Going Live

Ft. Lauderdale and New York will host the first two of American Salon's Operating Instructions—Live! conferences this September. These two-day meetings will be jam-packed with sessions to teach attendees the best business practices to improve and grow their salon business.

The programs kick off with the film Hair Heroes, which pays tribute to 12 truly inspirational figures who have affected the industry in monumental ways. Michael Gordon, from Bumble and bumble, is the featured keynote speaker.

Gordon, son of a hairdresser, opened Bumble and bumble in 1977 in a tiny space on 57th Street, to compete with Manhattan's top names in hairdressing. After only one year, the salon was listed in Vogue as one of the top 10 in New York City and has remained a leader on that list ever since. Gordon will share his vision on the successful merging of business and creativity, and the responsibility of salon owners and managers to the craft.

The conference sessions, delivered by some of the country's top salon business educators and successful salon owners, will give the attendee highly focused, actionable strategies and techniques to implement in all aspects of salon management. Some of the topics include:

  • Strategic Marketing & Advertising
  • Want to Grow Your Business...What's your Plan?
  • How to Keep Uncle Sam Out of Your Pocket
  • Raise Your Prices with No Fear
  • The Only 7 Ways to Increase Sales
  • Growth Strategies to Increase Profitability
  • The 7 Keys to Salon Excellence
  • A Proven Career Path System for Your Employees
  • Embracing Technology to Grow Your Bottom Line
  • Finding and Keeping Great People

The closing general session will address the latest trends in salon business, services and pricing, which can help you gauge your salon's success. You'll get a better understanding of your customers' attitudes and behavior and a sneak peek at future product trends. With plenty of networking opportunities, including a reception sponsored by platinum sponsor Profound, these conferences are sure to educate, energize and inspire!

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS—LIVE! FL
September 11-12, 2005 Ft. Lauderdale

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS—LIVE! NY
September 18-19, 2005 New York

For more information or to register, or for information on Operating Instructions—Live! in Houston and Chicago in October, visit www.operatinginstructionslive.com, or call (800) 427-2420.

 Irene Meikle with client of the year LaQuita Claiborne
Irene Meikle with client of the year LaQuita Claiborne

IN GOOD FASHION

Providing hair and makeup services, Graham Webb helped raise $180,000 for Suited for Change, a charity that provides interview attire for low-income women. At the organization's annual celebration and auction in May, creative director Irene Meikle designed a look for LaQuita Claiborne, the featured client of the year. Claiborne, who is now employed at a law firm, delivered a speech detailing her success with the program. In addition to the makeover, she received a one-year supply of products from Halo, Bibo and Back to Basics. Graham Webb also rewarded each attendee with Classic products and gift certificates to four salons in the Washington, DC area. "We were so excited to be part of this event," said Sandy Arthur, regional business manager for Graham Webb International. "As beauty innovators, it is incredibly gratifying to help these women bring out their inner beauty, giving them the confidence they need to get back on their feet."

PREMIERE ORLANDO 2005

Premiere Orlando 2005, taking place August 28-29 at the Orlando/Orange County Convention center, is gearing up for what promises to be their largest educational extravaganza to date. Among the presenters for this year's show are color expert Beth Minardi, Wella guest artist Nick Arrojo and creative directors Sonya and Christopher Dove, John Paul Mitchell Systems' Robert Cromeans, Rusk's Sandra Yu, Dwight Miller and Albie Mulcahy for Sahag, Martin Parsons and more.

Premiere Orlando has also expanded its educational program to include specialty areas in men's grooming, extensions and weaves, and global texture, with emphasis on education in ethnic hair services, techniques and business. Hands-on workshops will include education from TIGI/Toni & Guy, Pivot Point, American Board of Certified Hair Colorists and New Concepts Hair Goods. In addition, professionals can take advantage of Look and Learn classes with Bed Head/TIGI Makeup and Nailpro Nail Institute.

Tickets for the two-day show range from $40 to $60 for professionals and $35-$50 for industry students. To register, visit www.premiereshows.com, or call (800) 335-7469.