Bringing together top beauty professionals, leading brands, and unmatched deals, the Jinny Expo created an exciting space to connect, discover, and grow. This year’s success is a true reflection of the exceptional leadership of CEO and President, Eddie Jhin, whose vision continues to drive innovation and excellence, along with the incredible dedication and hard work of the entire Jinny team who make this event possible year after year. Art Emm, Director of Purchasing, offers perspective on the event’s evolution, vendor partnerships, and the reasons attendees keep coming back year after year.
Art Emm
Director of Purchasing
The show has evolved from “The Big Show” to the “Jinny Expo.” What inspired the name change, and what does it represent for the future of the event?
Art Emm: There comes a time when there is a need for improvement or an upgrade in all things. It was time for us to take our shows up a notch. Our event is not just a show it is an exposition bringing the best vendors, the best new items, and the best deals to our customers.
How has the event grown over the years, and what can attendees expect that feels new or different at each Jinny Expo?
Art Emm: Every year we have made improvements to our events from the layout and design, vendors we invite, incentives, and promotions for our customers.
The Jinny Expo brings together vendors and store owners in a big way—how do you make those interactions meaningful and impactful for both sides?
Art Emm: Our events give the vendors an opportunity to meet and interact with stores owners to find out what is going on in the industry and what their needs and wants are. Our events give our customers the opportunity to learn about new items, new trends, and to socialize and interact with other store owners to learn more about their business.
There are many trade shows in the industry—what makes the Jinny Expo stand out?
Art Emm: We are the pioneer of the trade show in this Multicultural/Ethnic industry and we continue to lead the way with unparalleled vendor participation and education, customer deals, incentives, and gifts.
What product categories or trends are you seeing gain the most momentum right now, and how is the Jinny Expo showcasing them?
Art Emm: Right now, we are seeing the styling category growing the most with braiding and oils leading the way as well as braiding hair. We make sure we have the industry leaders in those categories at our events including JBS Hair, which is growing very rapidly.
As the Jinny Expo continues to grow, what’s your vision for the future of these events?
Art Emm: As we always do, we will continue to improve our events each year. Always looking for new ways to set us apart and help our vendors and our customers grow their business.
Miami
The Jinny Expo in Miami delivered an electric atmosphere, with packed aisles, active booths, and buyers ready to do business. From local store owners to international attendees, the show highlighted Jinny’s expanding global reach. Lan Wilkerson offers a closer look at the impact and momentum behind this year’s event.
Lan Wilkerson
Sales Manager, Miami Branch
The Jinny Expo in your city brought incredible energy—what were some of the standout moments or highlights from this year’s show?
One of the most impressive aspects of this year’s Jinny Expo was the overall energy and high level of engagement throughout the event. From the moment the doors opened, there was a strong influx of customers, and the venue quickly became vibrant and dynamic. At many of the popular booths, consultations and order placements were happening simultaneously, which was particularly impressive. In addition, the participation of international customers stood out. Having traveled specifically for the Jinny Expo, they showed strong purchasing intent, which clearly demonstrated that Jinny Expo has evolved beyond a local event into a global business platform.
How did the turnout and engagement from store owners and vendors in your region reflect the strength of the Jinny Expo?
Throughout the event, all vendors were constantly busy with customers and had little to no downtime. This clearly shows that both customers and vendors were highly engaged, and that interactions at the show translated directly into real business. It demonstrates that the Jinny Expo goes beyond being just a trade show and serves as a powerful platform that delivers tangible results. I also believe this is something only Jinny could make happen.
From your perspective, what makes the Jinny Expo different from other trade shows in the industry?
From my perspective, I have not really seen or heard of other trade shows being as successful, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison. That said, the strength of the Jinny Expo lies in its exceptionally strong and unique deals. Customers place high-volume orders directly at the show, and those orders immediately translate into real business results.
I believe this is a true competitive advantage that only we can offer.
What opportunities or advantages did attendees gain by participating in the Jinny Expo in your city?
I believe it provides a strong competitive advantage for attendees. They are constantly competing with other stores and businesses in their market, and through the Jinny Expo, they are able to secure products at more competitive prices and attract more customers as a result. Ultimately, the Jinny Expo offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to strengthen their position and gain an edge in the market.
After the success of this show, how do you see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow and raise the standard in the industry?
I believe there is no other show in the industry that can surpass the Jinny Expo.
The Jinny Expo goes beyond being just a trade show and will continue to set the standard and direction for the industry.
Atlanta
The Jinny Expo in Atlanta brought strong energy and economic impact to the region, drawing attendees from across the country. With packed venues and vibrant local business activity, the show proved to be a major success. Brian Oh shares his perspective on this year’s standout event.
Brian Oh
Director of Sales
The Jinny Expo in your city brought incredible energy—what were some of the standout moments or highlights from this year’s show?
As you mentioned, I believe the recent Jinny Expo show provided a certain boost to the local economy. To attend the show on Sunday, visitors from out of state traveled here as early as Friday or Saturday. Consequently, I believe that helped businesses such as local restaurants and hotels which benefited throughout the weekend. Several of my friends who run restaurants mentioned that despite the sluggish economy, business was brisk during the weekend of the Jinny Expo.
