Last week, The Journal team headed to steamy Singapore for three days of De Lorenzo-fuelled education, seminars and festivities for the annual ASPYA conference. Aside from the excitement of witnessing Akin Konizi in action with his look-n-learn, De Lorenzo salon owners and media had the pleasure of witnessing engaging presentations from leading educators, motivational speakers and inspiring over-achievers.
The Journal had a warm and festive welcome to Singapore on the first night with cocktails and canapes at the stunning Lantern rooftop bar, before getting stuck into Day One of the conference, where industry icon, Tracey Hughes spread her message of continuous learning as the key to success. British Hairdresser of the Year Akin Konizi engaged the audience with his art of on-trend and emerging cutting and styling, and in particular demonstrated precision cutting of a whole new level.
Day two saw business coaching by the charismatic Julie Piantiadosi – one of hairdressing’s best who focused on change and success in the hair industry. Our last speaker for the conference left a tear in everyone’s eyes and is a true inspiration – Allana Corbin, survivor of a tragic plane crash who overcame her debilitating injuries and emotional trauma to not only walk again, but fly a plane again AND go on to become the first woman to circumnavigate Australia.
This year, the Fairmont Hotel in Singapore was home to the 12th annual ASPYA Conference with Singapore’s famous Raffles Hotel played host to the 2014 De Lorenzo ASPYA Gala Dinner on Monday 15th September where over 200 attendees represented De Lorenzo salons from around Australia. This year, De Lorenzo paid homage to the slogan ‘Embracing yesterday, perfecting tomorrow’ with guests entertained by an incredible local band as they sipped on Singapore Slings invented at the Raffles itself.
Co-directors Chris, Anthony and Vinnie de Lorenzo had the pleasure of announcing the winners of the 2014 Singapore ASPYA Conference Awards and recognising excellence in the hair industry in an event hosted by Troy & Zara Swindells-Grose. An absolute credit to the ASPYA conference, the MCs had us in stitches and at one point blew our minds when Zara listed off the name of every single person present at the conference OFF THE TOP OF HER HEAD to demonstrate just how much every person at ASPYA means to De Lorenzo.
A huge congratulations to the finalists and winners announced at the conference, and The Journal can’t wait for next year’s event in FIJI!
2014 ASPYA WINNERS:
De Lorenzo Marketing Excellence Award: Victoria’s Capelli Hair & Beauty Studio
De Lorenzo ASPYA Salon of the Year: Clare’s Hair Together & True Beauty from Queensland
-TJ