2022 ASPYA CONFERENCE – DELORENZO – HYATT REGENCY – SYDNEY
By Linda Woodhead
After a few years hiatus, an excited crowd of hundreds arrived for the long awaited ASPYA Conference in Sydney, with De Lorenzo and we can safely say it did not disappoint!
Kicking off with a retro Party on the Bella Vista boat sucking Sydney Harbour was a great way to start. Guests donned costumes form the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s there were wigs, sequins, flares and more not to mention an incredible rendition of Flash dance from one salon team!
Day 1 at conference started with a warm welcome and traditional acknowledgement with beautiful indigenous singers acting as a great segway to some exciting news announced later in the day regarding a very cool collar with one of the ASPYA members.
Our MC Rob Carlton expertly guided the way through the entire event and introduced Chris Delorenzo to the stage. The theme of the conference was all about respecting our world, our legacy and our people, for a brighter future through De Lorenzo and their products.
An exciting collar was announced by Marketing Manager,Bridget Bajada with Jacinta-Rai Ridgeway Maahs, a 2nd generation ASPYA client who owns her own hair salon and art studio and is a first nation indigenous artist. Jacinta has designed the incredible artwork that features on the De Lorenzo Christmas packs and Bridget explained the collaboration and the conversation that will continue including how the new imagery is all about reconnecting to country. Within the stunning imagery, the rainbows relate to the whole delorenzo company with 6 circles respecting 6 generations. The greenery shows a connection from the company to nature and all natural products and $2 from every pack will be donated to the Charity ILF – Indigenous Literacy Foundation who work with indigenous and Torres Straight islanders publishing books.
Our first speaker was Justin Herald talking about Customer Culture reminding us that the cusomter experience always starts form the top down and how important an emotional buy in is, as well as the skill set of staff and clients. He suggested creating a 90-day action plan with a personal commitment from staff.
Next up was a touching story from hairdresser Michael Wolff about his journey with cancer and how he has recently launched the most beautiful book – HAIR UNLIMITED with all proceeds going to the hospital where he was cared for.
Sandy Chong, CEO of the AHC took to the sage to give us an update on Skills shortage, statistics and the general state of the nation! Also how the AHC were looking to start programs to encourage salons to employ disabled people and the grey work force.
Magician/Salesman Josh Norbido entertained us with some slight of hand magic tricks aligning them with an interesting massage around sales! A simple suggestion was to change our voicemails! And a very powerful saying that resonated with many being: “Selling happens with our words, but buy-in takes place in the silence”.
It was then time to relax and get ready for the Evening Gala Awards night. A group photo, a stunning Hair show, brought to life by the De Lorenzo eduction team, Ricky Lee to entertain and the best band to dance the night away!
With a few sore heads, Day 2 opened with owner of Lismore based Lazuli and Co, Peta tell her touching story of loosing everything in floods, the incredible sense of community and how De Lorenzo helped.
Mental health expert, Tina Winchester, spoke about taking the mystery away from mental health, the misconceptions, the continuum and what to look out for with booth staff and clients.
Paul Frasca, Sustainable Salons followed with an update on all things sustainable, recycling and how sustainability is really becoming a reality across all generations, cultures and industries. With a theme of People Planet and Profit he gave the audience some thing to think about as always knowing that almost everything from the salon is now recyclable and how SS is now the #1 resource recovery for the hair and beauty industry. They are servicing the community, supporting 22 charities, offering local jobs, specifically in the disability space and really kicking some serious goals
Our final speaker of the day was the pocket rocket Julie Cross who took us on a roller coaster ride of emotions and whether you have heard her speak before or not, always manages to leave the entire room in tears, both from her moving story and happy laughter as well. She is an absolute star!
With the closing by Anthony Delorenzo, I can safely say this was one to remember with the absolute right amount of business and pleasure.
And… we are all off to Phuket in March 2024! Bring it on!
Many thanks for bringing me along for the ride
Linda
xox
