The Last Day - Day 3

The final day was intensively packed with presentations and information of great importance to many soapmakers. It was go, go, go from breakfast at 7:15 until the end of the last class at 5:30, and then a pre-dinner social at 6:30 and the Gala Awards Dinner from 7:00 - 9:30! In addition, a second round of certification testing was completed during the breakfast slot!

Kevin Dunn, the HSMG's resident soap chemist, once again entertained and educated soapmakers on the science of soap with his professorial presentation of the research conducted during the past year.

Kevin Dunn showed his research on the effects of heat and temperature (they're different) in the soapmaking process, answering the age-old soapmaking question, to gel, or not to gel?

David Steinberg, expert in the field of preservatives, dispelled some myths about using preservatives and provided insight into why, when and how to use them. Mr. Steinberg's presentation was sponsored by MakingCosmetics.com.

Lori Nova, two-time winner of the Soapers Showcase, detailed her research on foolproof colorants. Attendees left with a hand-out that gave excellent guidelines on what colorants work under what conditions. Her presentation was sponsored by From Nature With Love.

Marla Bosworth went over ways to differentiate yourself in the marketplace, giving tips for how to make your products stand out from the pack.

Lela Barker, who has successfully marketing her products in a number of countries on several continents, explained about exporting and international distributors for those who want to take their products international.

Kayla Fioravanti returned to the podium to close out the classes with her presentation on how to thrive in a sluggish economy.

After all the speakers, there was a little time to relax and get ready for the pre-dinner social and then the Annual Awards Dinner.

The In-Between Time

Just like the days before, there were breaks and snacks between each of the session slots. The afternoon break was the last time to check in with the vendors, pick up any raffle items and shop for HSMG Merchandise.

Our own HSMG Administrator, Gayle Vrla, talks to an attendee while finalizing a purchase.

A Long Day

Not only did Donna Maria Coles Johnson of the Indie Beauty Network give a fabulous presentation on Social Media on Day 1, she and her husband also video taped portions of the conference and conducted interviews with attendees, staff and the Board of Directors. (The video will be put up on the HSMG website when completed.)

At the end of the day, she took a little break away from the hustle and bustle.

Next: Annual Awards Dinner