2014 Entries Available – Due March 26, 2014
Phoenix, AZ (July 30, 2013) – Produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), Beacon continues to educate and inspire North America’s future industry leaders. Held during PBA Beauty Week 2013, Beacon is the foremost independent educational and networking event for cosmetology students. One hundred winning students were chosen to attend Beacon 2013 based on their entry projects demonstrating their desire to advance their careers and the professional beauty industry as a whole. In addition to the 100 winning students, PBA has continued to expand Beacon based on the overwhelming demand to be a part of the program to an additional 200 students who received honorable mentions based on their entries.
“As the facilitator of PBA’s Beacon program for many years, I can unequivocally say this is the definitive program for cosmetology students to take part in. The benefits of understanding how the industry operates, career possibilities and networking with some of our industry’s biggest leaders is incredibly valuable and will positively change the lives of those who are fortunate enough to participate,” states Geno Stampora, PBA Beacon facilitator and leading beauty industry expert and speaker.
For 2013, over 875 applications were received. All of the applications were judged by PBA members, including top manufacturers, distributors and licensed professionals from across the country based on the creativity, presentation and content of their resume, professional portfolio, and creative marketing pieces. Attendees are comprised of the nation’s top cosmetology students and PBA provides them with a foundation to build a successful future in the industry.
Designed to educate students on the various components needed to manage an accomplished career, Beacon takes students behind the business side of the industry and provides valuable insight on marketing, business operations, networking and leadership training. Beacon truly helps students recognize that they are not just choosing a job, but rather a lifetime profession.
Beacon 2013 Highlights:
▪ Beacon winners received free tuition to attend PBA Beauty Week in Las Vegas, which included a full line-up of education tailored specifically to them.
▪ Geno Stampora, one of the industry’s top speakers and experts, served as the lead facilitator. Geno’s passion, energy and insights are a key part of Beacon’s success.
▪ Five Beacon students were chosen to participate in the 2nd Hand Shear Project during the NAHA Awards Ceremony
▪ Industry leaders including Vivienne Mackinder, Charles Marcus, Larry Curtis and others shared their insights on developing a successful career.
▪ Allison Shipley, Editor at Modern Salon & First Chair, shared her perspective as a cosmetology student and professional cosmetologist regarding what it takes to have one’s work covered by the media.
▪ Students were able to tour the Cosmoprof North America trade show floor and meet with business leaders. They also attended PBA’s annual Business Forum where they learned the role global distributors and manufacturers play in the industry along with hearing the keynote address from Arianna Huffington.
For further information on Beacon, including the 2014 application and expert tips on applying, please visit www.probeauty.org/beacon. Cosmetology schools are highly encouraged to have students enter Beacon as part of their curriculum.
Beacon is part of PBA Beauty Week, North America’s largest, most inclusive beauty event, offering unlimited networking, education and professional growth opportunities to all sectors of the beauty industry. This week of beauty features the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), Beacon, the City of Hope Spirit of Life® Gala, and the West Coast – PBA Regional Salon Summit. PBA Beauty Week is produced by the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and hosted by Cosmoprof North America. To learn more, visit probeauty.org/beautyweek.
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