Hair Expo 2013 brought together the Southern Hemisphere’s hairdressing community along with the hottest trends and brands, international talent, and the chance to share tips and stories with colleagues.

The expo’s Exhibition Hall presented an unparalleled opportunity for hairdressers and salon owners to interact with industry leaders and innovators. There was an exciting buzz in the hall as exhibitors showed off their latest offerings and talked shop.

But the event everyone looks forward to the most is the gala – a night of fun, food, art and entertainment – culminating in the awarding of the annual Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards.

Emilio Cataldo was one of 13 judges to judge this year’s awards and was inspired by the process of reviewing and assessing the region’s rich talent.

“To see the refreshing, innovative work coming out of these talented artists is one of the things I love most about the salon industry,” Emilio said.

Locked in a room for a day, the judges poured over entries for the various categories including Emerging Hairdresser, New Creative Force, Colour Technician and the major award, Australian Hairdresser of the Year. After being shortlisted prior to the event, nominees were judged on a submission of photographs and a written component.

Of course the gala lived up to its reputation. It was vibrant. It was spectacular. And at table number one was our very own Emilio Cataldo.

“I was honoured to be sitting with Sassoon’s Creative Director, Mark Hayes and their UK Colour Director and other industry icons,” Emilio said. “What a night.”

Also at the table was Trevor Sorbie of London who received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 for his services to hairdressing.

Emilio has been attending the expo for many years and always looks forward to catching up with old friends. “Being around people who share my love of creativity and the broader industry keeps the excitement alive,” he says. “It’s genuinely inspiring.”

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