Tones of Beauty: Planning Your Perfect Visit

I used to rely on emails and phone calls to find suppliers.

And I thought it worked until I met a supplier at Tones of Beauty Expo who gave me a deal I never saw online.

That’s when I realized something:

• The best opportunities don’t always show up in your inbox.
• The best pricing isn’t always listed on a website.
• And the strongest business relationships don’t start with an email thread.

That’s why I go to events like this.

If you’re asking yourself whether attending Tones of Beauty Expo is worth it, this guide will help. I’ll walk you through what’s inside, how to prepare, and how to decide if it makes sense for your business.

By the end, you’ll have a clear answer and a plan.

Let’s begin!

1. Event Details

If you work in the beauty industry, you know how fast things change. Trends shift. New products appear. Competition grows.

That’s why events like this matter.

It’s a chance to connect with top suppliers, meet industry experts, and see what’s next before your competitors do. But before you decide if it’s worth attending, let’s break down the key details.

When and Where?

• Dates: Monday, June 30, 2025 – Tuesday, July 1, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM each day
• Location: ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL, United Kingdom
• Website: tonesofbeautyexpo.com

ExCeL London is a well-known venue for business events. It’s big. It’s easy to reach. And it’s designed for networking, product showcases, and live demonstrations.

What Makes This Event Important?

Tones of Beauty Expo is the UK’s only professional trade show focused on multicultural beauty. That means it attracts:

• Salon owners looking for new suppliers and tools.
• Retailers and e-commerce sellers searching for the next best-selling product.
• Distributors looking to build relationships with beauty brands.
• Beauty professionals eager to stay ahead of trends.

Who’s Attending?

Over 4,000 beauty professionals will be at this event. This includes:

Tones of Beauty Expo attracts a diverse range of industry professionals looking for new business opportunities. This includes:

You won’t just meet suppliers. You’ll meet people who are serious about business, people who understand your challenges and share your goals.

What Can You Expect?

• More than 200 exhibitors from around the world.
• Live product demonstrations to test quality before making decisions.
• Networking sessions with key players in the industry.
• Panel discussions covering market trends and business strategies.

If you’re serious about growth, this is where you need to be.

2. Pre-Event Preparation

I’ve been to enough trade shows to know that a little planning goes a long way. The first time I attended an industry event, I underestimated how much time I’d need to prepare. I booked my flight last minute, didn’t research the exhibitors, and forgot to bring half the things I needed.

I won’t make that mistake again.

If you’re thinking about attending Tones of Beauty, planning ahead will help you get the most out of it.

Let’s go over the key steps to set yourself up for success before you even step foot inside.

Early Registration

Spots fill up fast.

If you’re planning to attend, register as early as possible.

Why? Many trade shows offer early-bird discounts. The sooner you book, the better the price.

Just visit the official website and complete the registration process. Last-minute sign-ups often mean higher ticket prices and limited access to key events.

Accommodation

Staying too far away means wasting time on transport, while picking the wrong hotel can leave you with poor service or unreliable Wi-Fi, both of which can hurt your productivity.

The good news?

There are plenty of great options near the venue. But you need to book early.

Here are some top-rated hotels within walking distance of the venue:

Not sure which hotel to book? Here’s what to consider:

• Proximity to ExCeL London – The closer, the better. Walking distance is ideal.
• Business Amenities – Look for hotels with meeting spaces, strong Wi-Fi, and work desks.
• Flexible Booking – Choose a hotel that allows cancellations in case your plans change.
• Dining Options – Hotels with restaurants or cafes save you time.

If you’re booking for a team, consider staying in the same hotel. It makes networking and planning easier.

To get the best price and availability, follow these steps:

• Book at least 2-3 months in advance. Prices rise as the event approaches.
• Check business travel sites. Websites like Booking.com or Expedia sometimes offer corporate rates.
• Look for event discounts. Some expos partner with nearby hotels to offer lower rates, check the event website.
• Consider apartment rentals. If you’re attending with a team, an Airbnb or serviced apartment can save money and give you more space.

Exclusive VIP Buyer Access

If you’re a serious buyer responsible for purchasing haircare, skincare, nail products, makeup, or fragrances, you may qualify as a VIP Buyer at Tones of Beauty Expo.

Here’s what VIP buyers get:

How to apply for VIP buyer status?

