IMATS NYC 2015
The
Preparation!!!
It's here again for the in
NYC - IMATS 2015!!
Exciting!!!!
WHERE: Pier 94 @ 55th Street and the
West Side Highway in NYC
(Chelsea Piers)
WHEN: Friday (Pro-Card Event) 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday (General Admission) 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Sunday
(General Admission) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Before IMATS, there were no trade shows specifically designed for make-up artists, although cosmetic companies had expressed a desire for such an event. In response, Emmy Award-winning make-up artist and Make-Up Artist magazine publisher Michael Key held the first IMATS in August 1997 in Los Angeles. It allowed artists to customize what they wanted to see and it offered a diverse mix of products, demonstrations and education from industry leaders.
IMATS expanded to Europe in 2002, with the debut of IMATS London. Continuing this commitment to artists around the world, Make-Up Artist magazine acquired the Canadian Makeup Show in 2009 and launched IMATS Toronto. That same year IMATS Sydney launched, and in 2010, IMATS Vancouver, British Columbia debuted (which was previously part of CMS).
Like Make-Up Artist magazine, IMATS continues to educate and connect make-up artists from around the world. The show is held six times annually—in Los Angeles; New York; London; Vancouver, B.C.; Sydney; and Toronto.
*******************
I am
not an expert on makeup shows but I can share a little insight on what to
expect and how to prepare for the big day(s).
What should you EXPECT?
Crowds, long lines and lots of
waiting. Pack your patience...it will be a long day for sure. Get there as
early as possible to get the most out of the show. Be early for any
shows/classes/demos you may be interested in seeing because they will fill up
fast.
Expect the unexpected. Many
companies debut new products at these shows. The products may not be available
to the mass market for months and you will be able to take advantage of the
preview.
Do your RESEARCH beforehand
Make sure to check the IMATS - NYC Website for a complete
list of exhibitors and classes/events that are scheduled
for the show. Most of the exhibitors have website which are linked through the
IMATS exhibitor list. Do the research and check out any companies that peak
your interest. Remember that some of these companies are new and relatively
unknown but may have great products available.
Create a LIST/PLAN
The best advice I can give you is
to create a LIST and take with you. Your list should include
■
The companies you want to browse
■
The specific products you want to check
out
■ The shows/demos/classes to want to attend
Study the FLOOR PLAN
Grab a copy of the Floor Plan from the IMATS
website and highlight the booths that you are interested in visiting. This will
help to minimize the time spent walking around in circles or searching for a
specific booth or company.
Be prepared to pay CASH
Cash will be the preferred form of
payment at these types of events. I know not all of us are comfortable carrying
cash around, especially a lot of it, but be prepared to pay in cash for your
purchases. Many of the smaller booths may not have a system to process
credit/debit card purchases so cash will be the only available way to
purchase items. Also, the credit/debit card systems can crash and leave you
with a list of wants but no way to pay.
Besides, having cash will
definitely keep you on budget since once it's gone it's gone!
But be sure that most vendors will still accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
But be sure that most vendors will still accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
Will DISCOUNTS be offered at the booths?
Discounts are offered at the
discretion of each exhibitor. Discounts are not guaranteed and may not be
offered so do not be disappointed. Many of the smaller 'indy' companies may not
offer a discount but may offer great deals and bargains. The larger companies
may only offer discounts to PRO members. But overall, there will be great buys
available for you to take advantage of. Bear all this in mind when considering
what to purchase.
What COMPANIES should you see?
I know you all want to know which
companies to check out from the current Exhibitor List and I want to say that
this is subjective. It will depend on what you are interested in. I would
advise that you check out companies that are not easily accessible to you first
off and grab products that are hard to find. Then check out the well-known
companies for products you need to stock up on or products you just always
wanted to try.
My Suggestions:
Make Up For Ever – Make Up For Ever debuted great
eyeshadows last year that are a must have in my book. Not to mention the new
primer line up and highlighter/bronzer duos that is sure to be a hit. Also,
there are awesome holy grail products – foundations, concealers, powders –
available so be sure to stock up on your faves!
