As we gather together for the 2018 AACS Annual Convention, we will be concentrating our efforts in effective Admissions and Marketing practices, solidifying a strong school culture through motivation and an experiential environment, emphasizing business strategies for growth, and maintaining compliance with those ever-changing regulations. We must work together to raise our industry performance by educating students to become competent professionals, responsible members of a broader community and future leaders in our industry.

Highlights

  • Annual Meeting of the Membership
  • 2018 Board of Directors Election and By-laws Vote
  • Annual Owners-only Dinner
  • Regional CEA Educator Program
  • The latest news from Washington, D.C. and your GRC Committee
Friday, October 19
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Title IX Training
Presented by Katherine Brodie and Kristina Gill, Duane Morris LLP.
Saturday, October 20
9:00am – 10:30am
Dare to Matter: Rising to the Level of Significance
Presented by Pete Smith, SmithImpact. Keynote Speaker Sponsored by GREAT CLIPS.
12:30pm – 2:00pm
State Relations Forum
Facilitated by Brian Newman and AACS State Relations Committee. Sponsored by GREAT CLIPS.
12:30pm – 2:00pm
Hands-on Training: Budgets That Make Sense
Panel Facilitated by Jared Sanders, Lightheart Sanders.
12:30pm – 2:00pm
Creating A High Performance Admissions Team
Presented by Jessica Beck, Prosper U and Erin Sutton, Eric Fisher Academy.
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Are You Doing Your Regulatory Best? Best Practices For Cash Management And Understanding Institutional Charges
Presented by Sally Samuels, FAME.
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Succession Planning – Creating Your Legacy
Presented by Scott Weaver, Douglas J Aveda Institute
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Strategizing With Industry Experts Part One
Facilitated by Gregg Meiklejohn, Enrollment Resources.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Engagement: Take Action, Discover Your Impact And Leverage Your Influence
Presented by AACS Public Policy Advisor Tom Netting, Akerman LLP.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
The Salon Experience: Maximizing Your Revenue
Presented by Darci Gutfreund, Summit Salon Business Center.
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Strategizing With Industry Experts Part Two
Facilitated by Gregg Meiklejohn, Enrollment Resources.
Sunday, October 21
8:45am – 12:45pm
Regional CEA – Session One – Mission Possible: Light The Fuse
Presented by Lisha Barnes, Milady.
4 CEUs available
9:00am – 10:50am
Competency Based Education: The Next Steps
Facilitated by Tammy Helflebower, Marzano Research. Sponsored by PIVOT POINT.
9:40am – 10:50am
Admissions Fish Bowl
Facilitated by Wendi Pendleton, Wend-i.com.
11:00am – 12:00pm
Legislative Update: HEA Reauthorization Reboot
Presented by GR Chairman Neal R. Heller, the AACS Government Relations Committee, AACS Public Policy Advisor Tom Netting, Akerman LLP. Sponsored by FAME.
11:00am – 12:00pm
Get Rid Of Your Paper
Presented by Dave Bracken, Bene’s Career Academy.
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rewriting The Rules Of Placement
Presented by Penny Burns, Beauty Cast Network.
1:30pm – 5:30pm
Regional CEA – Session Two – Brain Games: Pivot Point Methods For Educators
Presented by Daniel Dunworth, Pivot Point.
4 CEUs available
3:15pm – 4:30pm
Legal Update Part One
Presented by Ed Cramp, Partner Duane Morris LLP.
3:15pm – 4:30pm
Revenue Streams That Make Sense: Program Additions To Your School
Panel Facilitated by Devawn Testagrossa, Omni Beauty Group with Panelists: Melanie Neff of Kristiina Alexandria, Connie Judge of National Trichology Taining Institute and Jill Lewis of Farouk Systems. Inc.
3:15pm – 4:30pm
What Students Crave
Presented by Demetria Gilkey.
4:40pm – 5:40pm
Legal Update Part Two – Let’s Talk HR
Presented by Ed Cramp, Partner Duane Morris LLP.
4:40pm – 5:40pm
7 Ways To Prevent Student Payment Plan Defaults
Presented by Sean Stienmarc, TFC Tuition Financing.
4:40pm – 5:40pm
90/10 – How To Succeed
Presented by Dave Mesko, CPA Case Sabatini.
Monday, October 22
8:30am – 12:30pm
Regional CEA – Session Three: Binge Teaching
Presented by Carol Woodard, Change Is The New Black.
4 CEUs available
8:30am – 9:50am
Where Does The Industry Stand Today? Benchmarking Results
Presented by Beauty Schools Marketing Group.
10:00am – 11:00am
Compliance Checks And Balances: How To Assure You're Dotting The I’s And Crossing The T’s
Panel Facilitated by Ray Testa with Panelists: Sally Samuels, FAME and Don Grybas, GEMCOR.
10:00am – 11:00am
Social Media In An Ever Changing World
With Panelists: Derik Parkinson, Oozle Media and Mary dela Cruz, IW Group, Inc.
11:10am – 12:40pm
Regulatory Update: More Regulatory Requests – Hopefully More Success
Presented by GR Chairman Neal R. Heller, the AACS Government Relations Committee, AACS Public Policy Advisor Tom Netting, Akerman LLP.
11:10am – 12:40pm
The Success Of Your Student Is All About The HABEs
Presented by Scott Fitzgibbon, The Pacific Institute.
12:50pm – 2:00pm
Business As Unusual: A Design Thinking Overview
Presented by Lee Kitchen, Magical Innovation and Creativity Dude.

REGIONAL CEA TRAINING

We’re bringing a piece of CEA to Orlando, FL during the 2018 AACS Annual Convention & Expo. You can earn 12 continuing education credits and network with over 50 exhibitors. Classes with a strong focus on teaching methodology will be offered by Pivot Point, Milady and Carol Woodard with Change Is The New Black. Space is limited so click the link below to register today!


OCT 19th
12:00pm – 2:00pm: Title IX Training

Make sure you are in compliance with this required training. Sign up today – class size is limited to the first 50 people. New this year we present a streamlined 2 hour session that assumes your basic knowledge of Title IX responsibilities and focuses on providing attendees with an opportunity for in-depth discussion of significant developments in federal Title IX policy over the last year at the U.S. Department of Education. Our goal is to provide you with our best information on how to meet current federal expectations for assessing, investigating, and responding to Title IX complaints.

Each attendee will receive a flash drive containing the most recent version of our sample Title IX policy template, a Title IX Investigation Checklist, and a Title IX ComplaintTemplate. It will also include copies of the currently effective Title IX guidance publications from USED and our presentation powerpoint for future reference. Each attendee will also receive a Certificate of Completion for their records.

Presented by Katherine Brodie and Kristina Gill, Duane Morris LLP.
OCT 20th
9:00am – 10:30am: Dare to Matter: Rising to the Level of Significance

Performance. Results. Impact. Now more than ever, beauty and wellness schools are looking for ways to improve their educational effectiveness and student experience while remaining true to their mission, vision and values. At the root of every school’s success is often the key differentiator: people. And the root desire of every person is to know with certainty that who they are and what they do matters.

Today’s schools are faced with ever-changing challenges that require every team member to adapt, adjust, and thrive. No longer can schools simply rely on the ways of old but, rather, be willing to boldly progress into unchartered waters. This is true not just for content being taught in the classrooms but for the support services being provided as well.

The biggest obstacles to overcome aren’t always limited to the external circumstances outside of the school’s control. Rather, the biggest challenges that need to be addressed are often internal, personally and professionally. By addressing these challenges effectively, schools can position themselves for greatness because they relentlessly pursuit significance at the individual and institutional level.

This incredibly engaging, funny, and relevant presentation is designed to inspire, ignite, and educate the attendees as it reveals the main pillars of significance in our personal and professional lives.

Presented by Pete Smith, SmithImpact. Keynote Speaker Sponsored by GREAT CLIPS.
12:30pm – 2:00pm: State Relations Forum

LEGACY: During this annual gathering of AACS’ state leaders and insiders, we will discuss what the current trends are at the state level and gain insight on our role as state advocates.

Facilitated by Brian Newman and AACS State Relations Committee. Sponsored by GREAT CLIPS.
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Hands-on Training: Budgets That Make Sense

ELEVATE: Bring your P&L to this one. Our panel of accounting experts will take you on a journey through the numbers. What are your leading indicators of success and how can you impact your numbers?

Panel Facilitated by Jared Sanders, Lightheart Sanders.
12:30pm – 2:00pm: Creating A High Performance Admissions Team

VISION: This workshop will help you elevate your admissions team and create higher performance levels. You will learn how to re-energize team members that will have long term effects. Help your team see beyond the words of a prospect – that is when enrollments and conversion rates grow exponentially.

Presented by Jessica Beck, Prosper U and Erin Sutton, Eric Fisher Academy.
2:15pm – 3:15pm: Are You Doing Your Regulatory Best? Best Practices For Cash Management And Understanding Institutional Charges

LEGACY: A thorough understanding of how to appropriately charge students for books, supplies, kits, and equipment is crucial to a compliant financial aid operation. This session will review the current ED interpretation of “Charging By the Payment Period” and best charging methods and outcomes related to Institutional Charges and their impact on Student Credit Balances and R2T4 calculations.

Presented by Sally Samuels, FAME.
2:15pm – 3:15pm: Succession Planning – Creating Your Legacy

ELEVATE: Business continuity and succession issues are not only important discussions at the future ownership level but also other key levels of management. Let’s talk frankly about the future of our business. How do you forge a path to success and avoid the pit falls? What is your NEXT-GEN Plan?

Presented by Scott Weaver, Douglas J Aveda Institute
2:15pm – 3:15pm: Strategizing With Industry Experts Part One

VISION: AACS Partners and their Perspectives – During this Table Go Round you will be able to move around the room to gain the insight and perspectives from our partners – come make a connection! Part One will focus on Early Student Life Cycle: Bring Your Questions on Admissions, Lead Generation, Marketing, Curriculum, Accreditation, and more.

Facilitated by Gregg Meiklejohn, Enrollment Resources.
3:45pm – 4:45pm: Engagement: Take Action, Discover Your Impact And Leverage Your Influence

LEGACY: Come join our Policy Advisors as they help you learn why and how you should engage in order to take Today’s Vision and make it Tomorrow’s Legacy.

Presented by AACS Public Policy Advisor Tom Netting, Akerman LLP.
3:45pm – 4:45pm: The Salon Experience: Maximizing Your Revenue

ELEVATE: From the moment your salon guest arrives, it is Game On! In this session, we will discuss how to tap into the resource sitting at your front desk, how students make or break your sales and subsequently how they impact their own future as a true salon professional.

Presented by Darci Gutfreund, Summit Salon Business Center.
3:45pm – 4:45pm: Strategizing With Industry Experts Part Two

VISION: AACS Partners and their Perspectives – During this Table Go Round you will be able to move around the room to gain the insight and perspectives from our partners – come make a connection! Part Two will focus on your school’s infrastructure: Bring Your Questions on Software, Financial/Accounting, Insurance, Layout and Design and more.

Facilitated by Gregg Meiklejohn, Enrollment Resources.
OCT 21st
8:45am – 12:45pm: Regional CEA – Session One – Mission Possible: Light The Fuse

CEA: Motivation is defined as the reason one has for acting or behaving in a certain way. It is an internal choice that a person must make. As educators, is there anything you can do to motivate our students? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! You see, students are a lot like fireworks, their power is all on the inside. Nothing happens until you light the fuse. Your mission is to light that fuse! Join us at this year’s AACS conference for the Milady Master Educator class and accept the mission of motivation and LIGHT THE FUSE!

Presented by Lisha Barnes, Milady.
4 CEUs available
9:00am – 10:50am: Competency Based Education: The Next Steps

True Innovation in our industry is a scary thing. We have been talking about it, but we must discuss the next steps. Let us pull back the curtain on the topic of Competency-Based Education.

Facilitated by Tammy Helflebower, Marzano Research. Sponsored by PIVOT POINT.
9:40am – 10:50am: Admissions Fish Bowl

ELEVATE: In this “Fish Bowl” session, we are going to discuss Admissions and Career Services. This is a facilitated, interactive session is designed to bring up provocative Questions, Challenges, Successes and Winning Formulas to take back to your schools!

Facilitated by Wendi Pendleton, Wend-i.com.
11:00am – 12:00pm: Legislative Update: HEA Reauthorization Reboot

LEGACY: Hear the latest From Capitol Hill Insiders – What is happening and what is coming down the pike?

Presented by GR Chairman Neal R. Heller, the AACS Government Relations Committee, AACS Public Policy Advisor Tom Netting, Akerman LLP. Sponsored by FAME.
11:00am – 12:00pm: Get Rid Of Your Paper

ELEVATE: In this session, we will share our experiences in moving from manual paper-intensive operations to an integrated cloud-based, automated document management system saving time and money.

