2 Days of Education, Leadership, and Networking with The AHC

By Anthony Gray & Louise May

The chilly Hair Festival long weekend in Sydney, Australia became the backdrop for a remarkable showcase of collaboration, education, and networking in the hairdressing industry.

The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) orchestrated two highly anticipated events, starting with the Industry Day on Friday, followed by the Leadership Summit and Schmoozefest on Saturday.

These back-to-back events brought together industry professionals from all corners of Australia and beyond, offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for growth.

Industry Day, held at the prestigious Hyatt in Sydney, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its ninth year of existence. Unparalleled in its reach and influence, Industry Day is the sole industry event that unites educators from across the hairdressing landscape.

With representatives from various sectors, including salon owners, in-salon educators, company and supplier educators, independent industry educators, and RTO management and teachers from TAFE and private providers, the event created a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and shared expertise.

Sponsored by esteemed organizations such as Sustainable Salons, Colour Me Safe, Pivot Point, Foil Me, Showpony, Timely, and Elite Hair Education, Industry Day revolved around the theme of “A Global Perspective and The Future of Education.”

The hair industry is facing an urgent need for talented individuals, prompting a call to attract, develop, and retain new hairdressers and barbers. To achieve this, participants explored global best practices while considering national initiatives.

The day featured an impressive line-up of speakers who delivered captivating presentations and thought-provoking insights. Lee Xavier from Australian Apprenticeship Support provided an overview of the apprenticeship landscape, highlighting its current state and future prospects.

Keynote speaker Antony Whitaker, renowned for his expertise in growing salon businesses, offered a global perspective on the state of hair education worldwide. He challenged attendees to embrace the opportunities and navigate the future of education in the digital age.

Amidst the anticipation of significant changes in Australia’s skills management landscape, Paul Zahra from the Australian Retailers Association joined Sandy Chong and other panellists for a discussion on the SkillsEQuipped initiative.

This initiative aims to address the emerging skills needs and workforce challenges in related industries, including retail, personal services, hospitality, tourism, and the arts. Collaboration among industry stakeholders, governments, and unions was highlighted as crucial for successful vocational training outcomes.

Engaging panels featuring leading hair industry figures examined training adaptation to industry needs and the future of salon education. Notable panelists included Gary Strachan, Deadly Hair Dude NT; Kylie Dwyer, Elite Hair Education; Cathy King, Toni&Guy Australia; Megan Evans, In Awe Education; Brodie-Lee Tsiknaris, Rokstar; and Pete Koziell, Analog Hair. These discussions fostered lively exchanges and facilitated the exploration of innovative approaches to training and education.

Throughout the day, participants attended interactive workshops that consolidated the key messages shared by the speakers and panel guests. These sessions sparked conversations and provided an opportunity for attendees to strategize and plan for real change in their respective education and training businesses.

The insights and learnings from Industry Day will inform the AHC’s advocacy work in education and training reform, helping shape the future of hair education in Australia.

In a touching moment, Sandy Chong, CEO of AHC, paid tribute to industry icon Sharon Blain, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the art of hairdressing over five decades. Sharon Blain’s legacy will continue to inspire generations, leaving an indelible mark on the hairdressing world.

The final speaker of the day, Matt Kuc, tackled the topic of insurance, litigation, and risk management—an often overlooked yet crucial aspect of the industry. Matt’s engaging presentation skilfully captivated the audience, providing valuable insights on mitigating risks and protecting businesses.

Clint Piper, AHC board chair, brought the inspiring day to a close, summarizing the key messages and reaffirming the AHC’s commitments. These include fostering better communication and understanding among salons, RTOs, companies, and independent educators, advocating for greater flexibility in training products and resources, and building a strong community for knowledge sharing and access to top-notch education tools and practices.

The following day, the AHC continued its momentum with the Leadership Summit and Schmoozefest at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. This event attracted industry professionals from near and far, providing a platform for inspiration, education, and networking. The Leadership Summit commenced with three distinguished keynote speakers, each sharing their expertise on different aspects of leadership and business.

Antony Whitaker returned to the stage, offering insights into the global salon industry’s evolving landscape. Tim Duggan, co-founder of Junkee Media and author of Cult Status and Killer Thinking, delved into creative leadership and effective problem solving techniques. Jo Maitland, with her expertise in digital marketing and consumer behaviour, highlighted the importance of adapting to changing client expectations and leveraging the latest consumer marketing trends.

A crowd favourite was also a special video tribute given to long standing board member Faye Murray who has tirelessly and voluntarily given her time, mentorship and expertise to both the board and its members over the years and who is stepping down after contributing in such a big way since the inception of the AHC.

Following the enlightening Leadership Summit, attendees transitioned to the Schmoozefest, an opportunity for everyone to network, connect, and celebrate their shared passion for the industry. Amidst delicious food, wine, and a vibrant atmosphere, industry peers engaged in conversations, exchanged insights, and solidified relationships.

The AHC have expressed gratitude to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors for their support in making the Leadership Summit & Schmoozefest a resounding success. With tickets selling out quickly, the industry demonstrated its recognition of the event’s value. The anticipation for next year’s Summit is already building, as professionals eagerly look forward to gaining knowledge, forging connections, and celebrating the advancements in the hairdressing industry.

These events served as a testament to the AHC’s commitment to promoting excellence, collaboration, and innovation in the hairdressing community. By facilitating education, leadership development, and networking opportunities, the AHC continues to shape the training landscape and empower industry professionals to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

Images by Jarred Stedman, mocha group