The in-cosmetics Global event opens its doors at the Porte De Versailles Expo in Paris for three days, from April 2nd, next week, showcasing up to 800 international exhibitors and expecting to top the previous attendance record set by the 2016 in-cosmetics Global event in Paris, where 9,688 industry professionals attended.
Paris is always going to attract larger numbers of both exhibitors and visitors, simply because of its location in the heart of London, and the fact that it is clearly the hub for the European, and indeed global industry.
All of this makes an incredibly busy show all the more challenging to navigate, so, bearing this in mind, the Cosmetics Design team thought it a good idea that we went back to basics and shared a few tips about how to make the most of this important event.
First thing is to orientate yourself!
The first thing to do is to orientate yourself. There are three principle reference point, the dedicated website, downloading the app from the app store, which you can do by clicking here from a mobile device (it was not available at the time of publishing), or by picking up the brochure from the event.
Although it might be stating the obvious, a good time-saving idea is to register online and to then take a look at the educational programme and book up any sessions that take your eye. Please click here for the full selection of workshops and presentations.
You might be surprised at the number of people who just only get around to doing this when they get to the event, and end up facing longer lines to pay and get in, as well as the disappointment of finding out preferred presentations are already sold out. But we are not judging. Time is often a luxury.
The event is huge, so get a map
The event space covers nearly 11,000 square metres, so yes, it is vast. Once you have figured out which parts of the educational programme interest you, and when and where you have to be for those presentations, it is then a good idea to build your networking and business opportunities.
To get your bearings you will have to reference the Exhibitor Directory, either online, through the app or by using the catalogue, which will help you identify specific exhibitors in a very short time. You can view the show floor plan by clicking here.
The Reed Exhibitions team have done a lot to make this event increasingly visitor-friendly over the years, and in line with this the exhibitor space has been divided into clear themes designed to help make it as simple as possible to navigate.
Over 140 new exhibitors this year
The exhibitor directory highlights new exhibitors to the show, which this year total 142, together with a Fragrance Zone, a Lab Zone and a Testing & Regulations Zone, together with ten product categories that include hair care, skin care – leave and skin care – wash, as well as toiletries.
Beyond this there are also nine company activity categories, including distributors, manufacturers of raw materials & ingredients, and test & research, while there are 47 different countries represented and dedicated pavilions for nine countries, including UK, France, Brazil, Tunisia and South Korea.
For those that like to roll their sleeves up and get interactive with the latest product formulations, their is also the Make-Up Bars, Sustainability Corner and Boost Your Test areas, which all highlight the latest innovations, while the Formulation Lab allows formulation experts and non-experts alike, the chance to discover the latest lab tricks.
Continuing with the interactive theme, there is also organized R&D Tours, highlighting how the industry is catering to the latest trends, as well as the Indie Trail, which highlights how key players are serving indie beauty brands. To arrange to participate in either of these, please click here.
And if you like to see your fellow industry professionals pitched against one other, why not check out the Formulation Challenge, to discover the best in winning formulas, which is taking place on April 4th, 9am to noon at Lab 2, while the winners of the in-cosmetics Global Awards will be announced on April 2nd, 6pm to 8pm.
Networking, networking, networking
Last but not least there are a number of tools that have been developed to help companies forge contacts and to network – probably the number one reason for most companies attending the show.
The organizers have a number of dedicated programmes aimed at networking and increasing business scope, including fishing for new contacts, targeting your supplier - which includes match-making recommendations, reconnecting with partners and building new opportunities.
For more information about all of these programmes, please click here.
And finally, if you do want to meet any of the Cosmetics Design team, we will naturally all be at the event, so why not drop by Stand A40 and say hello. We would love to meet you!
