Wondering what America's Beauty Show will have to offer this year? We asked ABS and Cosmetologists Chicago's Director of Education and Events, Jessi Marshall, to give us the details on what to expect at this year's show on its 100th anniversary. Spoiler alert: It's bigger and better than ever!

Marshall recently joined the ABS and CC team in 2022, but her family has been involved in the salon industry ever since her great-grandfather founded Marshall Salon Services in 1932. As a result, she has multiple generations of industry knowledge and years of personal experience. See all the reasons why you won't want to miss ABS 2023 below.

Q: It's no small undertaking, planning education for a show that draws thousands of professionals—what are some immediate tweaks we might see at America’s Beauty Show 2023?

Marshall: We are so excited that the industry is back to gathering in person again. The 100th America’s Beauty Show, April 15-17, 2023, is offering new opportunities that allow our attendees the chance to step away from behind the chair and behind the screen and learn the newest trends in an intimate environment. Classrooms and stages are designed to allow attendees to interact with our speakers on a personal level.

In exciting news, we have brought back the world-renowned ABS Global Image Awards in 2023. This event will be our signature Saturday night entertainment but also an opportunity to get together and celebrate the beautiful and innovative work done by the talented industry.

The Makeup Show is co-locating with ABS bringing so many brands and educators for makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts. The CIDESCO Skincare Academy offers worldclass education for estheticians.

We have been working closely with several TikTok stars to present unique panel discussions. They will be talking about how they’ve attained their following along with tips on how to create content, develop partnerships, build their business in the spa, and how to create a work/life balance between behind the chair time and
social media time.

Q: What is the balance between technique-related classes (balayage, braiding, etc.) and business-building classes (social media marketing, growing your clientele, etc.) that we will see at ABS 2023?

Marshall: We will have an abundance of technique-based classes but what I’m excited about is the abundance of classes that are combining business and technical. You will see social media and marketing skills intertwined with the newest trends and techniques.

Our business connection will have classes specifically focused to social media content development, business operations, bridging the divide between salon owners and the new stylist, and developing a successful women owned business.

As an attendee you can feed your passion for art and business all at America’s Beauty Show.

Q: Can you give us some highlights of the learning that will be happening at ABS 2023?

Marshall: There will be so many amazing learning and inspirational opportunities at the 100th America’s Beauty Show for all areas of the beauty industry! The Makeup Show is co-locating with ABS and bringing in educators and brands for our attendees to learn from and experience. CIDESCO Skincare Academy has a multitude of in-depth education for estheticians. At the show itself there are 200+ Educational Opportunities, including:

• Look and Learns for attendees to garner tips & techniques that they can take away and implement immediately.

• Workshop Sessions for the person that wants to dive deep and learn everything they can about a particular technique.

• Classes available in hair, skin, makeup, nails & business.

• Continuing Education Credits are available with the cost of your ABS 2023 ticket. Illinois attendees will be able to attain their full 14-hour requirement. For many states with CE requirements, the credits may be transferable.

• Learning Luncheons each day where you have the opportunity to sit down, enjoy lunch and work on your business not in your business.

There are three dynamic stages focused on unique learning opportunities:

• The Runway: Exciting, high-energy presentations with the industry’s biggest names!

• The Beauty Innovation Stage: Techniques and business combined in an intimate setting allowing you to get up close and personal to learn!

• The Barber Connection: A vintage stage feel on the show floor that will feature your favorite barbers creating the newest looks in the round! 

Q: Finally, how have the last few years and the increase in online learning shaped your planning? What did you learn from that time?

Marshall: I truly believe that while online learning is a valuable resource, I also believe the professional beauty industry thrives in live education. America’s Beauty Show is focused on providing our attendees to the opportunity to experience the event with all their senses.

Regarding technical education, online learning provides a great start but seeing a look or treatment shown live gives our attendees the opportunity to see, look and touch, and ask the questions as they relate to their business. The bonus is they can also learn from the other professional in the same room.

We will be recording several of our sessions at ABS 2023 to allow the content to be viewed online after the show. These videos will be great to review what attendees saw at the show and to continue their learning.

We encourage all salon professionals to come as you are! Get inspired! Learn future trends beyond beauty that relate to your daily life in the salon/spa and beyond, and network with other beauty professionals at America’s Beauty Show.