What do we do when Farouk Systems invites us to their Global Conference in Cancun the day after #thebtcshow in Austin?! We jump on a flight and head to Mexico…duh! It doesn’t matter that we were already traveling and on the road—when Farouk Shami asks #thebteam to cover one of his events, we are so there!

We joined the Farouk team and 3,000 of their hair BFFS for three days days of education, inspiration and fun under the Cancun sun—and it was a weekend we’ll never forget. Beginning with an epic welcome party featuring Nelly (complete with glow sticks and a light-up dance floor!), followed by the “World of Color” presentation that highlighted worldwide color trends, and ending with daily classes from award-winning educators like Patrick Kalle, Maurice den Exter, Richard Jordan, Rocky Vitelli, Tammy Mixon, Cynthia Diersen and the Esquire Barbers, the Farouk “Light It Up” Conference, was in fact, LIT.

Here’s all the coverage we grabbed while hanging backstage, in prep and on Facebook Live. We’ve got a little bit of everything, including color, cutting, styling and men’s grooming tips, plus a photo gallery you don’t want to miss. Enjoy!