How did the turnout and engagement from store owners and vendors in your region reflect the strength of the Jinny Expo?
The level of engagement and enthusiasm shown by vendors and attendees at our annual Jinny Expo is unrivaled within the industry. Attendees leave satisfied, having secured exclusive deals and prizes available nowhere else, while vendors gain a valuable opportunity to attract potential customers by showcasing their latest releases as well as upcoming products to an audience. Furthermore, for vendors participating for the first time, the Jinny Expo serves as an invaluable occasion to engage directly with numerous customers and introduce their products. For these reasons, I believe the annually increasing number of visitors is the strength of the Jinny Expo.
From your perspective, what makes the Jinny Expo different from other trade shows in the industry?
The deals mentioned above is something that only the Jinny Expo can offer and indeed it is made possible precisely “because” it is the Jinny Expo. I also believe that our distinct focus on ensuring our guests receive the maximum possible benefits sets us apart from other trade shows.
What opportunities or advantages did attendees gain by participating in the Jinny Expo in your city?
In terms of opportunities as previously mentioned, I believe there is a distinct advantage, the chance to purchase a wide variety of new items including those that are typically too expensive to buy in large quantities and at affordable prices.
After the success of this show, how do you see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow and raise the standard in the industry?
Setting Jinny Expo aside for a moment, our company Jinny stands at the very pinnacle of the industry. We have been growing continuously up to this point, we continue to grow today and we will continue to do so in the future. The Jinny Expo has undeniably elevated the industry standard and we will continue to lead the way moving forward. The Jinny Expo will serve as an extreme model and true role model of others to follow.
Chicago
In Chicago, the Jinny Expo brought together a highly engaged crowd, with customers arriving prepared and ready to buy. The show floor buzzed with activity, standout deals, and memorable vendor moments. Hannah Lee offers insight into what made this year’s event stand out.
Hannah Lee
Sales Manager, Chicago Branch
The Jinny Expo in your city brought incredible energy—what were some of the standout moments or highlights from this year’s show?
In Chicago, show orders were clearly higher than last year. One memorable scene was seeing customers sit together and review the show book and share good deal information. Many customers also attended with their families, creating a positive atmosphere. Andis created strong excitement with both lottery events ($1,500 free items) and attendee-only free deals, helping stores fill empty shelves.
How did the turnout and engagement from store owners and vendors in your region reflect the strength of the Jinny Expo?
Turnout was strong, with more accounts than last year, including new accounts. Many customers traveled long distances and gave up part of their weekend to attend the Sunday show, showing the strong value of the Jinny Expo and its deals. Although shipments were delayed due to many orders, the strong deals make the wait worth it.
From your perspective, what makes the Jinny Expo different from other trade shows in the industry?
The Jinny Expo focuses on real buying, not just browsing. One key difference is that show deals are shared in advance, so customers come prepared after reviewing the show book. Our sales team also studies the deals ahead of time and provides clear advice, guiding customers to the right vendor booths. The prepared and professional support helps increase order volume and sets the Jinny Expo apart from other trade shows. Another important difference is that Jinny Expo deals continue for about two months after the show, allowing customers to build orders over time, unlike many competitors that offer deals only for a short period.
What opportunities or advantages did attendees gain by participating in the Jinny Expo in your city?
Attendees gained access to strong exclusive deals, new products, additional discounts and prizes. They could compare many options in one place and speak directly with vendors. The advantage was not limited to the show days. Our deals continued through the end of April, giving customers more time to build orders and manage inventory more effectively.
After the success of this show, how do you see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow and raise the standard in the industry?
To continue growing, it will be important to maintain strong partnerships with major and popular vendors and continue offering competitive deals. Expanding vendor – led events and attendee-only benefits like Andis could further increase participation. Some deals required large quantities, which made it difficult for smaller stores to try new items. Lowering minimum quantities on selected deals could help increase participation. In some cases, customers received wrong information about deals. Better training for vendor staff could help prevent confusion. In conclusion, strong deals bring customers in, but a good experience keeps them coming back. The Jinny Expo should continue to offer strong deals while creating an enjoyable experience that encourages repeat attendance.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, the Jinny Expo came alive with interactive booths, exciting promotions, and a highly engaged crowd. Attendees enjoyed a mix of entertainment and real business opportunities, making the event both dynamic and impactful. Brandon Ok offers insight into what made this year’s show so successful.
Brandon Ok
Sales Manager, New Jersey Branch
1. The Jinny Expo in your city brought incredible energy—what were some of the standout moments or highlights from this year’s show?
One of the most memorable highlights was the enthusiastic response from guests to the interactive experiences created by our vendors.
From blowouts and raffles to spin-the-wheel games and thoughtfully curated samples, each element added a layer of excitement to the show floor.
In particular, given the current economic climate, these special promotions and hands-on experiences not only brought moments of joy but also offered genuine value, making the event both engaging and meaningful for our attendees.
2. How did the turnout and engagement from store owners and vendors in your region reflect the strength of the Jinny Expo?
