THE EVENT: Intercoiffure America/Canada (ICA) annual atelier in NYC held this fall in NYC. The 3 day symposium was called “Many Tribes – One Vision.”

THE DETAILS: It was the largest Intercoiffure America/Canada Atelier (ICA) in decades. More thank 1100 salon owners and beauty professionals commanded the grand ballroom in the Waldorf Hotel to learn about trends, techniques, news, products, business offerings and network at the annual convention. The organization is growing dramatically with membership up 10% from last year.

HIGHLIGHTS: Highlights abounded at this session with ICA President Frank Gambuzza curating an amazing event. Bringing in an eclectic group of presenters, attendees were treated to presentations from Robert Cromeans, Lucie Doughty, Mary Cuomo and Angus Mitchell for Paul Mitchell, Oscar Blandi for Wella,  Frank Brormann and Julain Seidel for Calligraphy Cut USA, James Pecis and Coby Alcantar for Oribe, Team Olaplex, Tracey Hughes for Revitalash, Ted Gibson and Jason Backe for Starring, David Kinigson for Artego, Alex Hunter for Kerastase, Johnny Ramirez and Anh Co Tran for L’Oreal Professionnel and Rebecca Hiele and Shane Bennett for Goldwell. Also sponsored by Goldwell was a special presentation by Sharon Blain where the master stylist presented breathtaking updos and elegant finishes. The British Barbers Association offered a demonstration of “The Craftsmen of British Barbering.” There was something for everyone.

UP AND COMERS: Is the future of hairdressing safe? We know it is after seeing 5 year old Magnolia Strebe (@ConfessionsOfAMiniHairstylist) create an updo with guidance from her mom, Jenny Strebe (@Confessionsofahairstylist). Perry Monge also led a presentation of the Nouveau Creative Team, featuring demonstrations by the newest artists in the ICA world.

BREAK OUT ROOMS: The breakout rooms did not disappoint. There were presentations by Oliver Steinnagle, Steve Sleeper, Myra Irizarry, Reg Laws, Paul Labrecque, Lance Courtney, Leon Alexander, Jamison Shaw and Jeremy Stephens. Our Publisher Steve Reiss offered an overview of the information MODERN has gathered on the thinning hair category and shared those findings in his “HairPlus” presentation.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS:

-The Sunday night Gala show, presented by Sonya Dove for Wella, earned a standing ovation. “Burning Dreams” was Dove’s tribute to beauty featuring beautiful hair in all shades, lengths and silhouettes.

-The Press Luncheon, sponsored by Aveda, featured Van Council, ICA Artistic Director and the Van Michael Salon Creative Team. “Revolution of Love” was Council’s way to counteract the negativity of current events. “Basically we all want the same things in life,” says Council. “Love, peace, happiness, health, prosperity. We love everybody, that’s what hairdressers do. Hairdressers have to love their clients more than they love you and salon owners have to love their employees more than their employees love them.” To best express this sentiment, Council and team offered a happy and loving presentation of models with beautiful colors and silhouettes.

THE LAST WORD: “The goal is to celebrate that our differences are what make us stronger,” says Frank Gambuzza, ICA President. “Even though we come from different backgrounds, cities, countries and generations – ICA brings us together. This weekend we will have over 8 countries represented and have presenters ranging from ve to 80 years old. It is truly a weekend of Many Tribes and ONE VISION.”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The Spring ICA will be held April 1 – 3 in Boca Raton, Florida.