As one of the most anticipated shows of the year, the 94th annual America’s Beauty Show (ABS) was every bit the blockbuster event attendees waited for. More than 82,000 people gathered together in downtown Chicago for three days of non-stop education and artistry, and over 410 exhibits offering the latest in hair care, color, nails, skin care, tools and salon furnishings. For the first time, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference (IECSC) co-located with ABS, bringing a world-renowned skin care, spa expo and educational forum to Chicago. Save the date! ABS returns April 28-30, 2018.
ABS Runways
Cosmoprof Main Stage featured several industry superstars, including Anthony Mascolo, Guy Tang, Ricardo Santiago, Anna Cantu and Cherry Petenbrink. The SalonCentric Theater in the Round presented the works of leading artists like Sam Villa, Justin Issac, Ammon Carver, Chrystofer Benson, Nicholas French, Ruth Roche, Nick Stenson and Rafe Hardy. The runways were open before the show floor so early birds could be educated and entertained as they waited.
Business Panels
Attendees were able to learn how to grow their salon businesses with advice and tips from today’s top salon owners and educators. Intercoiffure hosted two seperate business panels: “Women In Leadership,” led by Karen Gordon, and “Best Practices for Salon Success,” led by Andreas Zafiriadis. And once again American Salon’s Gordon Miller moderated a panel on the power of Instagram.
Textured HairFair
Back for a second year, the Textured HairFair event offered the latest for all hair textures and curl types, technical keys to service success and a meet-and-greet with specialists from sponsoring brands who revolutionized the textured hair business.
Beauty Changes Lives Experience
To kick off the Beauty Changes Lives Experience, the winners of the 2017 ABS Global Image Awards were announced—and Sal Misseri of Kaizen Education received the Leo Passage Gold Trophy in honor of the late Pivot Point founder and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage. Matrix co-founders Arnold and Sydell Miller received the 2017 Legacy Award. The evening also hosted a breathtaking runway presentation with NEXTGEN talent from American Crew, Aquage, CND, Intercoiffure, Matrix, Mizani, Pivot Point, Redken, TIGI and Wella, who showcased their interpretation of “The Art of Prediction.”
Scholarships Announced
During the Beauty Changes Lives Experience, Sydell Miller, co-founder of Matrix and recipient of the Legacy Award, announced a $1 million donation from the Sydell & Arnold Miller Family Foundation to fund beauty and wellness scholarships over the next 10 years. The Millers’ gift will fund eight annual scholarships in four different categories.
The Arnold M. Miller “Findaway” Scholarship will fund up to $25,000 toward tuition for one student enrolled at an American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) member school who who demonstrates an entrepreneurial attitude.
The “Fashion Forward” Hairdressing Student Scholarship will be awarded to four students who exemplify the term “fashion forward” in personal style and artistry. Each scholarship will fund up to $10,000 per student enrolled in an AACS member school.
The Sydell L. Miller “Total Image” Esthetic Scholarship gives a $15,000 scholarship to an esthetic student enrolled in an AACS member school.
The NextGen Advanced Education Scholarship will fund $5,000 to two licensed hairstylists working towards their craft for two to five years for an advanced educational program at a beauty school, advanced academy or manufacturer’s academy program.
The scholarships will open October 1, 2017 and close on January 31, 2018. Winners will be announced during ABS 2018. A judging panel comprised of prominent stylists, industry leaders and a member of the Miller family will select winners.
“We’re incredibly touched by the generosity of the Sydell & Arnold Miller Foundation,” says Lynelle Lynch, President and Founding Member of the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation.