If you attended  America’s Beauty Show (ABS) 2021, it might have been your first big outing (since the global outbreak of the coronavirus) into a group setting.  This year’s show will take place in the same location—the Rosemont Convention Center—on April 9-11.

“Last year, we felt so fortunate that we were able to execute the show and were so grateful for everyone that showed up,” says Frank Fulco, CEO of America’s Beauty Show & Cosmetologists Chicago (shown above). “We were the first ones out and all eyes were on us.”

This year, with mask mandates lifting and no proof of vaccination required, Fulco and his team are excited about this year’s ABS. “Covid complicated everything for everybody,” he says. “We had so many things we needed to consider for the safety of all our attendees and our exhibitors. Rightfully, many folks were concerned last year, when not as many were able to access vaccines and boosters, but we’re very hopeful we’ll have more attendees this year, and we’re looking forward to a great show.” 

Make It Your Best ABS

If you’re feeling a little trade show shy or just out of practice and want to make sure you have a plan of action before hitting the show floor, ABS has created a digital program guide. “We encourage everyone to take a look at the advance program guide and plan your trip,” Fulco says. “There is also an App available that will help you pick the classes you want to attend and map out your schedule. These tools make it easy to plan your day.”

Unlike in 2021, when social distancing requirements meant that ABS needed to limit the number of attendees in a classroom, in 2022, there isn’t a need to pre-register for classes (except for those that are hands-on and supplies need to be ordered in advance) and it’s first come, first served.  Licensed professionals can earn the hours they need to keep their license current when attending ABS.

“We continue to emphasize the continuing education units (CEU) hours you get with classes at ABS,” Fulco reminds us. “We’re a nonprofit association, this is nonprofit show, and we’re here to serve all beauty professionals. We work to make sure there are CEU classes included with the ticket price.  We know that money can be tight, so we want them to get the hours they need to keep their license up to date.” CEU class topics included with the ticket price are hair color, cutting/styling, barbering, business, nails, extensions, make-up, and esthetics

Carry Away a Beauty Haul in the Beauty Hall

Supply chain issues have meant some store shelves are empty, but ABS will be a great place for the pro to stock up, this year. Fulco says the exhibit floor will be double the size of 2021 with many big brands having a strong presence including SalonCentric, Moroccanoil, L’Oreal, and Helen of Troy.

“We’re also going to have two value centers that will feature many brands folks love; SalonCentric Value Center is back and bigger than ever,  and the Hair Extension Value Center is being provided by Beauty Industry Group (BIG), which has HaloCouture, Glam Seamless, Babe, Donna Bella, Hairtalk and other brands under their umbrella. And we’re working with a cosmetic company to have one of the largest cosmetic booths that we’ve ever had."

Ultimately, Fulco says, he looks forward to seeing everyone back together. "The beauty of the beauty industry is relationships. That's what it's built on. So to have our community come back to gather and to have the luxury of seeing each other smile and embrace --that is what I’m most excited about."