In just over three weeks, IMATS 2012 will touch down at London’s Alexandra Palace. This will be the third year in a row that I’ve attended the International Make Up Artist Trade Show and I can’t wait to revisit the brands that I don’t usually get the chance to see all up close and personal. It’s a fabulous weeked of artistry, shopping and education and this year promises to be better than ever with the news that the event has moved into Ally Pally’s Great Hall – a much larger venue adjacent to the event’s previous setting. One of my complaints about the previous shows has been the sheer volume of people crowding into the exhibition area, making it really tricky to get close to the stalls. The new venue offers literally over double the floorspace, so I’m hoping for a more relaxed shopping experience than previously encountered.
A list of currently confirmed exhibitors for 2012 can be found on the IMATS website.
Primarily and most importantly… IMATS is a trade show for trade professionals, though (with the exception of Friday 2-7pm) it is open to the general makeup-loving public. If you’re thinking of going and expecting to see all the brands you’re familliar with in Boots, don’t. It’s not Selfridges beauty hall.
My tips for making the best of the day…
1. Contact exhibitors in advance to find out if they’ll be stocking the ‘must have’ thing that you’re after. Don’t contact too early though, many won’t have decided what stock they’ll take/discounts they’ll offer until a few days before.
2. Set a budget, it’s easy to go overboard on the spends!
3. Wear comfortable shoes and lots of layers – I was freezing to begin with but roasting by the end of the day!
4. Arrive early to listen to the keynote speakers.
5. Get your shopping done first before taking the time to relax by checking out the demonstrations and chatting to the exhibitors.
6. Sharpen your elbows… the exhibit floor gets BUSY (but hopefully not as busy any more!)
As for the keynote speakers, I’m really looking forward to hearing from Kevin James Bennett who will be discussing “Prep for Success” in assoc. with Embryolisse on the Saturday morning.
You can buy tickets online or on the day (unless they sell-out in advance).
Will you be heading to IMATS London on the 4th/5th February? Maybe I’ll see you there!
Thank you very much for the tips. This year will be my first year (I’ve missed out before because of 1. childbirth and 2. the 1st Birthday) and I’m excited but nervous at the same time! I know I need to get myself organised in advance so end don’t end up like a rabbit in the headlights whilst I’m there. I might even have just sent a DM asking a friend about the toilet queues, I don’t imagine this will surprise you
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So excited! I went with college a few years back and really enjoyed it, but this year will be my first time back. I’ll be there on Sunday since there are more SFX speakers on then
Dreading the crowds :/
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Charlotte! what day are you going? I’m going sunday xxxx
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Great tips! I’ll be attending with one of my best friends. It will be our first IMATS and my first trip to London. We’re travelling from the Netherlands on Friday and staying til Monday afternoon. If anyone had any tips or beauty musts in London, let me know. Really have to start organizing for the trip XD
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Bah I’d love to go, but I live up in the North and it’s hard to find time and/or money to go (I might have one, but I definitely won’t have both). One day. One day! xxx
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I’m not going as 2012 is the year when I spend a LOT less of make up than the previous 3 years. That’s the plan anyway.
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I’m going Sunday, meeting up with some makeupalley girls, went last year and loved it.
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I’m not going this year as the one day ticket last year was £20 and this year it is £40.
Plus the £10 for the travelcard.
I’ve already spent that £50 on something I wanted – it went towards a new GHD iron !
I know all the products by now after the last 2 years so there probably won’t be much new stuff.
Can get any hard to gets online anyhow.
Hope you have a great time there.
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Which day are you going? It’s my first year this year, eeeek! Thanks for the tips x
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