Business Network Live was an occasion for great excitement this showcase motivational event from Team Wella; returning after a reluctant 2-year hiatus.
More than 200 guests gathered in the stunning grounds of The Belfry Hotel & Resort for Wella’s Business Network Live. This is an event with the reputation of being one of the greatest motivational events in the hairdressing calendar. This year, there was an atmosphere like no other in the event’s 24 year history! Wella delivered the perfect balance of inspirational content from motivational speakers, teamed with networking with likeminded managers and business owners, the event was an outstanding success from the start.
The host for the occasion was Dom Lehane, joined by Max Amen, Wella’s General Manager for the UK & Ireland, at the opening. “Today we celebrate the Wella family; we are a standalone company now and are more flexible than ever before,” he commented. “The salon is always at the core of what we do. You can expect us to be there for you through good times and bad.” Also onstage was Senior Sales & Education Director, UK & Ireland, Tatiana Suvorova. “We vow to work with you to grow your colour business. We’re going to be bringing the Wella family together for many more face-to-face experiences,” she added.
Captivating Guest Speakers
The line-up of motivational speakers presented a dynamic, yet balanced combination of real-life stories and experiences; these were all inspirational and beneficial to anyone working in an industry such as ours.
Highlights included a presentation from multi-award-winning speaker and marketing guru Geoff Ramm. Also onstage and writer and performance expert, Rasmus Ankersen; he gave a fascinating insight into the synergies between high achieving sporting groups around the world.
Ex-footballer, Clarke Carlisle, and his wife, Carrie, then gave an emotional account of the struggles of dealing with mental health. Adventurer, Simon Reeve, shared his epic journey of becoming a TV travel legend, while comedy writer, Tim Reid, gave a refreshing session on creative brainstorming and the power of humour in creativity. Founder of travel company TravelEyes, Amar Latif, shared the challenges of turning blind at the age of 18. His empowering, emotional, and honest story conveyed uplifting moments describing how Amar has faced and overcome adversity.
Business Network Live also included some of our own industry experts in its line-up. These included Adam Thomas from Salonspy and Fry Taylor from the Green Salon Collective was also there to talk about making sustainable decisions in the salon. Hairdressers Jordanna Cobella, Collette Osbourne, Salv Mule and Patrick Gildea then lead the panel discussion. This covered topics such as motivating staff, service menus and client expectations.
Down Time
Delegates went on to experience a fabulous and highly-memorable ‘Winter Luxe’ inspired evening, with drinks, dinner, ice sculptures, ski stimulators, and a 360-degree photo booth to set the scene. Full-on cabaret entertainment -came in the form a hilarious drag act The Globe Girls and genius stand camp comedian Tom Allen, who helped make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all.