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The 2024 BELLAMI Showcase, held from September 29th to October 1st at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas, was an unforgettable experience for attendees, filled with hands-on education, celebration and inspiration.
From the VIP welcome event the night before to the moment that the main stage opened at 8 AM on Monday, the energy in the room was electric. Stylists and hair professionals from across the industry packed the space, eager to soak in the knowledge shared by a diverse lineup of educators. The Showcase provided an immersive environment, where questions were encouraged. The excitement and thirst for knowledge were palpable, making it clear that this event was designed to be an educational game-changer for the extensions industry.
The Tease was on the ground at The Showcase and was even given a live tutorial from BELLAMI educator Amanda Bruno who applied extensions to our editor’s hair. Bruno was also incredibly informative, so much so that our editor felt confident enough to apply the extensions herself afterward! Just a small example of the practical education provided during the event.
What really set this industry event apart was the fresh mix of main-stage educators. BELLAMI didn’t just stick to their well-known lineup, such as Eric Vaughn, Senada K. Ceka and Volume Up Podcast guest Andrew Fitzsimons, who played an important role in the event, but brought in new faces, bringing a fresh perspective and diverse techniques to the table. Stylists like Sabrina Bias, Dhairius Thomas, and Kendall Dorsey who spoke to getting that icy color right on extensions and celebrity styling respectively. It wasn’t just about showcasing hair extensions but about pushing boundaries and innovating.
One of the most memorable speeches of the whole SHOWCASE came from Mary Burns, The President of BELLAMI, who spoke passionately about the power of hair extensions. She emphasized the power that extensions offer for one’s confidence and ability to transform. She noted that only a small percentage of consumers currently use them, however, once someone tries them they become hooked on the immediate impact extensions can make—not just in terms of length, but volume and fullness.
The Showcase also featured standout business and finance panels. These sessions felt refreshingly genuine, with renowned experts sharing real advice without any sense of competition. Instead, there was a spirit of camaraderie, with panelists lifting each other up, sharing wisdom, and even expressing envy over certain tips. The money panel was a standout to our team, with relatable, actionable advice that was accessible to everyone. There was no shame in discussing financial struggles.
Our team, along with so many others, got to connect directly with panelists, bridal hair experts, and celebrity stylists to get one-on-one interviews and connections that are inaccessible in many other spaces. Learning tips and tricks from these major industry players along with how they got to where they are today.
If you thought that was it, then just wait! The BELLAMI Awards were also held during the Showcase on the night of Sept 30th. As the only award show in the hair extension industry, THE BELLAMI Showcase left attendees feeling recognized, celebrated, and inspired. Participants radiated excitement and gratitude as they accepted their accolades and it was powerful to see stylists recognized for their hard work, talent, and dedication to the craft.
As we reflect on the Showcase and all the talented individuals who attended, it was clear that the stylists were eager to bring what they learned back to their own salons and studios, equipped with new tools, techniques, and a sense of empowerment to elevate their work.
For more from BELLAMI, including where to purchase, visit bellamiprofessional.com. And be sure to follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok for exclusive content from The Showcase.