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Hello awesome! Anastasia
Beverly Hills is known for great brow products, their contour powders and
creams, new eyeshadows and now their lip products. Great time to check the
products out in person if you haven’t been able to see them in person before.
Hakuhodo – Great brush line…my favorite in fact! I recommend
checking these out in person (warning you will fall in love) and picking up a
few that suit your fancy.
BeautySoClean – Specializes in products used to
sanitize makeup without altering the texture or formula. Great for makeup pros
and those of us who live for great hygiene.
Sigma Beauty, Sugarpill, Sedona Lace, Morphe Brushes, Dose of
Colors – There are numerous Instagram/Twitter/YouTube famous brands that
are only available online that will be at the show. So now is a great time to check
the products out in person.
Alcone, Graftobian, Zuca – If you are a makeup artist or
aspiring to be one, here is your chance to grab pro-perfect kit items – BeautyBlenders,
spoolies, disposable applicators, spatulas, palettes, etc. at a discounted
price.
Lashes, Lashes and more Lashes – There will be lot
of lashes available – from mink to synthetic. Mink lashes can be very expensive
and a lot of these brands are only available online….so it is your chance to
see these in person and figure out if you want to take the plunge.
Take advantage of the chance to
play around with the products while you can.
I think the BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES: BEAUTY/FANTASY AWARDS SHOW (Saturday) and BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES: CHARACTER/PROSTHETIC AWARDS SHOW (Sunday) will be a great hit so maybe plan on attending that show at 3:15 pm both days.
Watch as the stars of tomorrow face
off in the student make-up competition. Models will present the final make-up
creations of make-up students, who are competing for cash and prizes. This
year’s beauty-category theme is Historical Beauty Trends.
What to TAKE with you?
Enthusiasm, patience, excitement,
your love of makeup...but you probably already knew that. But to be more
practical, here are a few things that are essential:
■
Be sure to bring your e-ticket, a copy of
your receipt and picture ID. General Admission tickets are SOLD
OUT so tickets will NOT be available for sale at the door. Tickets available
for Pro-Card holders.
■
Your pre-written LIST/PLAN and
highlighted FLOOR PLAN.
■
Watch or cell phone to keep track
of the time. You wouldn't want to miss the shows would you? And set alarms for
shows you don't want to miss!
■
Professional documentation if you wish to
sign up for any PRO ONLY programs offer by companies at the show. Typical
documentation includes: Composite Card, Business Card with name and specific
profession, Editorial Page with name credit, Union Card, Professional License,
Diploma/Certificate, Publication Masthead, Program/press Materials with name,
Contract on Production Company Letterhead, Crew/Call List on Prod. Co.
Letterhead, Professional Letter of Reference of Employment.
■
For PROs, remember to carry Business Cards.
This is your time to network so be prepared to hand out many business cards and
receive many in return.
■
A snack and a bottle of water. You
will get hungry and you may even forget to eat lunch. But we need our strength
as we 'oooh' and 'ahhhh' at all the pretty makeup.
■ Wipes. A must-have for me since you will
be getting your hands dirty!
■
Hand
Sanitizer. You will be swatching and touching A LOT of products that others
will have their grubby hands all over…so better safe than sorry….pack some sanitizer.
■
A camera to capture great memories and
experiences, awesome swatches and products, people you meet and just the
overall euphoria of it all. Go ahead and pack a back-up battery is you have one
too!
■
Pack light! You will be carrying around a
lot of products once you start purchasing so make sure your hands are mostly
empty to start with. A big empty (comfy) bag may actually be a
good choice to take with you as well.
■
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for
lots of walking and standing. Also, wear short sleeves to allow for lots of swatching
all over your arms without getting your clothes messy.
■
HAVE
FUN!!!!!
Great post! Unfortunately, I waited too late to buy my ticket again this year. Have fun! Can't wait to see what you pick up.
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