As salon owners, we all share the same goals—creating wonderful career opportunities for our teams and helping our clients look and feel their best with professional salon and spa services and products.”