By all accounts, the 2022 CEA Conference was a great success. With more than 350 attendees and exhibitors, this was the largest CEA in six years! To kick off our event on Saturday, Pigment Cosmetics hosted a demo class on Cut & Crease Makeup Application, presented by Michael Bondi. The day wrapped up in a big way as attendees were entertained by DJ Snow at the “Welcome to Vegas” reception in the exhibit hall. Dozens of first-time attendees and long-time veterans of CEA danced, mingled, and networked while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
On Sunday, AACS Chair Michael Halmon and Executive Director Cecil Kidd welcomed attendees and set the stage for the conference. Our opening keynote speaker, Andrew Curruthers, brought a lot of energy and inspired the audience to embrace change and not resist it. Pivot Point sponsored a fabulous brunch and an interactive master class. The afternoon concluded with three tracks of education sessions (education, awareness, and technology).
On Monday, attendees had more time to connect with vendors in the exhibit hall and Milady brought excitement with presentation of the Nicholas F. Cimaglia Educator of the Year Award. This year’s winner, Pamela Reed (Paul Mitchell The School, Jacksonville, FL) brought the audience to tears as she spoke of her journey to become an educator and the impact it has made in her life. In addition, Keryl Reid Rabideau (Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH), the 2020 award recipient and Amber Litzinger (Tennessee School of Beauty, Knoxville, TN), the 2021 award recipient were present and publicly recognized. The Educator of the Year award is co-sponsored by Milady and AACS and recognizes an educator who has exhibited significant contributions to educational excellence. The award is presented annually. The day concluded with the Milady master class and concurrent education sessions.
On Tuesday, the last day of the conference, attendees heard from closing keynote speaker, Elizabeth Faye who touched on breath work and mental awareness and encouraged attendees to look deeper into their purpose and use their inner strength. The conference concluded with an Education Track session and two hands-on skills classes sponsored by Crown Brush and WAHL.
Overall, the conference was educational, fun, interactive, and inspiring. We got to EXPLORE, EDUCATE, and EMPOWER ourselves and one another. Attendees felt the importance of being back in person and the power of networking and learning from one another. A special thank you to our attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 CEA conference!
