Oregon Nail Expo 2026: What Nail Techs Should Know Before Attending

If you’re a nail professional in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Nail Expo is one of the most valuable opportunities of the year to invest in your career, connect with other nail techs, and experience the latest innovations in the nail industry.

The Oregon Nail Expo is the largest nails-only trade show for licensed nail professionals and students in the PNW, bringing together educators, professional brands, and nail techs from across the United States and Canada.

Now celebrating its 14th year, the event is held at the Airport Sheraton in Portland, Oregon and is designed specifically for nail professionals who want access to the latest products, techniques, and education in the industry.

Throughout the weekend you’ll find professional nail companies showcasing new products and trends, live demonstrations, samples, show specials, and presentations included with your show ticket.

You can learn more about the event or purchase tickets directly on the official website:
https://www.onenailexpo.com/

The Oregon Nail Expo schedule includes several days of education and events:

Friday 5/1
Hands-on Classes | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

Saturday 5/2
Hands-on Classes | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*
Pre Check-In for Sunday | 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Sunday 5/3 – Trade Show Day
VIP Entry | 9:00 AM
General Admission | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Your Sunday show ticket includes free presentation classes throughout the day.

Monday 5/4
Hands-on Classes | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM*

Hands-on classes are separate from the Sunday show ticket and are paid directly to the company or educator hosting the training.

Optional hands-on education and certifications are available Friday, Saturday, and Monday and are paid directly to the company or educator hosting the class.

This year, Cordoza Nail Supply will be attending the Oregon Nail Expo as a vendor, and we’re bringing education with us.

We’ll be hosting a hands-on acrylic training class with former Nailpro Cup World Champion Allie Baker on May 2nd, along with a free chrome application class during the trade show on Sunday at 3 PM.

If the Oregon Nail Expo is within driving distance for you, this is one of the best opportunities of the year to learn new techniques, connect with other nail professionals, and immerse yourself in the nail industry.

For more event information, tickets, and updates, visit the official Oregon Nail Expo website:
https://www.onenailexpo.com/

Hands-On Acrylic Training with Allie Baker

May 2nd | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The day before the expo begins, we’re hosting a hands-on acrylic training class designed to help nail techs build stronger foundations and more consistent results behind the table.

This class will be taught by former Nailpro Cup World Champion Allie Baker, who brings years of competition experience and real-world salon knowledge to the classroom.

This is not a competition-style acrylic class. The focus is practical, repeatable salon work that helps nail techs feel more confident, efficient, and consistent when working with acrylic in everyday services.

During this class you’ll learn:

• Prep techniques that support long-lasting retention
• Form fitting and simple modifications for different nail types
• How to build balance and structure without unnecessary bulk
• How to create clean, classic salon shapes
• Tips to reduce finish filing and save time during services

Students will work with the CNS Acrylic System, a truly primerless, HEMA-free acrylic system designed to deliver consistent performance, reliable adhesion, and safer working conditions for both nail professionals and their clients.

Each student will receive:

• A CNS Acrylic Class Kit
• A premium acrylic brush
• Four hours of hands-on training
• A certificate of completion

Seats are intentionally limited to keep the class small, interactive, and hands-on.

You can learn more or reserve your seat here:
https://www.cordozanailsupply.com/products/acrylic-foundations-masterclass-oregon-nail-expo-exclusive-may-2nd-8am-12pm

Free Chrome Class During the Expo

May 3rd | 3:00 PM

During the expo itself, we’ll also be hosting a free breakout class at 3:00 PM focused on achieving flawless chrome application.

Chrome is one of the most requested finishes in the salon, but many nail techs struggle with issues like patchy chrome, dull payoff, or chrome that doesn’t wear well.

In this class, Allie Baker will demonstrate how to achieve consistent chrome results using the CNS Chrome Attract System, including:

• Proper chrome base preparation
• Using porous no-wipe gels designed specifically for chrome adhesion
• Techniques for achieving smooth, reflective chrome finishes
• How to use chrome liners for art and detailed designs
• Creative chrome effects using chrome-repelling matte top coat

If you’ve ever struggled with chrome or want to expand your chrome art capabilities, this class will give you practical techniques you can immediately apply behind the table.

Why Events Like the Oregon Nail Expo Matter for Nail Techs

One of the biggest challenges in the nail industry is that many professionals work independently.

