“Our enviable line-up of shows and programmes makes HBS 2019 a ‘not to be missed’ show” – Sandhya Chipalkatti
“Sandhya Chipalkatti, Managing Director of C&E Media, talks with TFT in a one on one. She shares her thoughts about things related to the third edition of Hair & Beauty Show India 2019.”
TFT – This is the third edition of HBS India? Are you nervous? How well are things shaping up?
SC – Yes this is the 3rd edition of our popular creative show HBS. It has shaped up very well. We have an enviable line-up of renowned artistes and experts in hair, make-up, nails and beauty which is hard to find under one roof. So we are excited, not nervous!
TFT – What is the agenda of organising this exhibition? What objective does it hold?
SC – HBS is not just an exhibition, it is a creative forum. It is a platform for all professionals from the Indian beauty industry to meet, exchange ideas and be inspired! It is an event where the who’s who of the industry come to teach or see latest trends…. in both products and services, as well as in beauty and fashion. And it is a forum where brands can show off their newest products.
The objective of HBS is to educate, inspire and recognise talent. The 2-day event features 20+ shows and seminars by celebrity Indian and international artistes who show latest trends and techniques. We do the only exclusive Anti-Ageing Conference for aestheticians in India which discusses the latest developments and treatments. HBS organises 16 competitions which recognise and reward extraordinary talent and skills of hairstylists, make-up artistes and nail techs. It is truly a show for everyone in the industry!
TFT – How many exhibitors are participating? Are the participants only from India or from other countries as well? What is the exhibitor profile for this show?
SC – As I mentioned earlier, we are not just an exhibition but a creative and educational platform. Numerous brands support our shows and this year you will see around 40 companies showcasing 100’s of brands from hair, make-up, nails, barbering, beauty etc.
Our exhibitor profile covers products, gadgets/tools and services for the professional salon and spa industry.
TFT – Who should visit this exhibition? What are your expectations regarding the footfall?
SC – Brand owners, importers, distributors, academies owners and faculty, salon & spa owners and managers, hairstylists, barbers, MUA’s, nail techs, therapists, aestheticians…. all should attend the show. We expect around 8000-10000 professional visitors this year.
TFT – Can you elaborate for our readers, what topics and issues will be discussed at the Stylespeak Anti-Ageing Conference? Also, what are the Live Shows aimed at?
SC – Organised by our trade magazine StyleSpeak, this conference will focus on top anti-ageing concerns of clients along with some key MUST HAVE anti-ageing treatments on your menu. Illustrious speakers and industry leaders will share their knowledge to help you understand your client needs and how to meet them.
TFT – What is going to be the highlight of this year’s show?
SC – HBS has multiple highlights, not just one! From the world-famous celebrity hairstylists and make-up artists on our HBS LIVE and The Wedding Show stages, to an enviable speaker line-up at the Anti-Ageing Conference…. our visitors are spoiled for choice.
TFT – What do you guarantee to the exhibitors of this show? What is the ROI for the exhibitors of this trade show?
SC – Our partnering brands get enormous visibility to their clients at the show. They have the opportunity to interact face to face with not only the owners of salons and spas who make buying decisions, but also the professionals who actually use their products. This gives them a chance to get direct feedback from the user and also to demonstrate the usage of their product live. This one-on-one interaction is priceless and is the best return on investment you can have.
Besides, they get pre-event and post-event publicity through our trade magazines StyleSpeak and GlamStar which carry complete coverage of the show.
TFT – What do you think is the future of Beauty Industry in India?
SC – The future of the beauty industry is very bright and is growing at 18% p.a. KPMG estimated that the beauty and wellness industry stood at Rs. 80,370 Cr. by the end of 2018. This includes beauty products and the professional salon & spa business. It is estimated that the salon and spa business accounts for approximately 31% of this market.
TFT – Have you received support from any associations?
SC – Yes.
TFT – How much scope is there for budding professionals eager to build their careers in this industry?
SC – The sky is the limit in this industry! Those who are well trained from reputable institutes can go very far.
TFT – What advice would you give on creating or sustaining a trade show?
SC – There are no shortcuts! Know your industry very well. Build your equity in that industry. Offer a value proposition.