Bigger, better, buyers: Changes coming to Cosmoprof this year

Editor's note: The article as originally published stated editor of Allure magazine Jessica Cruel would be part of the FIT talks. She has since pulled out and the sentence was removed.​

Liza Rapay, head of marketing at Cosmoprof, told CosmeticsDesign that the organization is excited about a number of changes to the show, both those made by the organization and by those attending.

Changing venue to the Las Vegas Convention Center has allowed Cosmoprof the make adjustments to the show's setup and improve the exhibitor experience, Rapay said. 

Here are three changes to keep your eyes peeled for at Cosmoprof North America 2022.

Changes to the floor

Rapay said the move to the Las Vegas Convention Center is allowing Cosmoprof to make changes to how the show floor is set up.

In the past supply chain service exhibitors were mixed in with final product companies, which make up the majority of the show. This year, supply chain service companies will get a separate area on the show floor.

“We've received very positive feedback from supply chain solutions exhibitors because they used to feel dwarfed by the finished products because they’re such a big part of our show,”​ Rapay said.

She also said Cosmoprof will not be dividing companies by segment because the lines between skincare, makeup, hair care and fragrance are becoming blurred, particularly for buyers.

There will also be more fragrance exhibitors at the show than in past years.

More buyers and executives

Rapay said early registrations show an increase in high-level leadership from multinationals planning to attend the Cosmoprof NA this year.

Carrying over from last year’s show, Rapay also said some retailers are preparing to focus on buying at this year’s show. 

“We're super excited because last year was the first time we did not get any negative feedback from the visitors, retailers or exhibitors,”​ Rapay said. “It felt like those who came were there to do business, and a lot of our exhibitors were excited that they actually had more time to talk to buyers.”​

She added that buying-focused energy was common feedback across shows in 2021.

While Costco sent one buyer last year, she said the company is sending 15 buyers to the 2022 shows.

FIT inclusive beauty panel

Cosmoprof North America will be the third installment of a Fashion Institute of Technology speaker series on inclusive beauty, which kicked off at the Cosmoprof Bologna show.

Rapay said the panel will include the chairman of FIT and several brands. She said the purpose of the panel is to showcase the importance of the US inclusive beauty market, first internationally and now domestically.