Industry leaders reveal new dates for iconic Australasian hair weekend
Three hair industry leaders have united once again to reveal Australia and New Zealand’s biggest hair weekend will be back bigger and better in 2024, on new dates.
The new-look weekend will move from the previous June long weekend to Friday 28th June 2024 through to Monday 1st July 2024, with a series of events all centrally located in Sydney’s CBD.
This exciting news is jointly announced by the Australian Hairdressing Council, Mocha Group and BHA Media.
Sandy Chong, CEO of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) confirmed their annual Industry Day will take place on Friday 28th June 2024, followed the next day with the Leadership Summit on Saturday 29th June 2024, which rolls into Schmoozefest later that evening. Venues will be confirmed soon. “One precinct, one big weekend,” says Sandy Chong, “it’s great to see the industry so united and collaborating to bring this all together – the experience for visitors is going to be outstanding.”
For 2024, Hair Festival will be moving to premium events and entertainment space the ICC in Sydney on Sunday 30th June 2024 and Monday 1st July 2024; a bigger venue, in a central location which makes great logistical sense, with a vast array of events planned across two days, including legendary party Wonderland on the Sunday evening, organised by INSTYLE and Styleicons, along with education sessions, the Hub, and more.
The 2023 Hair Festival saw 4,800 New Zealand and Australian attendees congregate to discover the latest in hairdressing technology, business, and products.
“To take Hair Festival to the next level,” says BHA Media’s managing director Craig Hawtin-Butcher, “there is no better venue in Australia. The entire weekend will be happening in one precinct – convenient for everyone. We want to make it easy, affordable and rewarding to be part of.”
“The AHIA Creative Gala Awards Night will once again take place nearby at The Star, Sydney on Monday 1st July 2024,” says Linda Woodhead, CEO and Founder of Mocha Group, owner of the AHIA. “As always this will be a great way to celebrate the hair industry’s night of nights on the final Monday evening of this iconic hair weekend.”
Last year, hair icon Danny Pato of D&M Hair Design had a historic night at the AHIA taking home the title of New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year for the third year running, as well as being inducted into the Dennis Langford Hall of Fame.
The move away from the long weekend brings a host of advantages for visitors with Hair Festival organisers saying the new venue and dates are a direct response from industry feedback. “We talked with – and truly listened – to the feedback from industry since Hair Festival 2023 wrapped,” says Hair Festival events and marketing director Renita Collins. “Brands, businesses and visitors told us they love the event, they want to see it grow, in the heart of Sydney, and for many in the industry you want it all to happen on business- and family-friendly days outside of public holidays. That’s what the new dates away from the long public holiday weekend will deliver, along with cheaper accommodation and flights. It’s a win-win all round.”
Discounted accommodation will be available throughout Darling Harbour to help keep costs down for visitors, and with all elements walkable to one another, they can leave the car at home or benefit from extensive parking options on-site and nearby.
Hair Festival is brought to you by BHA Media (a subsidiary of The Intermedia Group, publisher of INSTYLE magazine and styleicons.com.au) and supported by the Australian Hair Industry Awards Creative (AHIA), owned by mocha group, and the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC).
Save the dates for Australia’s Biggest Hair Industry Weekend
- Industry Day – Friday 28th June 2024, organised by the Australian Hairdressing Council
- Leadership Summit and Schmoozefest – Saturday 29th June 2024, organised by the Australian Hairdressing Council
- Hair Festival Sunday 30th June 2024 and Monday 1st July 2024 at ICC in Sydney, owned by BHA Media
- AHIA Creative Gala Monday 1st July 2024 at The Star, Sydney, owned by Mocha Group
For more information visit:
AHC – www.theahc.org.au
AHIA Creative – www.mochagroup.com.au
Hair Festival – www.hairfestival.com.au
Check out some of the highlights from last year’s Hair Festival below…