You’re focused on your clients, working behind the table day after day, often trying to improve your skills through social media videos or trial and error.

Events like the Oregon Nail Expo create an opportunity to step outside of that environment and immerse yourself in education, inspiration, and community.

When you attend an industry event like this, you get the chance to:

• Watch live demonstrations from professional brands
• Ask questions directly to educators and brand founders
• Learn techniques that normally take years to discover on your own
• Explore new professional products and systems
• Meet other nail techs who understand the challenges and rewards of this career

Those connections often turn into friendships, collaborations, and long-term support networks within the industry.

A Quick Word About Expo Etiquette

Something that often goes unspoken is how important attendee etiquette can be at professional events.

Most of the brands and educators attending the Oregon Nail Expo are there because they genuinely want to help nail professionals succeed.

They are investing time, travel, and resources to show up, demonstrate products, share education, and answer questions.

If you attend the event, here are a few ways to get the most out of the experience:

Be curious.
Watch demonstrations, ask questions, and take notes.

Introduce yourself.
Many of the people you meet could become mentors, collaborators, or lifelong industry friends.

Stay open-minded.
You may learn something that completely changes how you approach your services.

Step outside your comfort zone.
Talk to new people. Attend a class. Try something different.

The nail industry grows stronger when professionals support each other and share knowledge.

Come Visit Cordoza Nail Supply at the Expo

If you're attending the Oregon Nail Expo, be sure to stop by the Cordoza Nail Supply booth!

Allie Baker, Jamie Ferren and the creator of CNS Tiffani Cordoza will be there connecting with nail techs, answering questions, and showcasing our professional systems.

And if you’re serious about improving your acrylic application, we would love to see you in the Acrylic Foundations hands-on training with Allie Baker on May 2nd.

Events like this are where growth happens, not just in your skills, but in the relationships you build within the industry.

If the Oregon Nail Expo is within driving distance for you, consider this your sign to go.

Your future self will be glad you did. See you there!

Oregon Nail Expo 2026 Event Details

Event: Oregon Nail Expo
Date: May 3, 2026
Location: Oregon Convention Center
City: Portland, Oregon

Hosted By: ONE Oregon Nail Expo

Cordoza Nail Supply Education:

• Hands-On Acrylic Foundations Masterclass
May 2, 2026
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Instructor: Former Nailpro Cup World Champion Allie Baker

• Free Chrome Application Class
May 3, 2026
3:00 PM

Official event website:
https://www.onenailexpo.com/

Frequently Asked Questions About the Oregon Nail Expo

Who should attend the Oregon Nail Expo?

The Oregon Nail Expo is designed for professional nail technicians, salon owners, nail students, and industry educators who want to learn new techniques, discover professional nail products, and connect with other professionals in the nail industry.

Is the Oregon Nail Expo open to beginners?

Yes. Nail techs at every stage of their career can benefit from attending. Many classes and demonstrations focus on improving foundational techniques and introducing new systems and products.

Can you take classes at the Oregon Nail Expo?

Yes. The event offers multiple classes and breakout sessions throughout the weekend, including hands-on education and technique-focused demonstrations.

Cordoza Nail Supply will be hosting:

• A hands-on acrylic training class with Allie Baker on May 2nd
• A free chrome application class during the event on May 3rd

What to Expect at the Cordoza Nail Supply Booth

If you’re attending the Oregon Nail Expo, make sure to stop by the Cordoza Nail Supply booth while you’re there.

We’ll be spending the day connecting with nail professionals, answering questions, and demonstrating how our systems are designed to perform in real salon environments. If you’ve been curious about CNS products or want to see them in action, this is the perfect opportunity.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit us:

Live product demos
Watch our systems being used in real time and see how they perform behind the table.

Explore the full CNS product lineup
Get hands-on with our professional systems and see the quality, textures, and performance up close.

Ask your questions
Whether it's application techniques, troubleshooting lifting, chrome application, or product compatibility, we’re here to help.

VIP Gift
As a thank you to our community, we’ll be donating our Glass Top Coat to the VIP swag bags.

Meet fellow nail techs
Industry events are about community too. Bring your nail friends, connect with other techs, and don’t forget to snap a selfie together at our booth.

We love meeting the professionals who use and support our products, and events like the Oregon Nail Expo are one of the best opportunities to connect in person.

We hope to see you there!