• Fill out the VIP Buyer application via the official website
• Contact [email protected]
• Buyers must attend both days (June 30 – July 1, 2025)
• Buyers must schedule at least five meetings with exhibitors through the Tones of Beauty App

If you qualify, this is one of the best ways to maximize your time at the expo while cutting travel costs.

3. Setting Objectives for Tones of Beauty Expo

Attending Tones of Beauty is a major opportunity for your business. But showing up without a plan? That’s a mistake.

Walking in without a plan can leave you overwhelmed. Hundreds of booths. Conversations everywhere. Product samples, business cards, and marketing materials filling your hands. If you don’t set clear goals, you might leave feeling like you accomplished nothing.

To get the most value, you need a strategy. The best way to do that?

Set clear objectives before you go.

Why Are You Attending?

Before stepping into the venue, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve at this expo?

Most attendees focus on 3 things:

• Product Sourcing

If you’re in the hair extension business, you know how hard it is to find high-quality, reliable suppliers.

Some offer great prices but inconsistent products. Others promise fast shipping but take weeks or months to deliver. Some send perfect samples but cut corners on bulk orders.

That’s why meeting suppliers in person is so important.

• Networking

Even if you aren’t looking for suppliers, connecting with the right people can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and new revenue streams.

• Learning

The beauty industry moves fast.

What’s popular today might be outdated in 6 months. If you aren’t keeping up with industry changes, your competitors will.

How to Prioritize Your Time

A full day at an expo flies by. To maximize your time, follow these steps:

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Before the event, write down 3-5 key objectives.

• Are you looking for suppliers? Set a goal to meet at least three potential hair extension vendors.
• Want to build industry connections? Plan to introduce yourself to at least five brand owners or distributors.
• Hoping to gain knowledge? Commit to attending at least one expert panel or workshop.

Having specific goals helps you stay focused and makes sure you leave with real value.

Step 2: Identify Key Exhibitors and Speakers

There are hundreds of booths at Tones of Beauty. If you don’t plan ahead, you could miss out on the suppliers or speakers who matter most to your business.

• Check the exhibitor list before attending.
• Highlight the booths that match your needs.
• Look at the speaker schedule and pick must-attend sessions.

Make a shortlist of top booths and sessions to visit first.

Step 3: Plan for Unexpected Opportunities

Some of the best connections happen by chance.

You might meet a supplier you didn’t know existed. You could find an exclusive product you hadn’t considered. A casual conversation could turn into a business deal.

To take advantage of these moments:

• Leave buffer time between booth visits and sessions.
• Stay open to new connections and spontaneous opportunities.
• Follow up on potential leads before the event ends, don’t wait until later.

Having a plan doesn’t mean you can’t be flexible. In fact, it makes it easier to say yes to the right opportunities.

4. Navigating the Expo

The day is finally here.

Now, you’re standing at the entrance of Beauty Expo, surrounded by a crowd of buyers, suppliers, and industry professionals.

It’s exciting. But it’s also overwhelming.

Everywhere you look, there are booths, banners, and people moving fast. The buzz of conversation fills the air. It’s easy to feel lost. But with a little strategy, you can make the most of your time without feeling rushed or missing key opportunities.

Utilizing Floor Plans

The first thing you should do? Study the layout.

Before walking in too deep, grab a floor plan or check the event app if there is one. Take a few minutes to locate:

• The exhibitors you need to visit first.
• The main stage for panel discussions and product demos.
• Restrooms, food areas, and charging stations.

Mark key locations on your phone or a small notebook. If you lose track of time, a quick glance will remind you where to go next.

If you already mapped out your must-visit booths ahead of time, stick to the plan but also stay flexible. Some booths will be busier than expected. Others might not be what you hoped.

Move on when needed, and don’t be afraid to explore new areas.

Time Management

At an expo, time moves fast.

One moment, you’re at your first booth. The next, half the day is gone, and you’ve barely covered half your list. To stay on track, divide your time wisely.

Break your day into time blocks:

• First Hour – Walk through and get a feel for the event. Check booth locations.
• Mid-Morning – Visit your top-priority exhibitors before the crowd builds.
• Lunch Break – Rest, review notes, and prepare for the afternoon.
• Afternoon – Attend scheduled meetings, explore new booths, and check out live demos.
• Last Hour – Follow up with key contacts, grab brochures, and make final purchases.

