The International Salon and Spa Expo(ISSE) took place on January 25-27, 2020, with over 300 vendors exhibiting at the largest professional beauty event on the West Coast. The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) tradeshow was part of a trio of professional events that included the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) and the California Compliance Symposium.
The show floor was abuzz with an array of salon and spa focused suppliers with a trend toward sustainable products and an increase in the volume of CBD product offerings. As always, the expo was ideal for those looking to shop tools, appliances, and hair extension options. The new Beauty Focus section showcased the lastest in hair and skin care, makeup, and tools, while various natural brands made a showing in a new Green Beauty area.
More than 200 classes and workshops featured the top industry talent, including masterclasses by Daniel Mason-Jones and DJ Muldoon, and mainstage artists including Chrystofer Benson, Candy Shaw, and Cathey Salerno.
At PBA’s Beacon student program, top industry speakers such as Ammon Carver, Elizabeth Faye, and Geno Stampora shared stories and best advice, while Michelle O’Connor, Nicholas French, and other industry icons provided mentorship at a breakfast event.
PBA also hosted the California Compliance Symposium, a sold-out event that offered an in-depth look at current California labor and wage laws. Designed to help beauty business owners effectively run their operations this conference touched up issues as legal forms of compensation, booth rental compliance, payroll taxes, and more.
The 31st annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) also took place during the ISSE weekend. The beauty industry’s most prestigious awards show is the ultimate platformfor beauty professionals to push the boundaries and bring their artistic vision to life. Sixteen categories were awarded, including Hairstylist of the Year, Team of the Year, Haircutting, Hair Color, Texture, and Avant Garde. Top winners included Silas Tsang for Hairstylist of the Year, Chrystofer Benson for Hair Colorist of the Year, and Lucie Doughty for Editorial/Session Stylist of the Year.
