We kicked it off with a performance fit for Broadway (the other Broadway) and the rest of Smart Tan Nashville 2014 lived up to the hype at the brand new Music City Center in downtown Nashville.

The crowd roared with laughter as Smart Tan Magazine Editor-in-Chief Ashley Laabs brought them out of their early morning lethargy with a rousing, tanned version of Cee Lo Green’s hit “Forget You,” substituting the refrain “Don’t like you coming in right at closing time, but I’ll tan you! Oh, oh, ohhhhh!”

Even keynote speaker Tabatha Coffey was clearly impressed, as she referenced the performance several times in her address that followed. Besides dwelling on some of the finer moments of the tune that preceded her, in an impassioned speech that went well over the scheduled time, Tabatha discussed her vast experience in the beauty industry and implored tanning salon owners to shape their businesses into the total package through constant learning, developing management systems for everything, training and motivation, and more.

Of course, all of this followed Friday’s pre-conference events, including the Maximum Bang Retailing symposium, UV Tanning Certification, and the Smart Tan Welcome Reception and VIP Meet and Greet with Tabatha Coffey.

The exhibit floor was as sensational as ever, with big, vibrant displays from the biggest names in indoor tanning. Attendees scooped up bags full of samples and freebies, checked out the variety of products and equipment on display, enjoyed presentations, and crowded around Taylor ‘Lil Bit’ Wright, JWOWW and Jessica and Jep Robertson as they took pictures with fans at the booths of the respective brands they represent.

One of the many highlights from our educational session was the newly conceived “Ignite Your Network” session, where salon owners were gathered together and prompted to discuss topics and identify solutions, then share with the entire room. The only issue in implementing this new concept was getting salon owners to temper their lively discussions and move on to the next topic!

And, per usual, we saved the most exciting part for last, as we closed the show giving away more than $100,000 in sponsor prizes at the Wheel of Smart Tan.

Our first trip to the Music City Center was a great success, and we’ll be back next year, October 11-13 to try to top it. Thank you all for helping make it such an amazing experience! Visit our Facebook Page to see all the pictures from the event.

Now, mark your calendars and let the countdown begin…just 360 days until Smart Tan Nashville 2015!