When Cosmetologists Chicago (CC), owners and producers of America’s Beauty Show (ABS), declared November “Honor Your DSC” Month, MODERN asked CC /ABS CEO Paul Dykstra, to provide more details, as well as give us a preview of what’s coming up at ABS 2014.

MODERN SALON: TELL US ABOUT THE CC “HONOR YOUR DSC” MONTH?

PAUL DYKSTRA: Cosmetologists Chicago has always had a strong relationship with our area distributors and their sales forces. These people are often a link between ABS and salon professionals, offering tickets and providing show information. We thought it was time for our organization to give a shout-out and thank you to the sales consultants. This year, the program simply encourages our members to thank their DSCs, but it's something CC can expand in the future.

Come January, we’ll encourage salon professionals to ask their DSC if he or she will be at America’s Beauty Show, March 22-24, 2014 in Chicago, and what specials they may be offering only at our show.  ABS provides professionals a great opportunity to meet and work directly with their DSCs on special promotions, new products and tools, in an environment where they both can focus on what’s ahead for the salon professional’ s business without distractions.

MS: WHAT NEW EVENTS OR PROGRAMS CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE AT ABS 2014?

PD: Well, of course, education is an important element of America’s Beauty Show, and has been since the show began in 1924. Seeing what’s new—in products and techniques, as well as fashion and beauty trends, brings more than 50,000 attendees to ABS each year.

On the exhibit floor, we have phenomenal support from major manufacturers and distributors in 2014. Among the many companies we will host are Wella Professionals, Sebastian Professional, Nioxin, Clairol, Redken Pureology, Matrix, Mizani, TIGI, CND, Gellish, Young Nails, Moroccanoil and Avalon. Distributors including SalonCentric, Cosmoprof, Premier Beauty Supply and Quality Beauty Supply will all have a large presence.

We always bring the best global beauty trendsetters to our attendees, and 2014 is no exception. Our Runway stage will feature a truly global beauty and fashion experience. Tracey Hughes from Australia returns for a second spectacular appearance. The Vidal Sassoon Team will perform their hair-magic. Wella’s Australian headliner, Joey Scandizzo, will dazzle our audience.  Plus, we will feature the biggest stars from Farouk, TIGI, Matrix, and Mizani, along with Canada’s own Martin Parsons, on our global stage.

MS: WHAT PROGRAMS OR PLANS ARE IN PLACE TO MAKE abs 2014 AN OUTSTANDING EVENT FOR EXHIBITORS?

PD: We offer a number of branding opportunities throughout McCormick Place, in our pre-program book that is mailed to 180,000 salon professionals, and the on-site program.

ABS has always been ahead of the technology curve among beauty shows. This year we’ll have an ABS app to help attendees navigate the show floor and access information on classes; we’ve long offered key exhibitors our lead-retrieval technology and this year we will have a very special CC Hosted VIP Owner Program.

There are sponsorship opportunities including our 3^rd annual BeautyBASH on Saturday, March 22, to benefit our Cosmetologists Chicago Presidents Scholarship Fund. Our Product Knowledge College class schedule fills up fast. Finally, if an exhibitor wants to do something special, something different, to set it apart, they can call me and we can make it happen.

MS: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COSMETOLOGISTS CHICAGO AND ABS?

PD: Cosmetologists Chicago^® owns and produces America’s Beauty Show. This 5,000+ member association of salon and spa professionals, and its hard-working, dedicated Board of Directors, provide ABS leadership, based on their own, and their employees’ needs. Throughout the year, CC inspires and builds professionalism through education; supports industry legislation; raises funds for scholarships, and provides opportunities for networking with other salon professionals.

For more information on America’s Beauty Show, March 22-24, 2014, please visit our website www.AmericasBeautyShow.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Paul Dykstra can be reached at pdykstra@AmericasBeautyShow.com