Well I had a wander around this morning and was a little disappointed - no Creative, no Ez Flow, no NSI, no St Tropez (gulp - I'm getting low!), I was in and out in 90 minutes and that was having/watching the odd demo. While watching various demos I heard (earwigging!) lots of grumbles from people about the lack of 'big names' that they were expecting to be there and were more than put out that they weren't.
To warn anyone coming from the UK who hasn't been to the Dublin show before, it's nowhere near as big as the UK shows - I'm comparing it to GMEX as that was my regular show when I was in the UK.
I bought a few bits and pieces, but the only things I got that I actually wanted to buy were my Nubar glitter stripers! Didn't see any show offers that made me want to spend my money, and for once, I'd gone loaded with the intention of stocking up on my St Tropez and nail supplies, but the money came home with me.
I did like the way they had the competition area downstairs (used to be upstairs) where we could all have a nosey at what was going on (must have been off-putting for the competitors though having people staring over their model's shoulders!) Although I was hoping to see the Photographic entries but couldn't see them anywhere so not sure if they were displayed or not. I felt very sorry for quite a few competitors who hadn't bothered bringing their own lamps - it was very dark in there, I don't know how they managed - the ones who remembered their lamps must have been thanking their lucky stars!!
Oh, and another thing, on the way in, even though you may have registered and got your ticket, they were asking for proof of being in the Trade, which I think is a great idea but would have been nice to have some prior warning - I had a lump of cash with me and had left all other ID/cards etc at home so had to answer a few questions before being let in!
Anyone else go today?
Jackie
