The 2023 Hair Festival MarketPlace was the place to be this June long weekend, as 4700 hairdressers came through the doors to discover the latest in hairdressing technology, business, products and more. Hair Festival took place at Carriageworks over June 11 and 12, and amidst the education sessions, parties and competitions, the MarketPlace was the central stomping ground for it all.

With over 60 exhibitors lining the halls, attendees were able to discover the latest in sustainability, salon furniture, hair extensions, cutting edge tools, must-have retail offerings and business acumen. Exhibitors offered special deals and giveaways to attendees, Sharon Blain signed her new book, models paraded the walkways from the education sessions and patrons walked around with bags in tow thanks to these unmissable deals and exclusive offers. Even better, the MarketPlace was completely free to enter, so if you missed out you really have no excuse.

“It’s been such an exciting time to really showcase our brand and what we’ve been doing all over the world to the Australian market,” said Bianca Vitols from Showpony. “We haven’t had a chance to do something as big as this in Australia before so it’s been really good. It’s been so much heart and so much excitement, there’s been so much interest from the industry to our stand so it’s been really enjoyable.”

At the Business Hub, patrons discovered the latest in money management, payment and technological advancements, while the Barber Hub showed off an array of demos that presented the latest in men’s cut and style. Demos pervaded the entire MarketPlace, ensuring the industry’s defining spirit of education was felt throughout the whole event.

“I’ve been really happy. The Barber Hub was a lot bigger this year in terms of the floor space so we’ve had a lot of people come through,” shared Eoin McCarthy of One Zero One Education. “I feel like we put on a good representation of barbering. We have a lot of different people, showcasing and demonstrating over the weekend on the stands and we had quite a lot of interactions from the crowds. Overall, it’s been great experience.”

The wealth of brands on offer through the MarketPlace allowed attendees to discover the specific and tailored technologies they need, also connecting brands with the appropriate salons and hairdressers in order to foster long term relationships.

“It was really nice to connect with everyday hairdressers who are struggling with textured hair, and we were able to help them,” said Jonina Menzies of curly hair brand LOHY. “It was so good to find everyday hairdressers that are struggling themselves on their own hair, and then we can see how we can help them with their clients.”

Attendees mingled and connected throughout the MarketPlace and took a break at The Hub, where they could also find the latest issue of INSTYLE, while also enjoying food and drinks from the versatile food trucks and coffee carts that paired well with the festival vibe. This true, essential connection, which is paramount for our social industry, as well the high energy and captivated crowds that made up the swath of attendees, buoyed the event throughout the weekend.

“There was a fantastic energy this year, we were so happy to reconnect with the industry,” said Cara Johnstone of Comfortel on the Monday of the event. “Yesterday at opening day we were very excited to have a lot of people on our stand, so that was super cool, It’s been strong and sturdy today, as well. Overall, we’re happy with the outcome of the show.”

“Everyone’s really happy to be back and we’ve had a great interest and people coming up and asking us what we do. We feel that we need to be here to support the industry and tell people who we are and what we do, and we’ve had lots of interest so we’ll be back next year, it’s been great,” added Jared Keen of Salon Lane.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

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