The Chicago Midwest Beauty Show^® (CMBS), America’s Beauty Show^® event which recently drew record crowds, featured a keynote address by Chicago’s own Mario Tricoci  who was later celebrated at the first NCA International Legends Ball designed to honor individuals for creative ideas, progressive thinking and overall contributions to the highest standards of the beauty industry.  Stephanie Aguillard accepted a Legends’ posthumous award  for her mother, beauty pioneer Olive Benson and $40,000 in proceeds from the gala were donated to the NCA Disaster Relief Fund for salon professionals affected by Hurricane Katrina.

CMBS offered a vast exhibit area with interactive educational presentations and the newest and best in salon products and services, highlighted styles from around the world; and celebrated educators of global influence. Industry icon, Martin Parsons and the first couple of hair color and design, Beth and Carmine Minardi, all presented Master Classes, to give participants in-depth insight into their expertise.

Special industry segments offered unique events and educational presentations including:

• CMBS Multi-Textural Hair Conference
  
• International Nail Technicians Association (INTA)
  
• The CMBS Student Conference
  
• Cosmetólogos Latinos
  
• and competitions including the USA Beauty Open student and professional contests, the Stars & Rising Stars hair and fashion photo makeover competition and Nailpro nail artistry competition. 

The Center Stage, for the first time ever located in the middle of the exhibit floor, was the place to watch the stars and catch first glimpse of the newest looks from top names like Headliner Marlies Möller to top Exhibitor and Salon Teams that rocked the Stage Sunday night during the first ever CMBStyle! Click to see the styles and learn more!

And the CMBStyle After Party was a dance-the-night-away smash with an additional $25,000 being raised for the NCA Disaster Relief Fund/Katrina.

The CMBS’ owners, the 4,500 salon professional members of Cosmetologists Chicago (CC)and its affiliate groups, International Nail Technicians Association^® (INTA), Cosmetólogos Latinos™ (CL) and American Association for Esthetics Education™ (AAEE), put on the only major events in the U.S. that are produced by salon professionals, for salon professionals.   “Our cosmopolitan, fashion-forward city is an inspiration around the world,” said Jerry Gordon, president of Cosmetologists Chicago^®.”

Photography by: Robert Kusel for CMBS

Some special “Lessons for Success” were held during the NCA Annual Convention which ran concurrent to the Midwest Beauty Show. Click here to learn more.

For more information on CMBS please log on to: www.ChicagoMidwestBeautyShow.com