 

Presented by Dave Bracken, Bene’s Career Academy.
11:00am – 12:00pm: Rewriting The Rules Of Placement

VISION: During this session, we will share information that has been captured from schools, employers and graduates over the past several years. Information which can cause positive and negative effects on your outcomes and your future enrollments. Learn the facts and how they can help you modernize your placement no matter your school’s size or budget, and create an inspiring experience for your students that will encourage them to graduate, get licensed and placed in the beauty industry.

Presented by Penny Burns, Beauty Cast Network.
1:30pm – 5:30pm: Regional CEA – Session Two – Brain Games: Pivot Point Methods For Educators

CEA: Individuality has never been more important in our educational community—today’s generation of learners is a generation of individuals. In every aspect of their lives, their individualism is celebrated. To educators, this translates into a need to zig and zag to personalize learning for each and every learner. Educators need to be mindful of these learning differences and fuel their teaching with tools that work. Effective educators will use strategies based on critical thinking skills, case studies and relevant situational scenarios to enrich the learning process. Classrooms that are wired, focused on content and inspired by momentum lead the way in today’s learning environment.

Presented by Daniel Dunworth, Pivot Point.
4 CEUs available
3:15pm – 4:30pm: Legal Update Part One

LEGACY: The Duane Morris Team will discuss a vast number of school operation issues and the legal consequences you should not miss.

Presented by Ed Cramp, Partner Duane Morris LLP.
3:15pm – 4:30pm: Revenue Streams That Make Sense: Program Additions To Your School

ELEVATE: During this session, we will discuss a variety of new revenue streams or options for your school. Be a part of the interactive discussion on why schools are adding or deleting programs. What is influencing the reasons? Hair Restoration, Makeup, and Barbering are taking off as services and quickly becoming high demand programs for schools to offer. Hear from the experts and the schools who have taken the leap of faith and see if it is paying off or not. What can you offer that helps increase enrollment, retention and sales? Join us to learn how the industry is being transformed and how you can be a part of the buzz!

Panel Facilitated by Devawn Testagrossa, Omni Beauty Group with Panelists: Melanie Neff of Kristiina Alexandria, Connie Judge of National Trichology Taining Institute and Jill Lewis of Farouk Systems. Inc.
3:15pm – 4:30pm: What Students Crave

VISION: Are you tired of thinking of ways to motivate your students to come to school every day? Nothing seems to work. It seems as though they are uninspired and there is no hope. During this session, uncover the real reasons why students lose interest and how your attendance numbers are affected. Discover necessary tips to engage and retain students that will create a competitive advantage and increase enrollment at your school. Learn how to create an unforgettable experience at your school that will inspire your students and creates buy-in at your school. Leave this session with fresh ideas and techniques to implement at your school immediately and watch positive growth begin.

Presented by Demetria Gilkey.
4:40pm – 5:40pm: Legal Update Part Two – Let’s Talk HR

LEGACY: Inspire Them or Fire Them? That is the Question. How to deal with Disruptions in your workplace, difficult employees and more. This class and the time with legal experts is worth more than you could possibly imagine.

Presented by Ed Cramp, Partner Duane Morris LLP.
4:40pm – 5:40pm: 7 Ways To Prevent Student Payment Plan Defaults

ELEVATE: When students fall behind on making payments, it can cause emotional and financial stress for the student, your school, and your staff. Learn 7 time-proven tips to avoid the stress, hassle, and extra staff effort involved with handling delinquent student accounts. During this session, we will run through various best practices you can implement at your school immediately to improve student payment plan success.

Presented by Sean Stienmarc, TFC Tuition Financing.
4:40pm – 5:40pm: 90/10 – How To Succeed

VISION: This presentation will illustrate the surprisingly complicated 90/10 calculations in an easy-to-understand format. The theory behind the regulation, as well as some arcane quirks which arise during calculation will be revealed, as well as real-world, easily followed examples. The audience will participate in the examples to increase involvement, and to help school managers gain comfort with the regulation. Interact with school owners that have 90/10 tips for success. Bonus slides will be included for attendees to share with their accounting staff, as well as multiple examples.

Presented by Dave Mesko, CPA Case Sabatini.
OCT 22nd
8:30am – 12:30pm: Regional CEA – Session Three: Binge Teaching

CEA: You’re a pro at binge-watching a Netflix series and can sit through a marathon of your favorite TV show, but how good are you at teaching to a generation who can play Pokemon Go, tweet their every step and Snapchat what they had for breakfast? This session will give you the armor for engaging the selfie and hashtag generation. Discover ways to flip your classroom into a learning-based environment and start embracing the technologies your students are craving. You’ll learn how Emotional Intelligence can mold your lesson plans to bring excitement back into the classroom.

