Attending your first International Congress of Esthetics & Spa (ICES) show is an exhilarating milestone. For many estheticians, this event becomes a defining moment in their careers, sparking inspiration, expanding their knowledge, and introducing them to an entire community of like-minded professionals. Your first ICES experience has the power to ignite momentum that lasts long after the weekend ends. With the right preparation and mindset, it becomes a transformative step toward elevating your craft, your business, and your confidence.
Preparing Before You Arrive
The most successful ICES weekends begin with intention. Reviewing the education schedule ahead of time allows you to identify the classes that align with your goals. Because ICES offers everything from holistic modalities to advanced corrective treatments to high-level business education, organizing your priorities ensures the weekend feels purposeful instead of overwhelming. Some attendees come with the goal of adding a new modality to their menu, while others want deeper product knowledge, mentorship, or inspiration. Clarifying what you hope to gain shapes your entire experience.
Packing for a Seamless Weekend
Your experience at ICES is shaped by how prepared and comfortable you feel throughout the event. Bringing a notebook or digital tablet helps you capture the countless insights you’ll gather during classes and demonstrations. Comfortable shoes are essential because you will be walking and standing far more than expected. A portable charger keeps your phone ready for photos, videos, networking, and notes throughout the day. Water, snacks, and a small crossbody bag or backpack make the long days smoother and more enjoyable. Finally, bringing business cards or a digital business card app helps you exchange contacts effortlessly with the many professionals you’ll meet.
Making the Most of Your Classes
Education is at the heart of ICES, and attending classes is often the most enriching part of the show. There is something energizing about learning directly from respected educators who have spent years perfecting their techniques. Sitting in a room filled with estheticians who share your passion creates a unique sense of community. Whether the class focuses on advanced ingredients, hands-on lymphatic techniques, device-based corrective treatments, or business growth, each session is filled with knowledge you can immediately apply. Arrive early, sit close to the front, ask questions when invited, and take notes that help you capture both the technical steps and the educator’s philosophy. These lessons often become the foundation for new services, better communication with clients, and more refined treatment results.
Budgeting for Show Specials
One of the most exciting aspects of attending a tradeshow is taking advantage of exclusive specials. ICES is known for its vendor discounts, device promotions, and product packages available only during the show. Many estheticians plan their major purchases around ICES because it allows them to invest in their businesses while saving significantly. Before attending, it helps to set a realistic budget so you can thoughtfully explore backbar upgrades, new devices, or product lines you want to introduce into your treatment room. Comparing brands side-by-side and speaking directly to representatives gives you the clarity needed to make confident purchasing decisions.
Building Strong Industry Connections
Networking at ICES is one of the most powerful and underestimated aspects of the event. You will encounter brand founders, educators, device innovators, spa directors, and estheticians from across the country. These conversations often lead to mentorship opportunities, future collaborations, deeper brand partnerships, and friendships that last for years. Approach people with curiosity and openness. Ask about their specialties, their experiences with certain modalities, or what products they feel passionate about. Being willing to connect enriches your experience and expands your community.
A Sample Itinerary for First-Time Attendees
Imagine arriving on Day One with your schedule ready. You begin with two education sessions aligned with your goals, followed by time exploring the show floor, watching device demonstrations, and speaking with brand representatives. That evening, you review your notes and map out which booths you want to revisit. On Day Two, you return to the brands that impressed you most, ask more specific questions, make strategic purchases, and continue learning through classes or hands-on demos. By the time you leave, you have new skills, new products, new connections, and a renewed sense of clarity and excitement for your esthetic career.
Your first ICES show is more than an event. It is an investment in your growth, a doorway to new opportunities, and a reminder of why you chose this path in the first place. You will leave with expanded knowledge, strengthened confidence, and a deeper connection to your craft and the industry you love.
