Paul Mitchell Platform Artist/ National Educator Rosie Matos instructs Paul Mitchell Future Professionals during Caper 2011.

Entertainer Marie Osmond and Robert Cromeans, global artistic director for John Paul Mitchell Systems, at Caper 2011.

The Nanny's Fran Drescher and CEO/Co-Founder John Paul DeJoria at Caper 2011.

The event:

John Paul Mitchell Systems' 26th annual Caper event in February at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. The two-day, hands-on educational event drew more than 2,300 future professionals who earned the trip by selling more than $2.8 million in specially packaged Paul Mitchell products.

The people: Paul Mitchell co-founder and Chairman John Paul DeJoria, co-owner Angus Mitchell, Global Artistic Director Robert Cromeans and Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and co-founder Winn Claybaugh kicked things off with a warm welcome, then introduced three stage shows bringing to life the theme of "What Inspires You?" The shows included presentations from the Future Professional Design Team; the Global Cutting Team led by Angus Mitchell, Scott Cole, Takashi Kitamura, and Robert Cromeans; and Artistic Director Stephanie Kocielski, who led the Awapuhi Wild Ginger show, starring Paul Mitchell's latest product line. Additional speakers included author and school owner Giulio Veglio and MODERN SALON Media publisher Steve Reiss, who recognized Lucie Doughty, Scott Cole and Linda Yodice for their collection and cover of February's MODERN. Diana Schmidtke, celebrity men's grooming specialist, shared her insight for career success.

Celebrity guests: Joined by members of their Vegas show, Donny and Marie Osmond entertained and extended thanks to the Future Professionals for supporting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals through the Paul Mitchell Schools 2010 and 2011 FUNraising campaign. The Nanny's Fran Drescher extended her thanks for support of her Cancer Schmancer Foundation. Kathy Buckley, hearing-impaired comedian and founder of No Limits, shared her inspiring life story and reminded the audience that who you are is up to you and everyone is special.

Hands-on: Hair cut and color classes complemented the "What Inspires You?" theme while incorporating participants' own inspirations into new cutting and color techniques. In the Look and Learn classroom, educators demonstrated tips and techniques.

Other highlights: The Career Fair allowed students to practice interviewing skills, while the Caper Mall featured a full line of Paul Mitchell logo wear and educational tools. Also memorable was the White Party, where Future Professionals took pictures with their favorite stars and danced the night away.

The last word: "Caper was phenomenal," said Clare Racette, a student at the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, a Paul Mitchell Partner Program. "So inspiring and a great confirmation as to why I chose this industry."