Cosmetologists Chicago (CC) powers ABS and supports beauty professionals through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
ABS is home to CIDESCO Section USA, the international authority on beauty and spa therapy standards. This gives attendees access to elite training and certifications recognized worldwide.
From helping with show logistics to supporting charity events, ABS offers volunteer opportunities for beauty professionals to give back while gaining valuable experience and connections.
If you are interested in volunteering at America's Beauty Show, there are lots of ways to be involved!
America's Beauty Show is part of a long-standing non-profit organization that has been around since 1912. We only exist because of you! If you would like to make a donation, please reach out to info@americasbeautyshow.com
With thousands of industry professionals in attendance, ABS is a great opportunity to network and build your community.
Elected by our members, our Board of Directors is committed to guiding Cosmetologists Chicago with a focus on serving the needs of salons and beauty professionals. With over 100 years of combined experience, they bring invaluable expertise and dedication to our association, ensuring we continue to support and advance the careers of our members.
Founder and owner of Salon Lorrene in Palatine, IL, has successfully led her full-service salon and day spa for over 25 years. She is a two-time winner of the Wella Hairdressers at Heart Charity Competition and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Roosevelt University.
Owner of Jonathan Kane Salon, Larry is a member of CC, PBA, and Intercoiffure. He has received numerous accolades, including the Zero Hero Award, Salon Today Top 200 (nine times), Excellence in Training by the South Suburban Small Business Association, and the Phorest 5 Star Award.
A lead executive in the professional beauty industry, Frank manages association finances, digital marketing, and overall business operations. He holds digital marketing credentials from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and strategic business leadership education from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
With over 20 years in the professional beauty industry, Mireya Villarreal is the founder and CEO of Pink Pewter. She also founded The Pink Pewter Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit scholarship organization. Mireya is a mom, social media influencer, author, and motivational speaker.
CEO and hair stylist for Gordon Enterprises, Anthony Gordon oversees five salon locations with over 70 employees. He has received several awards, including Top 200 Salon for 16 years, Chicago Magazine’s Readers Choice Award in 2017, and Best of the North Shore. Anthony is a member of Cosmetologists Chicago, Intercoiffure, and PBA, and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Utah.
Owner of J. Gordon Designs and Karen Gordon Hair Loss Solutions, Karen Gordon is a certified trichologist. She serves as the Director of Cosmetology USA for the World Trichology Society and is on the Board of Directors of Intercoiffure America/Canada. Karen holds a Master's in Applied Business from DePaul University.
With over 40 years serving the professional beauty industry, Robert Passage is the Chairman, CEO, and Global Ambassador for Pivot Point International. He is also the co-founder and board member of Beauty Changes Lives, a member of the American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS), and a past president of the Illinois Association of Cosmetology Schools (IACS).
Senior Director of Education & Creative at Ulta Beauty, Anna Manukyan brings over two decades of experience, combining hands-on creativity, business acumen, and leadership skills. She leads education and industry relations teams, supporting beauty professionals across more than 1,400 Ulta Beauty salon locations.
Managing Partner and Owner of A.SALON, Rudy Moser runs an environmentally conscious, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly full-service hair salon. A.SALON was recognized as a finalist for Best Salon by Chicago Reader in 2019 and 2020. Rudy holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota.
Providing advanced education in the spa industry, Beata Luberda-Goodman trains physicians, nurses, massage therapists, and estheticians. Her experience includes roles as Medical Esthetics Director for Chicago Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Regional Educator for Dr. Howard Murad and the International Dermal Institute.
Chief Executive Officer and Instructor at Erskine Reeves Barber Academy since 2014, Erskine effectively manages staff, instructors, recruitment, and finances. As CEO/Stylist of Erskine Reeves Barbershop since 2009, he trains teams, manages marketing, and serves as a senior stylist with expertise in hair care.
Combining her passion for hairstyling and business acumen, Maggie and her husband founded Pilorum Salon and Spa in 2017. Under her leadership, the salon earned the prestigious Niles "Small Business of the Year" award in 2020 and hosts annual drives supporting a local animal shelter.
Founder of ERGO Research, Inc., Robert Reed has led the company in providing cutting-edge hairstyling tools for nearly three decades. With over four decades of industry experience, including roles as President of Hikari Scissors U.S.A. and VP of Sales and Marketing for Vidal Sassoon, he ranks in the top 1% of endorsed hair care professionals on LinkedIn.
The right relationships provide a powerful connection that is both rewarding and inspiring.
They help us to feel understood, valued, and appreciated on a level that can never be replicated through technology or social media.
When we are in the presence of “our people,” we feel a sense of connectedness that cannot be matched by any other experience.
I want you to come to the show and cultivate those relationships that bring you joy and happiness. Work hard to keep them strong and cherish them as the precious gifts that they are.
You never know what kind of magic they may bring into your life.
- Lorrene Conino, CCA President
CCA provides exclusive resources, trainings, seminars, certification programs, scholarships, and education grants to help beauty professionals stay on the cutting edge. CCA emphasize helping members “grow your business” by implementing fresh ideas and insights and also work with top‐industry brands and put on shows/events that expose members to new products, tools, and professional beauty innovation.
CCA is about building a network of beauty professionals who “just get you” — peers who understand the same ups and downs. CCA provides social events and opportunities to connect, share, commiserate, celebrate. That sense of being understood and supported is emphasized. Leadership comes from industry veterans on their Board, and there’s collaboration with associations (INTA, AAE, CIDESCO) and with various brands.
CCA is “created by and for licensed beauty professionals” and explicitly includes cosmetologists, estheticians, nail techs, barbers, instructors, students—all roles are welcomed. The tone and messaging stress feeling included, empowered, listened to, belonging, and cared for. CCA will advocate for members’ interests, which includes representing and supporting a broad spectrum of professionals in the beauty industry.
CCA has a long history (since 1912) of serving licensed beauty professionals, which speaks to legacy and standards. They offer awards (e.g. Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award; Fred A. Piattoni Award for Industry Service) to recognize outstanding business practices, leadership, service. CCA supports continuing education, certification, and professional development, which are core to maintaining excellence.
ABS creates opportunities for brands to grow, connect, and collaborate. From small businesses to global leaders, ABS fosters brand success.
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We have FAQ's on our current site from last year - can those not be copied over?
Yes, the Donald E Stephens Convention Center is wheelchair accessible.