Salon Melbourne 2016: Highlights, Trends & People

Excitement is the word I’d use when describing arriving at Salon Melbourne 2016. Perhaps it’s the hum of everyone arriving and their excited discussions about what products they’ll purchase, or fingers pointing round the site map – discussing how close they may or not be to their first choice destination.

My first item on the agenda is to take a full walk around the venue to see what’s what. Who is here this year, who’s not and who’s new.  I have to give it to the Salon Melbourne 2016 team, the displays, floor layout and quality of exhibitors was fantastic! 

Marketing opportunities for salons

There are increasing opportunities for business owners to have access to great marketing tools, tips, and mentors. Each year the Expo has a theme and this year, outside of the latest nail polish color, there are many opportunities for the salon industry to take advantage of businesses in the marketing space. I met Ashlee Laura, a Marketing consultant, and former  award winning beauty salon owner. Ashlee’s honing in on her business and marketing degree to support small business.

I caught up with Heather Porter, after sneaking into her workshop session on Turning Likes Into Dollars – The New Rules of Social Media. Such a relevant topic for any small business. I noted that it was the fullest class of the weekend (I did my fair share of workshop-stalking).  

My favorite of the weekend though was Salon Secret Society. A new business that is oh so beautifully branded. SSS aims to help salons future-proof their businesses by locking in their clients despite the inevitable and constant changes in business, like staffing changes. It helps businesses set up and manage customer memberships programs. A well thought out and very effective offering.

Hub presentations were on point

Rather than one main stage, this year there were several HUB presentation areas in the main arena. I was both inspired and impressed by many of the speakers. They were fresh and creative, and their demonstrations were well-prepared.

I’ve met Rae Morris and her family a few times now but this time, I really enjoyed chatting with her about how she manages her busy life with a young family and thriving business. She’s leading a huge team for fashion week, has just launched her latest book and manages all the early morning call outs for the Celebs she cares for. Her husband and business partner play a rather large role in this business dynamic.

Rae is striking, calm and very ‘together’ despite living in a turbulent world. She shared so much knowledge with me that I’ll just have to dedicate a blog all of its own just to her and her trade secrets! Watch this space.

Our Customers

As well as meeting many of the awesome people who use and love Timely, I enjoyed the luxury of some of them teaching me a thing or two. Like, Tracey from Tracey-O: Nails • Beauty • Body, who also distributes Cell-Wellbeing throughout Australia. I learned that not only do I need to cut down on my Soy intake (I love a soy Latte or three) but there is a little much electronic interference in my life.

Well, no surprise there I guess. I work in tech and have an electronic device on me at ALL times. It’s a good reminder that what we eat and what we expose ourselves to, all impacts our health and well-being.

My hair was plucked from the root and Tracey assessed my DNA and I was delivered a full 15-page report on my health and well-being with recommendations for how I can improve my current status. It’s a hugely interesting concept that Tracey is bringing into the Australian market and well worth some further investigation for beauty salons to offer their customers.

Salon Melbourne Party

There’s so much to see and do outside of the Melbourne Convention center, it’s located smack in the middle of many fancy restaurants, next to the river. Walking directly past the casino I attended the Salon Melbourne 2016 Party at the Skybar Lounge.    

It was a chance to socialize with peers and industry professionals and enjoy the Melbourne skyline from this truly amazing venue. Among the prestigious guest list, catching up with Sandy Chong and Faye Murray from the Australian Hairdressing Council was the highlight. I have to say, I aspire to be as gracious a host as these two. Although they didn’t know many people (like me) they are impeccable at introductions and ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has someone to talk with. I’ll ‘party’ with these two on any occasion. Although, I have to say I was tucked up in bed by 10 pm after a 3.30 am wake-up call to get to the international airport!

All good things come to an end, and by the end of the Expo’s two days, I was ready to wrap it up and head home to my four boys (even my dog is a boy) in Wellington.

I’m looking forward to Hair Expo in June – see you in Melbourne!

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