If there are seminars or panel talks you want to attend, block out time for those. Don’t try to squeeze everything in at once.

Keep these time-saving tips in mind:

• Avoid peak crowd times. Some booths get crowded mid-day. Try visiting them early or later in the day.
• Don’t get stuck at one booth. If a conversation drags on, politely wrap it up and move on.
• Set alarms. If you have meetings or sessions to attend, reminders help keep you on schedule.

Making the Most of Your Day

Every minute at the expo counts. Use your time wisely to connect, learn, and explore.

• Take quick notes. Jot down key details from each booth. You won’t remember everything later.
• Collect business cards. Digital contacts work too, but a simple card is still useful.
• Ask the right questions. Don’t just grab a brochure, engage with exhibitors to see if their products or services fit your needs.
• Be open to new opportunities. Some of the best finds aren’t on your list. Keep an eye out for unexpected business connections.

5. How to Maximize Your Networking Opportunities

With so many people in one place, how do you make the right connections?

The key is to network with purpose.

Here’s how to make the most of your time and build relationships that actually help your business.

Planning Who to Meet in Advance

Don’t wait until the expo to figure out who to talk to.

If you walk in without a plan, you’ll spend too much time wandering and miss key connections. Instead, start preparing before the event:

• Check the exhibitor list. Most expos publish a list of attending brands and companies. Find the ones that match your needs.
• Make a shortlist. Pick 5-10 must-visit booths or people you want to meet.
• Set up meetings. If a supplier looks promising, reach out before the event and ask to schedule a quick chat at their booth.
• Prepare a quick pitch. Be ready to introduce yourself in one or two sentences:
  • What do you do?
  • What are you looking for?
  • How can they help?

For example:

“Hi, I run an online store that sells premium clip-in hair extensions. I’m looking for reliable suppliers who offer wholesale pricing and private labeling. Can we talk about your options?”

Having this ready saves time and makes a strong first impression.

Business Card Strategy

You’ll meet dozens of people, and exchanging contact details quickly is important.

Here’s how to make sure your business card works for you:

• Keep it simple. Your card should include:
  • Your name and business name
  • Your email and phone number
  • Your website or social media handles
  • A short tagline about what you do (e.g., “Wholesale Hair Extensions | Fast Shipping | Private Label”)
• Bring enough. Expect to hand out 50-100 cards if you’re serious about networking.
• Use digital options too. Some people prefer scanning QR codes or using digital business card apps. Have one ready on your phone in case you run out of physical cards.

When someone gives you their card, write a quick note on the back (e.g., “Interested in bulk orders” or “Follow up for pricing sheet”).

It’ll help you remember why you connected.

Best Networking Spots at the Expo

The best connections don’t always happen at booths. Sometimes, the most valuable conversations happen in between events.

Here’s where to look for real networking opportunities:

• Industry Panels and Breakout Sessions

• These sessions attract serious professionals who want to learn and connect.
• Ask a good question during a panel. Speakers and attendees will remember you.
• After the session, introduce yourself to panelists or fellow attendees.

• After-Hours Networking Events

• Some expos host evening mixers or networking parties.
• These events are more relaxed, making it easier to start conversations.
• Keep it professional but be open to casual chats—sometimes, a small conversation leads to a big opportunity.

• VIP Lounges (If Available)

• If you have access, VIP lounges are great for high-level networking.
• These areas are less crowded, making it easier to have longer, focused conversations.
• If you see someone important, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.

6. Maximizing Learning Opportunities

Over two days, Tones of Beauty brings together experts, innovators, and business owners to talk about the future of beauty.

All conferences are CPD accredited, meaning you get professional development credits for attending.

If you want to stay ahead of trends, understand market shifts, and connect with leaders in the beauty industry, this is where you need to be.

The learning sessions are divided into 3 main stages:

Inspiration Stage

Want to hear from industry leaders? This is the stage for you.

This space is designed for big ideas, open discussions, and thought-provoking conversations. Here, you’ll listen to experts talk about:

• The power of representation in the beauty industry.
• The future of beauty, what’s changing and what to expect.
• How brands can adapt to a diverse and growing market.

The best part? It’s interactive. You’re not just sitting and listening. You can ask questions, join discussions, and share your own insights.

