In incredibly sad news for the hairdressing and salon industry, Hair Expo has been discontinued as an event. The 2020 event was missed in June due to COVID-19, and now Reed Exhibitions has announced the event will sadly not be coming back at all. The event has been a cornerstone of the industry for so many years, and losing it is truly the end of an era.
“Over the past few weeks, Reed Exhibitions has been undergoing a thorough and extensive review of our entire events portfolio in order to reshape our company to maintain a strong and progressive business for the future,” said Brian Thomas, Managing Director of Reed Exhibitions Australia. “I regret to announce that it was decided during this review that Hair Expo Australia will be discontinued and no longer be a part of Reed Exhibitions’ calendar of events.”
Hair Expo has been a stalwart of the hair industry for over three decades, facilitating growth through a packed education schedule of local and international hair educators, supporting young talent through its annual GenNext gala, spearheading innovations on the expo floor of hair and beauty brands, fostering talent in its pinnacle awards gala event and generally aiding a spirit of community and camaraderie.
The event, which has been alternating between Sydney and Melbourne in recent years, had accompanying brand parties, hosted must-attend creative and business workshops and stood out as a unique three days, held over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, solely dedicated to the hair and salon sphere. The loss of this education and networking opportunity, as well as an industry standard of progression and talent in the Hair Expo Awards, is a huge disappointment to the community.
“There is no doubt that Hair Expo Australia was a valued event for the hairdressing community,” Brian said in digital communications. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, partners, suppliers and friends within the innovative, vibrant and dynamic hair industry. We hope that Hair Expo Australia played some small role in bringing the community together and providing a space where long lasting relationships could be formed.”
“Finally, I would like to thank the Hair and Beauty team here at Reed Exhibitions, who have worked tirelessly and passionately over the years in order to make Hair Expo Australia a successful event for its exhibitors and visitors. This announcement is in no way indicative of their hard work and commitment,” he continued.
It’s a difficult day and another hardship brought on by COVID-19, a reminder to continue to band together as we tackle the challenges of this year together.
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