Half of all indoor tanning businesses reported that business fell short of expectations in the first quarter of 2010, according to the results of a SmartTan.com poll conducted in early April — further indication that the recession that has gripped most small businesses still has a grip on many in the tanning market.

Still, 28 percent reported that that business results exceeded expectations and 21 percent felt results met expectations — showing a split right down the middle in how the market is perceived.

In the same poll a year ago, only 21 percent saw results that fell short of expectations while 57 percent thought their business performance in the first quarter of 2009 was better than expected.

“It’s clear that some businesses are finding their way through this market — creating ways to maintain or increase revenue even if their traffic count is down,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “Looking at the characteristics of the salon businesses that are succeeding verses the salons that are struggling will be a central focus of Smart Tan’s 15th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Downtown Nashville this fall.”

Smart Tan will announce the conference line-up in May.