A majority of indoor tanning businesses expect the third quarter of 2011 to be stronger than last year — expecting a stronger summer after a first-half of the year in which a majority of tanning businesses reported stronger results.

According to the SmartTan.com poll, 53 percent expect July-September this year to be busier than last year. About one-quarter, 26 percent, expect the summer quarter to be slower than 2010. The other 21 percent expect business to be about the same.

“The trend continues that about half of the industry is finding new ways to move forward right now,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “There’s no doubt that the economy and the 10 percent tanning tax have affected businesses. But times of such challenge are usually treated as times of opportunity by those in the market in position to succeed in the long term. That appears to be what’s happening right now.”

Positioning your tanning business to be a winner in the next generation is what Smart Tan’s 2011 Convention Oct. 12-14 in Downtown Nashville is all about. In addition to the industry’s only exhibit hall with all major manufacturers, Smart Tan’s educational conference is designed to explore new winning strategies. For more information on the convention visit www.SmartTanDowntown.com.