The event:

Redken's 29th Symposium, held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The scoop: More than 9,000 beauty professionals gathered for three days of education packed with 20 classes covering cut, color, trends, finishing and design skills, plus business-building advice and award presentations for distributors, stylists and salon owners. Distributor sales consultants heard from Redken senior team members for a day of recognition awards, games, interaction and details on the 2011 Redken and Pureology launches.

Opener: In a no-holds-barred opening ceremony, Redken artists Rodney Cutler, Jenny Balding, Chris Baran, Kris Sorbie and Sam Villa kept the audience on their toes. From Bollywood-inspired dancing and whimsical bubbles containing models, to acrobats and an inspirational interpretive dance on the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness.

Inspiring world: Attendees were introduced to and educated by the eight international artists who share their inspiration, and create color and design techniques that epitomize "the Inspiring World of Redken." The latest collection from the team, Shapes and Shadows, was also unveiled.

New competition: Also launched at Symposium is the brand's latest stylist competition, Road to NAHA. The winner receives a trip to New York City, a Redken Artist mentor, a professional photo shoot with a model, photographer, make-up artist and wardrobe stylist.

Award winners: During the opening event, Ann Mincey, Redken ambassador, introduced the 2011 Redken Salon Awards for excellence and commitment to the salon industry.

• Salon of the Year Thomas Scott Salon of Frederick, MD, for its understanding of Redken principles and an overarching goal to learn better, earn better and live better.

• Educational Excellence Award Randolph's Salon of White Lake, MI, for outstanding in-salon education, event attendance and participation at educational developmental programs.

• Largest Percentage Award Invidia Salon & Spa of Sudbury, MA, for largest gain, a result of exceptional retail and service sales.

• Rising Star Award Blo Salon of Raleigh, NC, for their visionary and forward- thinking approach to running their business.

The bash:

In a spectacular end, attendees were treated to a private concert from the band Train, performers of Meet Virginia and the chart-topping Hey, Soul Sister.

An attendee discovers Redken's Break Room-an online community for salon professionals, allowing them to connect with each other, share business tips, view step-by-steps, as well as group forums, job boards and a chat function.

A model gets prepped for the Grand Opening.

In the Grand Opening, Inspiring World of Redken artists perform on stage in an interpretive dance drawing awareness to Hairdressers Against AIDS.

MODERN's East Coast Sales Manager Angela Reich with two Symposium attendees and FIRST CHAIR Editor Alison Shipley.

Michael Cole leads a business class on moving from financial recession to wealthy expression.