Uplink Live hits LA, connecting suppliers with indie beauty brand leaders

Uplink Live will run concurrently with IBE LA January 29 and 30 in Los Angeles, California​. Cosmetics Design recently caught up with Jillian Wright; co-founder of the Indie Beauty Media Group (IBMG); to find out who Uplink Live is really for and what attendees and exhibitors can expect in 2020.

“Uplink Live is a one-stop shop for brand founders to find specialists they need and can trust,” ​Wright tells Cosmetics Design.   ​  ​​

And she continues, explaining that “Uplink Live serves active brands looking for new partners, but is also perfect for emerging, launching or pre-launch brands looking for services such as business strategy, design, packaging, manufacturing, staffing, and/or overall business solutions partners that can help scale their businesses.”​

Wright notes that “event attendees also include beauty professionals such as retailers, consultants, press, and executives eager to learn more about the industries top companies wanting to work in the independent space. Exhibitors are not limited to small and mid-size companies but also larger accounts as well.” ​

Brands exhibiting at IBE can get early and/or exclusive access to solution providers at Uplink Live

It’s hard to be in two places as once. So when Uplink Live opened last year in New York City, exhibiting brand leaders were remise to leave their booths and connect with solution providers on the Uplink Live (ULL) floor or drop in on the educational programing at ULL.

True to form, IBMG has upgraded event logistics to better accommodate everyone. “For the 2020 events we are introducing ‘Uplinking’,” ​Wright tells Cosmetics Design. The new show feature is “​a series of pre-arranged networking sessions hosted for exhibiting brands and attendees, helping them make the most out of their time by making connections that are personal and meaningful.”​

“We have limited spots for each hosted session,” ​acknowledges Wright, “and since they are complementary these slots will fill up fast.”​​

“Scheduled one-on-one Uplinking meetings last for 5 minutes,” ​​she explains, “giving plenty of time to pitch and answer questions before moving on to the next opportunity. Of course, if you do not get a chance to [participate] in this amazing opportunity, we facilitate group and private tours as well.”​​

And, while “exhibiting [IBE] brands have the first chances to book Uplinking slots, any remaining spots will be opened up to [Uplink Live and IBE] attendees.”​​

Beyond that, “We are having two Uplinking sessions on Wednesday January 29, one prior to the doors opening and another at 6pm,” ​Wright tells Cosmetics Design.

“If you are interested and want to sign up, please email us at Hcyvaxyvir@vaqvrornhglrkcb.pbz​. If you are a brand and didn’t make the Uplinking list,” ​Wright assures that, “you will still find it so valuable to make time to walk the Uplink area to meet the companies.”​

Uplink Live includes inspirational and educational programming for beauty entrepreneurs

IBMG is known for its educational programming at BeautyX events. And the group has incorporated panels and presentations into the Uplink Live event as well.

Wright explains the distinction that brand leaders and beauty entrepreneurs can expect to see this way: BeautyX “Demand Generation” is a two-day intensive summit specifically focusing on the evolving media landscape​​ and how to best navigate media channels to build brand value.”​

While, “Uplink Live programming (which is included in the price of admission to IBE/ULL) is more about the relationships and processes that beauty entrepreneurs experience when working with supportive companies in the industry.” ​​At Uplink Live in LA this January, “Base Beauty Creative​ is [giving a presentation called] Social Strategy: How to translate your purpose into conversation.”​​

And, “We are very excited to have Cosmetics Design Business Editor Deanna Utroske contributing to the development of programing for the Uplink Live stage and bringing us panel discussions pertinent to the industry's business trends and solutions,” ​​says Wright.

A faster track for indie beauty brands looking to win in the marketplace

“Uplink Live is here to help you tap into the beauty industry and quickly vet and connect with people who know indie beauty brands are the future,” ​Wright tells this publication, as she describes what’s different about ULL and larger industry-dominated tradeshows.

“These people [exhibiting at ULL] want to share their expertise and have far reaching networks,” ​she says. “Companies don’t just want to sell you their services, they want you to be the next Drunk Elephant​ or Glossier.” ​​

“They are making a commitment (and also taking a little bit of a gamble) doing business with smaller brands, but Uplink Live exhibitors are in it for the long game,” ​emphasizes Wright, adding that, “since most indie brands don’t have major internal infrastructure, hiring the right service providers is key. Outsourcing is an integral part of growth and Uplink Live is the gatekeeper.”​

Learn more about this month’s LA edition of Uplink Live and find links to exhibitor info and ticketing here on uplink-live.com.​
Cosmetics Design readers can save 10% on IBE tickets with this code: CD10

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Deanna Utroske is a leading voice in the cosmetics and personal care industry as well as in the indie beauty movement. As Editor of CosmeticsDesign.com, she writes daily news about the business of beauty in the Americas region and regularly produces video interviews with cosmetics, fragrance, personal care, and packaging experts as well as with indie brand founders.
Deanna will be speaking next at the Uplink Live event in LA this month​ and at Green Beauty Night in February​.