Presented by Carol Woodard, Change Is The New Black.
4 CEUs available
8:30am – 9:50am: Where Does The Industry Stand Today? Benchmarking Results

Beauty School Marketing Group Benchmarking Survey Results will be shared in this interactive discussion on the future of our industry.

Presented by Beauty Schools Marketing Group.
10:00am – 11:00am: Compliance Checks And Balances: How To Assure You're Dotting The I’s And Crossing The T’s

LEGACY: During this session, learn strategies to help you stay on top of the mountain of compliance requirements facing schools today. Find out how schools approach internal compliance systems and see what works for them and what doesn’t.

Panel Facilitated by Ray Testa with Panelists: Sally Samuels, FAME and Don Grybas, GEMCOR.
10:00am – 11:00am: Social Media In An Ever Changing World

ELEVATE: Social media is an integral part of the beauty school journey. Your students are immersed in and influenced by countless social media platforms. Even during school, your students use social media to document their student life. It’s time to understand what they are doing and how it can impact your school. Learn to harness the positives and negate the negative by incorporating social media into your day-to-day, and learn to teach your students how to positively harness the social media tools to activate their future in the industry.

With Panelists: Derik Parkinson, Oozle Media and Mary dela Cruz, IW Group, Inc.
11:10am – 12:40pm: Regulatory Update: More Regulatory Requests – Hopefully More Success

LEGACY: During this session, learn strategies to help you stay on top of the mountain of compliance requirements facing schools today. Find out how schools approach internal compliance systems and see what works for them and what doesn’t.

Presented by GR Chairman Neal R. Heller, the AACS Government Relations Committee, AACS Public Policy Advisor Tom Netting, Akerman LLP.
11:10am – 12:40pm: The Success Of Your Student Is All About The HABEs

ELEVATE: Throughout their lifetime, our students have developed “pictures” of themselves that guide their behaviors when they begin in our schools. These images have become their “is-ness,” their HABEs (Habits, Attitudes, Beliefs and Expectations) that guide their thinking, actions, and decision-making. We often observe students’ behaviors that inhibit their success. Rarely though, do we have access to the automatic thoughts that govern these behaviors. In this session, we will discuss the latest research in cognitive behavioral science including DiSC Behavioral Tendencies and its impact on attendance, student retention, completion, and building a clientele. Through the understanding of how it is that they think, which produces automatic behaviors, our students can gain the capacity to change the HABEs that are holding them back. If our students truly aspire to complete their training and build a clientele, then we must guide them to change the way they think in order to help them change the way they act.

Presented by Scott Fitzgibbon, The Pacific Institute.
12:50pm – 2:00pm: Business As Unusual: A Design Thinking Overview

During this inspiring keynote, Lee will highlight the Design Thinking Innovation process and give a quick overview of each step (scoping, empathizing, ideating and developing), using stories from his time innovating at Disney coupled with fun, interactive exercises. He will also cover the importance of collaboration, creativity and how certain behaviors make or break innovative culture change in any organization.

Presented by Lee Kitchen, Magical Innovation and Creativity Dude.

Hotel & Travel


HILTON ORLANDO LAKE BUENA VISTA

1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
800.782.4414


 

Experience a relaxing retreat at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, an Official Walt Disney World® Hotel. With two heated outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center, an arcade and seven dining options, your quick business trip will also be for pleasure. Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista features shuttle service to Disney Theme Parks and Disney Springs, an eclectic mix of unique boutiques, one-of-a-kind eateries and jaw-dropping entertainment will have you wondering where the day went. Enjoy a variety of entertainment venues, shops, and restaurants all located within easy walking distance. Other nearby attractions include Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Don’t fall victim to a scam. Neither the hotel nor a third-party organizer will contact you to book your hotel room.

ABOUT


2018 AACS ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPO

WHEN: October 19-22, 2018
WHERE: Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
IDEAL FOR: School owners, directors, managers, and marketing/admissions, and financial aid and compliance professionals.


Save the Date for the 2018 Annual Convention & Expo. Next fall, industry leaders will meet in Orlando, FL to hold our yearly Membership Meeting and lay the groundwork for 2019.

The 2018 Annual Convention is all about elevating the beauty and wellness education community. We will work together to define our vision and legacy as an association.