Premiere Orlando celebrated its 30th anniversary with record numbers. Maggie Mulhern reports for Estetica!
Premiere Orlando, the renowned professional beauty industry trade show, celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 1-3, 2024. Indeed, the event welcomed 50,000+ visits from licensed professionals and students, earning an 18% increase in attendance over 2023. The event featured over 675 complimentary educational classes, 45 hands-on workshops, 400+ educators & influencers and more than 450 exhibiting brands. These numbers make it the largest and most immersive beauty experience in the U.S.
Estetica correspondent Maggie Mulhern said, “What an amazing industry rebound. If Premiere Orlando is any indication, the salon biz is thriving and the perfect way to celebrate show season. Considered one of the best trade events in the salon industry, Premiere 2024 lived up to its reputation.”
Educational Excellence and Innovative Demonstrations
Premiere Orlando 2024 offered an extensive array of educational opportunities with over 675 complimentary classes. The goal was to ensure that attendees had access to the latest techniques and trends in the beauty industry. The classes covered hair, nails, skincare, and business strategies and more, catering to the diverse needs of beauty professionals.
This year’s event was highlighted by standing-room-only sessions from top educators like Ashlee Norman and Jack Howard from K18. There were also new nails educators Claws London and Kirsty Meakin, and dynamic classes from brands such as Ashtae, Hattori Hanzo Shears and Malibu C.
The event also featured over 45 hands-on workshops. Participants enjoyed gaining practical experience to enhance their skills under the guidance of industry experts. Lisap Milano presented Express Balayage Techniques featuring Cherry Petenbrink and Stephanie Brown, Razor & Dry Cutting with Fancy Hairdressers featuring Emily Chen and Mari Demonte, and the Platinum Seamless workshops on their V-Light Multimethod Certification.
“The ‘MainStage‘ remained the heart of Premiere, where key educators, salon stars and influencers shared their knowledge and expertise,” reports Maggie. “This year it seems like more natural hair color formulations and updated retro cuts were the focus for classic salon artists. Instead, strong techniques ruled for the barbering world. Hair additions, volumizers, bond builders and conditioning treatment presentations – and anything to enhance healthier hair – dominated the show.”
Premiere’s Highlights
Maggie shares, “There were many highlights. The gridlock at Olaplex was fun and deserved! Thousands of hairdressers pressed to meet Guy Tang and Tracey Cunningham. These two led a parade from the stage to the booth to celebrate the brands’ tenth anniversary. Cupcakes and product giveaways followed. There was more excitement nearby at Keratin Complex. Thousands lined up to play “Plinko” and learn more about their range of smoothing treatments and KCExpress, the 15 minute color locking and smoothing treatment. Over at Wahl, a nonstop standing room only audience earned a taste of their “On-Demand” education with top presentations by key artists.”
Acknowledging excellence at Premiere
“Premiere did not disappoint when it came to competition!” claims Maggie. There was a Barber Battle, a nail competition and “The Garden Of Time” Beauty FX competition. And when it comes to competition, NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards), held by the Professional Beauty Association, was a key draw at Premiere. Considered the “Academy Awards of Hair”, the event was sold out and simply spectacular. Hosted by industry legend Sam Villa, NAHA not only honored the 2024 winners, but celebrated the events’ 30 year history with presentations to past winners and nods to industry icons.
Looking toward 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Premiere Orlando is thrilled to announce a partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, a non-profit organization dedicated to elevating the perception of careers in the beauty industry. This collaboration promises to bring new opportunities and initiatives aimed at inspiring and supporting the next generation of beauty professionals. The Beauty Changes Lives Gala and Industry Leader Round Table are coming to Premiere Orlando on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Mark your calendars for this inspiring conversation and evening that celebrates the future of beauty.