Our Recap of the 2023 Medical Spa Show—And Why You Should Go Next Year

We know, we know… what happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas. But, since we’re friends, can we agree that The Medical Spa Show this year was ah-mazing?

“The best part of the show was picking up new pearls and techniques from very successful, well-respected providers in the industry,” said Yvette Del Fierro, an aesthetic nurse specialist. “No matter how long you’ve been at your profession, there is always room to be better at your craft. “

For those of you who were there—and those who were with us in spirit—we’re sharing our favorite moments, some of the insights we learned, and tips for next year.

Speaker Power

We may be biased but listening to SkinSpirit CEO Lynn Heublein talk about how she came into the industry 20 years ago and guided SkinSpirit into a national expansion was a banner moment from this year’s meeting. Lynn said finding your “North Star” helps your business grow and can help you find greater meaning in your work.

Other highlights included ample business sessions on topics ranging from digital marketing to growth strategies for medspas. Sessions also included lively discussions on emerging business trends, like membership plans. (Did you know 7 out of 10 patients want aesthetic treatment memberships?) And audience members were soaking up all the pointers on attracting new clients — especially tips on recruiting male clients.

Class Is In Session

Conferences are a great place to learn about changes in the industry and get hands-on experience with specific tech and procedures. This year’s Medical Spa Show delivered sessions on best practices and new developments around injectables, contouring, and more.

Energy-based treatments were a popular topic—a testament to the growing interest in technology like lasers, radio-frequency, and more. (Note to self: It’s a good time to get up to speed on these growing treatment modalities if you’re new to all the energy-based options out there!)

And, of course, there was a sold-out cadaver anatomy class to cap the weekend. Time and again, medical aesthetic pros agree: Nothing beats the hands-on training you get from cadaver classes. Just remember: If you want to do a cadaver lab at a conference, you gotta sign up early.

New To The Lineup

Aesthetics is evolving beyond BOTOX® and facials to include wellness offerings—including sexual health—for clients of every age and identity. Case in point: This year’s breakout sessions and panels weren’t limited to standard operating procedure updates. Two of the new and notable discussion areas included diversity in aesthetics and sexual health and wellness, (a learning track that tackled topics ranging from hormone replacement to cosmetic gynecology). The jam-packed halls for both tracks prove that our industry is eager to learn and grow. Be on the lookout for more learning opportunities in these emerging areas!

Start Planning For 2024

Thinking about joining everyone for next year’s conference? Shannon Andrews, SkinSpirit’s Director of Learning and Development, suggests selecting your sessions in advance, and making time each morning to map your route from room to room. “There was so much great learning going on, I wish I was able to catch more sessions,” she added.

If the cost of three days in Vegas is cause for panic, Linne Linder (ND, Aesthetic Practitioner), has a wallet-friendly work-around. “Sign up for all the sponsored meals that you can, to maximize your exposure, cut down on meal costs, and to network with like-minded folks,” she said.

Another way to save? Sign up as a speaker or a panel leader. Conferences frequently waive the sign-up fees for speakers.

Aesthetics, as we know it, is still a relatively young field. We’re constantly innovating, so creating opportunities to learn from each other is one of the best ways to grow as providers. “The best practices are a conglomeration of multiple skills picked up from multiple providers,” Yvette added. “Usually, niches are not invented but created from trials [and] errors of past experiences. Share secrets and accept criticism.”

Looking for tips for getting more from training and conferences? We’ve got you covered. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our roundup of the best aesthetic conferences for 2023.

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