If you’re looking for inspiration, this is where you’ll find it.

Insight Stage

If you’re serious about business growth and staying ahead of the competition, don’t miss this stage.

Here, industry experts break down key trends and share real strategies to help you understand the challenges and opportunities in beauty.

What to expect:

• Research-backed presentations on beauty trends and market growth.
• Talks from experienced professionals and emerging talents.
• Insights into consumer behavior and product innovation.

These sessions give you practical knowledge you can apply to your business immediately.

Experience Hub

This is where learning meets action.

The Experience Hub is all about hands-on learning. Brands, associations, and industry guilds will be here, showcasing their latest products, services, and innovations.

What you can do here:

• Test new products before they hit the market.
• Join live demos and see innovations in real-time.
• Engage directly with exhibitors and ask detailed questions.
• Network with suppliers and industry professionals.

This is the best place to turn knowledge into real business opportunities.

Take advantage of the conference stages, ask questions, and engage in discussions. The more you participate, the more value you’ll walk away with.

7. Post-Event Follow-Up Strategy

A beauty expo is only as valuable as the actions you take afterward. If you don’t follow up, contacts go cold, opportunities slip away, and all that effort is wasted.

Here’s how to organize your contacts, evaluate suppliers, and apply what you learned to grow your business.

Organizing Your Supplier Contacts

By the end of the expo, your bag is full of business cards, product brochures, and handwritten notes.

Don’t let them sit untouched.

Sorting your contacts quickly helps you identify the best opportunities and take action while conversations are still fresh.

Step 1: Sort by Priority

Separate your contacts into three groups:

• High-Priority Suppliers – Those offering products or deals that align with your business needs.
• Potential Partnerships – Influencers, distributors, or salon owners who could help expand your reach.
• Lower-Priority Contacts – Interesting leads but not an immediate fit.

Step 2: Follow Up Within a Week

Suppliers meet hundreds of people at expos. If you wait too long, they may not remember you.

• Send personalized emails within a week.
• Mention where you met and what caught your interest.
• Ask follow-up questions about pricing, MOQs (minimum order quantities), and lead times.
• If they offered a special expo deal, confirm how long it’s available.

A strong follow-up keeps the conversation going and sets the stage for future business.

Evaluating Potential Suppliers

Not every supplier you meet will be the right fit. Some will have great pricing but inconsistent quality. Others will promise fast shipping but struggle with reliability.

Before committing, take the time to test and compare.

Step 1: Order Small Test Batches

Never place a large order immediately, no matter how good the deal sounds.

• Request samples or small test batches first.
• Test hair quality, durability, and overall performance.
• Evaluate customer service, how fast do they respond? Do they answer your questions clearly?

Step 2: Compare Post-Event Offers with Online Prices

Some suppliers offer exclusive expo discounts—but not all deals are as good as they seem.

• Research their regular wholesale pricing online.
• Compare their expo pricing to competitors.
• Check for hidden costs (shipping fees, taxes, or added charges).

Taking these steps ensures you don’t rush into a deal you might regret.

Implementing What You Learned

Beyond supplier connections, Beauty Expo likely gave you valuable insights into pricing, marketing, and trends.

Step 1: Apply Pricing and Marketing Insights

If you attended seminars, use that knowledge to improve your business.

• Did experts discuss pricing strategies? Adjust your price points to stay competitive.
• Did you learn about new marketing techniques? Test them in your next campaign.
• If you discovered branding tips, update your packaging or online presence.

Step 2: Adjust Your Product Lineup

The expo floor showcased emerging beauty trends. If you saw a new product gaining traction, consider adding it to your inventory.

• Were certain hair extension styles in high demand?
• Did multiple suppliers push a new attachment method or texture?
• Are salon owners looking for specific features in products?

Aligning your product lineup with current trends keeps your business relevant and profitable.

Conclusion

Every moment at Tones of Beauty Expo is an opportunity. You’re surrounded by experts, game-changing products, and the latest industry insights. But knowledge is only useful if you apply it.

Take notes, ask smart questions, test products, and build connections.

Because what you learn here can change your business forever.

So, are you ready to level up your knowledge and strategy? Start planning now.

Need guidance on which sessions or exhibitors fit your goals? Contact us today. We’ll help you make the most of your visit!