The Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors Association (ICMAD) held its technical/regulatory forum for the first time in California. The event occurred Feb. 23 at the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach.

Highlights of the event included presentations on a variety of topics pertinent to the beauty industry. Carl Geffken of Carl Geffken Consultants kicked off the forum with a presentation on cosmetics versus drugs, discussing definitions, responsibilities and regulatory issues. Other presenters included Tom Raffy, president of GAR Labs, speaking on contract manufacturing; Graig Weiss, president of Consumer Product Testing, educating on claims support and testing; Sheila Sebor, associate executive director of ICMAD, speaking about ICMAD resources; Patty Schumucker, president of performance branding services, speaking about current cosmetic legislation in CA; and David Steinberg, president of Steinberg & Associates, who presented on The California Safe Cosmetic Act of 2005.