Dining For Change, a very successful charitable outreach program for the beauty industry, is scheduled to be held in March 2010. The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) have recently announced this event which is held twice a year.

Dining For Change invites beauty professionals to network, share, enjoy each other’s company over a meal and raise money for a good cause. This grassroots philanthropy effort makes fundraising easy on a local level and allows participants to make a difference for those impacted by cancer, domestic violence and natural disasters. The first Dining for Change initiative had successfully raised $100,000 during March and October 2009, where beauty professionals across the country gathered at hundreds of dinners on a local level.

Getting involved with Dining For Change is easy! The registration process along with the rules for donations and other terms & conditions can be found on NCA’s website.

Many beauty professionals and their colleagues have successfully hosted Dining For Change events and so can you! As a host, you decide on the kind of event (formal / informal dinner), number of invited guests, location and suggested charitable donation by each guest. Gatherings can vary from ultra casual to sophisticated chic – it’s up to you! Each guest makes a voluntary donation which is then combined with the donations of others across the country to elevate the collective giving of all.

Like last year, NCA is inviting beauty professionals to:
• Host a get together with your fellow professionals, co-workers, business associates and/or clients
• Encourage others to host their own get togethers as part of a national network of professionals
• Promote your support of Dining For Change and the industry related charities it benefits
• Support the good work of “Look Good…Feel Better” programs for cancer patients and the Salons Against Domestic Abuse Fund’s CUT IT OUT program and the NCA Disaster Relief Fund.

PBA – NCA’s Dining For Change is a grassroots fundraising initiative based on a new and growing model of localized charitable work called ‘giving circles’ – groups of individuals networked with other small groups to make a difference. All the Dining For Change contributions go to support the work of Look Good…Feel Better, CUT IT OUT, and the PBA – NCA Disaster Relief Fund. So you end up working for three worthy causes by organizing an event like this.

Be the change that you want to see in our world. Spread the word amongst beauty professionals to be a Dining For Change host in March. To get started, visit www.ncacares.org/diningforchange

The outbreak of H1N1 virus in humans has been severe in 2009. Margaret Chan, the World Health Organization’s director-general, had declared a “public health emergency of international concern” in April this year, as the H1N1 influenza virus continues to impact various countries.

To curb the menace of H1N1 amongst the salon and spa industry, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and Barbicide® recently joined hands. They will be working together to create a unique H1N1 Education and Preparedness program for the hair industry to prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza virus.

Barbicide is a disinfectant solution manufactured by King Research. It is the #1 disinfecting cleaning solution in the market and can kill HIV-1, Tuberculosis and H1N1. It is used in barber shops and hair salons to disinfect items such as combs and hair shears. While speaking on their partnership with PBA, Alan Murphy, President of King Research said – “King Research, the makers of Barbicide® is a strong supporter and member of the Professional Beauty Association and it is critical that we support the salon/spa industry as it looks for tools and information on preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus.”

There are many salons & spas in the United States that have seen their employees fall ill due to H1N1 virus. This has led to employee absenteeism which has disturbed the normal business operations. President Obama recently declared a national emergency to deal with the “rapid increase in illness” from the H1N1 influenza virus.

There has been an increased demand for H1N1 resources and information, particularly from salon/spa owners across the United States. To solve all these collective difficulties faced by salon owners and to safeguard their customers from H1N1, PBA and Barbicide will offer a helping hand.

The H1N1 education and preparedness effort was kicked off on Thursday, November 11 with the launch of a robust online toolkit. It includes a Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, FAQ on H1N1, Recognizing the differences in types of flu and Tips to Prepare. Both the organizations are planning to include a webinar on salon/spa sanitation and disinfection best practices and several workshops during the International Salon & Spa Expo in Long Beach, California January 30 – February 1, 2010.

If you are worried about how to fight off H1N1 this season or want more information about this H1N1 education and preparedness program, visit www.probeauty.org/flu

The International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) is all set to rock the cosmetology industry in 2010. So in the New Year, get ready for the BIGGEST and BEST professional cash-and-carry beauty exposition and educational event on the West Coast!

The event is scheduled during January 30 – February 1, 2010 at Long Beach, California. Having surpassed all the expectations for 2009, the ISSE 2010 will play host to more than 400 top quality exhibitors on 135,073 Sq. Ft. of sold-out space. This year’s event will be graced by industry leaders such as Karg + Blackwell, Nick Arrojo, Charlie Price, RUSK, and Sassoon Academy, along with many of the largest manufacturers from across the globe. ISSE 2010 truly promises to be an exciting event focused on professional hairstylists. Another thing that is worth noting is that ISSE offers an important opportunity for licensed beauty professionals and cosmetology students to invest in their careers and stay current on the latest trends.

What’s NEW for 2010?

Legends & Icon’s Gala – For the first time ever, ISSE will host the National Cosmetology Association’s (NCA) Legends & Icons Charity Gala, in cooperation with the Professional Beauty Association on Saturday, January 30, 2010, honoring Ann Mincey, Robert Cromeans and The Doves.

Faatemah Ampey to Emcee the International Fashion Theater – Faatemah Ampey, who spelled magic over the crowd at NAHA 20 will light up the stage at ISSE to produce another magical performance.

LFG Fashion Photo Shoot by the Masters – The Latino Fashion Group (LFG) along with photographer Babak will teach how to capture the latest beauty trends. This practical oriented class will also provide tips on creating a successful editorial photo shoot.

On-Demand Tickets – This year, attendees can purchase and print their tickets online! They can then directly proceed to multiple satellite credential checks for a hassle free entry to the show floor. To purchase tickets online, please visit www.probeauty.org/isse

Some more amazing programs at ISSE 2010…

International Fashion Theater (Complimentary with expo ticket purchase): This will see the industry’s most talented platform and in-house creative stylists deliver inspiring performances.

Latino Fashion Theater (Complimentary with expo ticket purchase): Presented in both English and Spanish, this program will attract some of the nation’s leading and up-coming Latino professionals.

Technical Theater (Some sessions require additional investment. Limited seating.): This program will feature the hottest names in the industry who will demonstrate the new cutting and styling techniques.

There are some great contests with great money to be won at the ISSE 2010. “Make Dreams Come True – $25,000 Giveaway” contest will be organized by Ultimate Beauty Companies. The ISSE Night Out Party on Sunday, January 31, 2010, allows you to network and enjoy with other beauty professionals. The party is Free to ISSE attendees and exhibitors, so start populating the venue 8:00pm onwards.

ISSE is open to licensed salon/spa professionals and cosmetology students only. To maintain a professional atmosphere, attendees must present proof of license and a valid photo ID. For additional information on ISSE and to purchase tickets, please visit www.probeauty.org/isse