THE EVENT: The Millennium Experience 2015: Join The Movement. Scottsdale, Arizona.

THE DETAILS: 400 salon and spa owners, managers and professionals came to the JW Marriott in Scottsdale, Arizona, for 3 days of education, inspiration, enlightenment and fun. On the business and marketing side, classes included “Nine Ways To Grow A Rock Star Team,” “Marketing Strategies That Work,” “Taking Your Business To The Next Level," “How Do I Get Them To Do That,” "Reporting To The Front Desk,"  "Tips To Building Your Brand On YouTube" and "First Impressions - Lasting Results." There were several artistic education classes, including “Blonding” with Kim Vo, “The Art And Craft of the Fashionable Razor Cut” with Nick Arrojo, “Balayage Baby” featuring Candy Shaw and “How To Brow” with Brenda Gallagher.  Attendess rotated through 90 minute classes learning how to improve their businesses and elevate the craft. “Brainiacs” were on site to help everyone hone their Millennium and Meevo skills at the "tech bar" and a mall was set up for shopping, offering the latest and greatest from the sponsors, including CHI, Your Name Cosmetics and Intuit Demandforce.

HIGHLIGHTS: This event is a hidden gem and one of the finest educational events offered in the industry. Among the highlights was the kick off with "Slam Poetry," an inspirational speech delivered by poets in a "rap meets poetry" presenation.  This was followed by an incredible show by Patrick Kalle, Artistic Director, Farouk Systems who presented and made over models on stage. Attendees were treated to a  “Wild West Party” and offered the opportunity to ride a mechanical bull and experience some of the fun the west has to offer. One of the highlights included a performance by Brittany Harms and Sean Rogers who presented during the General Session.

INSPIRATION: There were MANY moments of inspiration, but two are most memorable:

-Mark Bustos, a top stylist in NYC, shared the background of his program to help homeless people by offering free cuts on Sundays. Bustos invites all salon professionals to follow (@MarkBustos), tag #BeAwesomeToSomebody and participate May 1, 2016 by opening your salon doors and offering free cuts to the homeless.

-Joshua Sundquist, a Paralympian, shared his story of losing his leg at age 9 and how that situation has taught him to never give up. His 45 minute speech was one of the most inspiring and moving of the entire weekend.

THE LAST WORD: “Joining the movement is about building trust,” says Millennium founder John Harms. “It’s not about being content. We are here to learn, to grow, to be inspired, to connect with the beauty industry's best and to be part of something great. We should never stop learning.” The Millennium Experience 2015 was a great place to do just that.

For an overview from a salon owners point of view, check out this interview with Michael Gregg, owner of Heaven The Salon Experience, Winchester, Virginia: