The NYSCC History Project The Early History of Suppliers’ Day – Steve Herman

The first attempt by the NYSCC to hold a Suppliers Day event was in 1979. There was not enough supplier interest, and the plan was dropped In 1980 the second try was a success with 66 booths and led to steady growth of the event Records from 40 years ago are scarce, but in June 1985 HAPPI Magazine published a report:

“When the New York Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists held its first Suppliers’ Day exhibit in May 1980, several dozen suppliers exhibited their materials and services for several hundred people Last month, at the sixth annual program, some 700 industry members toured 94 booths at the crowded Birchwood Manor, Whippany NJ, according to Frank DeMonico, of Van Dyk, exhibit chair man There were 330 at the dinner that followed ”

By May 22, 1988, Suppliers’ Day was at the Aspen Manor Hotel in Parsippany, New Jersey The best guess for venues during the early years is:

• 1980 – Neptune Inn, Paramus

• 1981 – Neptune Inn, Paramus

• 1982 – Neptune Inn, Paramus

• 1983 – The Bethwood, Totowa

• 1984 – The Bethwood, Totowa

• 1985 – Birchwood Manor, Whippany

• 1986 – Birchwood Manor, Whippany

• 1987 – Birchwood Manor, Whippany

After five years at the Aspen, Suppliers’ Day moved to the Meadowlands Convention Center on May 22, 1993, and the days when the event could fit in the confines of a hotel ball room were over forever.