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SEARCHOPI’s 7th Annual International Education Symposium
OPI Onstage
THE EVENT: OPI's 7th Annual International Education Symposium, where more than 300 distributors and educators from 70 countries were introduced to OPI's newest developments, products and techniques.
THE VENUE: The Hilton, Universal City, California.
THE DETAILS: The day opened with a performance by the Jersey Boys. "Who else would bring the Jersey Boys for breakfast?" asked George Schaeffer, president and CEO, after joining them for a song. He then discussed OPI's growth into 105 countries. Next, the "first lady of nails" Suzi Weiss-Fischmann took the stage to begin the celebration of 20 years of color for OPI, which kicks off in 2009. Vice President of Marketing David Trocker introduced the newest products, Robbie Schaeffer previewed his soon-to-open OPI concept salon ROB(B., and Vice President of Conceptual Product Development and Advertising Lori Justice introduced OPI's Fall Collection "La Collection de France."
THE BUZZ: New products including Maintenance Formula Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener, Perfection Nail Tips and new flavors of Avojuice were all the buzz. The biggest product news was the Axxium Soak Off Gels demonstrated by Competition Team Leader and Technical Advisor John Hauk and OPI Guest Artists Danny Phung and Joseph Pham.
THE LAST WORD: OPI is doing its part to help the environment and keep its nail techs and consumers safe. The OPI line has been re-vamped and is now DBP-, toulene- and formaldehyde-free. "OPI continually strives to exceed expectations of beauty professionals around the globe through our innovative products and services," said Schaeffer. "As manufacturers, educators, distributors and beauty professionals, we are all responsible for delivering on the promise of our valued, world-recognized brand."
George Schaeffer cameos as a Jersey Boy and dances with an OPI lacquer bottle at the opening of the OPI Symposium.
The OPI Artistic Team takes the main stage.
Schaeffer and Weiss-Fischman recognize Lena White, a 25-year OPI distributor in the UK with an award, calling her the "queen of nails."
Suzi Weiss-Fischman addresses the Symposium attendees.
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