Or actually just a little more than a year! Time DOES fly when you’re busy and having fun! When we started this online community in January 2011, of course we hoped it would be popular and useful to esties from all over the country, but it is still so exciting to see more than 3,000 people enjoying the forum. And even some from outside the USA.

I love to see all the great discussions, questions, answers, and the other ways you are helping each other succeed, and the kindness and sense of community that it has brought. I think many of you have made new friends and new professional contacts here, which is also great to see.

This is the time of year when we all start seeing ads for the spring and summer trade shows. If you haven't been to one before, or if you've put it off for a few years, please consider visiting at least one trade show in 2012. Not only is there excellent education, but the in-person networking opportunities are awesome. You can learn so much and meet so many people -- it really is worth the cost! And keep in mind that a lot of your trade show expenses are tax-deductible, as described in this recent article. Look at our Event Calendar for upcoming trade shows and other skin care events. (If you're a member of ASCP, make sure we have your current email address, because often there are discounts available to you at these events and we send email notifications and discount codes when there's something coming up in your area.)

Come and say hello if you attend any of the shows where ASCP will have a presence. At many of the shows, I present a session on liability insurance for estheticians, and ways to minimize the risk of a client accident or injury in your spa. Whether or not you come along to those presentations, we love to meet you, our “forum posters,” in person, so look for the ASCP booth and introduce yourself. Depending on the trade show, you might find me, Katie (our president), Debbie (our expert on insurance claims), Kirsten (the voice you've heard on all of our educational webinars), Carrie (the editor of ASCP Skin Deep magazine), or Susanne, our education director.

Thank you for turning this forum into such a wonderful place for all skin care professionals, whether you’re an expert, student, new graduate, educator, or manufacturer. We are proud to run and moderate this community, but you are the person who makes it what it is.