The strong turnout and high level of engagement from both store owners and vendors clearly reflected the continued strength of the Jinny Expo. With a growing number of vendors participating in the trade show each year, customer anticipation and attendance have steadily increased—and this year was no exception. We received consistent feedback that the event not only met but exceeded expectations. In today’s challenging economic climate, the Jinny Expo has also played a meaningful role in supporting the beauty supply industry, offering both momentum and opportunity. Additionally, it provided store owners with valuable, firsthand access to vendors, allowing them to gain deeper insight into products and strengthen their overall understanding—an aspect that many attendees found especially beneficial.
3. From your perspective, what makes the Jinny Expo different from other trade shows in the industry?
What truly sets the Jinny Expo apart from other trade shows is the exceptional level of collaboration from our vendors, many of whom make a concerted effort to offer exclusive deals and more competitive pricing. As a result, attendees have come to recognize that they can consistently find better value here compared to other shows. In addition, the Expo provides a unique opportunity to discover products carried by vendors who partner exclusively with Jinny. This not only broadens the product landscape for attendees but also reinforces a distinct identity giving the event a signature character and a strong sense of being a truly exclusive Jinny only show.
4. What opportunities or advantages did attendees gain by participating in the Jinny Expo in your city?
Attendees gained valuable opportunities to purchase products at highly competitive prices through exclusive deals offered at the Expo. Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the event also contributed to energizing the beauty supply industry, creating a sense of momentum during a challenging economic period. It also served as a dynamic platform for discovering new product launches and staying ahead of emerging trends, allowing attendees to remain competitive in a fast-evolving market. Perhaps most importantly, the Expo offered a rare chance for guests to connect directly with vendors, gaining firsthand insights and product knowledge—an experience that added both depth and value to their participation.
5. After the success of this show, how do you see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow and raise the standard in the industry?
Looking ahead, we see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow as a key platform that not only elevates industry standards but also supports the vitality of local economies. By introducing even more engaging events and compelling promotions, we aim to create greater value for both participating vendors and attendees. At its core, our goal is to strengthen our role as a bridge fostering meaningful communication and connection between vendors and customers. Through ongoing preparation and innovation, we are committed to building an even more impactful and collaborative experience in the years to come.
Dallas
In Dallas, the Jinny Expo delivered a vibrant blend of interactive booths, strong vendor participation, and an energized crowd. Attendees experienced meaningful networking opportunities alongside engaging product showcases and exclusive promotions, making the event both productive and memorable. Sales manager Daniel Lee shares insight into what made this year’s Dallas show a standout success.
Daniel J. Lee
Sales Manager, Dallas Branch
1. The Jinny Expo in your city brought incredible energy—what were some of the standout moments or highlights from this year’s show?
What made this year’s Jinny Expo stand out was its shift toward experience over display. It wasn’t just about showcasing products or promotions. It focused on immersion and interaction. The most memorable moments came from spaces where attendees could actively participate and connect, giving the event a more dynamic and human feel.
Another highlight was the increase in out-of-state visitors. You could really feel the difference, it brought a more diverse crowd, sparked new conversations, and created a stronger sense of momentum. Overall, it felt like the Jinny Expo is evolving into a destination event rather than just a local one.
2. How did the turnout and engagement from store owners and vendors in your region reflect the strength of the Jinny Expo?
The strong turnout from both store owners and vendors really highlighted the Jinny Expo’s growing influence in our region. More importantly, the level of engagement through conversations, networking, and on-site interactions showed that attendees weren’t just there to observe, but to actively participate. That kind of involvement is a clear indicator of the Jinny Expo’s relevance and its value as a platform for building relationships and driving business forward.
3. From your perspective, what makes the Jinny Expo different from other trade shows in the industry?
What sets the Jinny Expo apart is its focus on experience and engagement rather than just display. Instead of simply presenting products, it creates an environment where vendors, store owners, and attendees can actively connect and exchange ideas. That level of interaction, combined with the growing diversity of participants, makes it feel more dynamic and relationship driven than many other trade shows in the industry.
4. What opportunities or advantages did attendees gain by participating in the Jinny Expo in your city?
Attendees gained valuable opportunities for networking, business development, and product access by participating in the Jinny Expo. The event brought together store owners, vendors, and industry professionals in one space, making it easier to build new relationships, explore partnerships, and stay informed on emerging trends.
Another key advantage was access to exclusive discounts and deals that extended beyond the event itself. With promotions remaining available for a longer period, store owners had the flexibility to manage cash flow and place larger and more strategic orders over time rather than feeling pressured to purchase everything during the Jinny Expo. This added flexibility made the experience more practical and business friendly for attendees.
5. After the success of this show, how do you see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow and raise the standard in the industry?
I see the Jinny Expo continuing to grow by expanding its reach and strengthening engagement between Jinny, vendors, and store owners. Moving forward, I believe that it will continue elevating the overall experience, showcasing products in more engaging ways, and adding value beyond the event through ongoing deals and flexible ordering. Ultimately, it has the potential to set a higher standard in the industry by becoming a long-term resource for building relationships and supporting business growth.
