There’s one thing Paul Mitchell know how to do well (after party) and that’s educate. Preferably both, at the same time, please.
It’s one of the industry’s most renoun, magically executed events. The Gathering is Paul Mitchell’s prised education platform and we love watching it unfurl year in year out.
What makes it so special? The global Paul Mitchell team is truly unlike any other. You’ve got mad hatter-meets-business-genius Robert Cromeans, rock star co-owner Angus Mitchell and of course, the man who’s heart notoriously speaks louder than words, co-founder and co-owner, John Paul De Joria. It’s a creative class act that attracts a tribe of over 3,000 hairdressers and salon owners annually; one big family reunion typically held amongst the unrivalled energy of Las Vegas.
The theme for 2018 was Learn. Earn. Thrill. Chill. A concept designed to challenge attendees in maximizing their learning and earning power while exercising social skills across various performances, presentations and parties.
Held across two-days, the education extravaganza featured the requisite hero performances (opening show and always blockbuster grand finale) amongst inspirational talks, business coaching, hands-on workshops and seminars (17 of them!). In attendance was a strong Australian contingency; long-time Paul Mitchell advocates at Kawsa salon, Australian distributor John Pizzey and 2018 Color Outside the Lines Australian winner, Kaylee Ditchfield among many other local devotees.
Day One highlights included the live appointment of Lucie Doughty as Creative Director (who featured at Hair Expo in 2017), the unveiling of the new Live Beautifully campaign and a celebration of Paul Mitchell Blonde.
Day Two began with a motivational talk from bestselling author and speaker, Agapi Stassinopoulos who shared excerpts from her new book Wake Up to the Joy of You: 52 Meditations and Practices for a Calmer, Happier Life. Sufficiently ticking off the ‘Chill’ component. This followed by the always-welcome presentation by John Paul (this year joined by Michaeline Dejoria and Corporate Culture Ambassador, Mara Gourdine) to discuss the brand’s unfailing commitment to the professional industry, philanthropy and cruelty-free pledge to never test on animals. Having just sold his sister business in Patron for what we believe was a tidy sum, John Paul was more geared up than ever to “invest all it takes” to travel Paul Mitchell to new heights in all areas with a focus on colour. Great news.
A partnership with Green Circle Salons was announced with Founder Shane Price sharing a compelling message surrounding sustainability as pioneers of repurposing, recycling and capturing 95% of salon AND spa waste. The collaboration saw all leftover colour, mannequin heads, foil, colour tubes and bottles, hair and packaging used throughout The Gathering recycled at event’s close (a huge effort!).
And what is contemporary education without a social media segment? Hairbrained CEO Gordon Miller hosted a panel discussion around brand and profile growth across social media, calling on renowned barbers John Mosely, Fern Andong, Jason Reyes and Jacob Khan for further insight on best tips and techniques for the ever-influential platform.
Wrapping things up (pre grand finale) was Australian industry icon and business coach, Antony Whitaker who challenged every attendee to identify three things they learned during the event and how they planned to implement them. The activation of new ideas (and products!) for growth is, after all, the most important part.
SAVE THE DATE: The next Paul Mitchell Gathering will take place on August 24th– 25th2020 at the Venetian, Las Vegas.