The Great Destination

The MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas was packed with Matrix stylists from across the globe, who came together for education and inspiration at Matrix Destination, one of the most anticipated salon professional events of the year. More than 5,000 salon owners, stylists and business partners attended the three-day event, which included a robust roster of classes—15 that have never even been offered before.

 Clockwise from Top: Matrix Artistic Designer Marco Guglielmino; Matrix Artistic Designer Julio Rodriguez; one of the classrooms at Matrix Destination
Clockwise from Top: Matrix Artistic Designer Marco Guglielmino; Matrix Artistic Designer Julio Rodriguez; one of the classrooms at Matrix Destination

"Matrix Destination was a milestone event that set a new standard for education in our industry," said Francesca Raminella, vice president and general manager of Matrix U.S.

Destination was a hit with attendees. Jan Baugher of The Designers Hair and Nail Salon in Penn Valley, CA, said she couldn't wait for the next one. Baugher said her only complaint was that it was too short. "I was so impressed with the organization and how everything was put together," she said. "Matrix had so many people scattered around the casino to help direct you, and there was so much information to take in. My favorite class was Gina Kahn. I went twice; she's really amazing."

Matrix's Dale Martin
Matrix's Dale Martin

In addition to Gina Kahn, industry legends Nicholas French, Joe Santy, Thia Spearing and Dr. Lewis Lesoncy taught courses, as did rising stars Ammon Carver, Rachel Glenn, Cori Randall and Paul Falltrick. But Destination wasn't all lectures and classes. The event was high-energy from start to finish, with nightly jam-packed celebrations, which included a Fashion Show Kickoff previewing the expertise of the Matrix artistic designers, as well as "The Place to be Party," a dance featuring a performance by top London performance artist DJ Bones. The exciting events created a sense of community and gave stylists in the Matrix family a chance to get to know one another. With all of the hoopla and the inspiring classes, Matrix Destination proved that education is exciting. It may be over, but attendees left with an experience that is sure to last them a lifetime. —C.W.