Some people walk into the Hair Festival and leave with game-changing partnerships. Others walk in, wander aimlessly, and leave with nothing but samples and business cards they’ll never use.

The difference? A plan.

As someone who has attended and studied trade shows extensively, I’ve seen how preparation turns an ordinary visit into a high-value business opportunity.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to approach the Hair Festival—from mapping out must-see booths to making strategic connections.

Don’t just attend—maximize your time, build relationships, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Let’s get started!

1. Plan Your Travel and Accommodation

A well-planned trip can make your Hair Festival experience even more enjoyable. Taking place on June 29-30, 2025, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, this event brings together the professional hair industry for 2 days of learning, shopping, and networking:

Getting to ICC Sydney

The International Convention Centre Sydney is centrally located in Darling Harbour, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation. For those arriving by air, the Sydney Airport is approximately 8 kilometers away, with an average drive time of 25 minutes. Visitors can choose between taxis and trains to reach the venue.

For those driving, the ICC Sydney offers 800+ secure parking spaces with lift access, accommodating vehicles up to 2.2 meters in height. Additional parking can be found nearby, such as the Harbourside Car Park on Murray Street, Pyrmont.

Finding Accommodation Nearby

Staying close to the venue ensures convenience during the two-day event. With over 43 hotels within a ten-minute walk of ICC Sydney, there’s a range of options to suit every budget and preference. The luxury headquarters hotel adjacent to the venue offers premium comfort for those looking for an upscale experience.

2. Ticketing and Event Information

Attending the Hair Festival is a valuable investment in professional growth, networking, and industry insights. The event offers flexible ticket options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the key ticketing details and what to expect:

• Festival Hub Access: Entry to the Festival Hub is free, allowing you to explore 90+ exhibitor stands, shop for the latest products, and collect the complimentary Hair Festival bag filled with exciting brand samples. Registration is required, and you can secure your spot here.

• All-Access Pass: This comprehensive pass grants entry to the Festival Hub, REALtalk Business Forum, all education sessions, and the Festival Wonderland Party.
  • Early Bird: $595 (available until April 30, 2025)
  • Standard: $715 (available May 1 to June 16, 2025)
  • Last Call: $775 (available June 17 to June 30, 2025)
• REALtalk Business Forum Pass: Offers access to all REALtalk sessions, including meals.
  • Early Bird: $185
  • Standard: $205
  • Last Call: $225
• Education Sessions: Single-session passes are available for those interested in specific topics.
  • Early Bird: $79
  • Standard: $89
  • Last Call: $99
• Festival Wonderland Party: A must-attend event for networking and celebration, available as part of the All-Access Pass or separately.
  • Early Bird: $195
  • Standard: $215
  • Last Call: $245

3. Pack Essential Items

Packing thoughtfully for the Hair Festival ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience. With a mix of educational sessions, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities, having the right items on hand will keep you prepared for any activity:

• Event Tickets and ID: Keep your tickets—either printed or digital—and a valid ID handy, especially if attending events like the Festival Wonderland Party, which requires proof of age.
• Notebook and Pen: With over 24 educational sessions and live demonstrations on offer, a notebook is ideal for jotting down valuable insights, techniques, and contacts.
• Business Cards: The Hair Festival is a prime networking opportunity, so pack enough business cards to connect with industry peers and exhibitors.
• Comfortable Shoes and Attire: Expect plenty of walking and standing in the Festival Hub and other event areas. Dress comfortably while maintaining a professional appearance.
• Phone and Charger: Capture moments, take notes, and stay connected. A portable charger is highly recommended to keep your devices powered throughout the day.
• Map or Schedule: Download the event schedule and map from the official website for easy navigation and to plan your day efficiently.

4. Navigating the Booths at the Hair Festival

Exploring the exhibitor booths is a key part of the Hair Festival experience. With 90+ stands in the Festival Hub, visitors can discover innovative products, connect with brands, and learn about the latest industry advancements. Here’s a closer look at some featured booths to help you plan your visit:

Seamless1 (Stand 34)

A global leader in hair care, Seamless1 offers a diverse range of products, including hair extensions, styling tools, and bleaching essentials. Known for their innovative approach and trusted quality, this booth is perfect for exploring premium hair solutions embraced by stylists worldwide.

Crown Brush Australia (Stand 52)

With over 40 years of expertise in brush-making, Crown Brush Australia delivers a comprehensive selection of professional makeup brushes, palettes, and customizable student kits. As Australia’s largest professional makeup brand, their booth is a must-visit for hair and beauty professionals looking to elevate their toolkit.

Monay Hair Cryotherapy (Stand 46)

Monay Hair Cryotherapy brings cutting-edge technology to the Hair Festival with its revolutionary ice therapy treatments. Designed to repair damaged hair and control frizz, their vegan-friendly products combine French and Brazilian expertise, offering unique solutions for salons aiming to stand out.

THE G5IVE HAIRCARE (Stand 102)

Backed by extensive research, THE G5IVE HAIRCARE specializes in bespoke formulations tailored to various hair types and styling preferences. Their range of premium ingredients and transformative products makes this booth a must-see for discovering innovative hair care solutions.

5. Participate in Workshops, Demos, and Competitions

The Hair Festival offers a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance skills, showcase talents, and inspire creativity. From hands-on workshops to dynamic competitions, participating in these events is a great way to elevate your professional expertise and connect with industry leaders:

Join Educational Workshops

The festival features 24+ educational sessions, covering topics such as color artistry, advanced cutting techniques, and hair extensions. Sessions like the REALtalk Business Forum also offer valuable advice on salon management and growth strategies. For specific workshop schedules and ticket options, visit the Education Sessions page. Early booking is recommended to secure a spot, especially for high-demand topics.

Watch Live Demonstrations

At The Stage in the Festival Hub, attendees can enjoy free, bite-sized education sessions and live demonstrations. These dynamic showcases feature trending techniques, product innovations, and expert tips from brands and educators. For example, past demonstrations have included:

• How to Perform Nanoplasty on Damaged Hair by Floractive Sydney.
• 5 Fringes in 15 Minutes by Pivot Point ANZ.

Check the updated Stage schedule to plan your visit and ensure you catch the sessions most relevant to your interests.

Compete or Cheer in the Competitions

The Hair Festival’s competitions celebrate creativity and technical expertise in the hair industry. Categories range from editorial styles to men’s haircuts, offering something for every skill set. For those not competing, attending as a spectator is equally rewarding, providing a front-row seat to the latest trends and techniques. Learn more about competition categories and registration on the Competitions page.

6. Shopping and Exploring the Latest Products

The Hair Festival is a haven for discovering cutting-edge products, tools, and innovations in the hair industry. Make the most of your shopping experience at the Hair Festival by following these key steps:

• Plan Your Booth Visits: Use the exhibitor directory to identify the booths you want to visit. Focus on brands offering products or tools relevant to your salon or professional needs. Prioritizing your visits ensures you don’t miss out on booths with limited-time deals or demonstrations.
• Engage with Exhibitors: Speak directly with booth representatives to learn about their latest innovations, ask questions about product features, and get advice on integrating new tools into your services.
• Take Advantage of Samples and Offers: Look for exclusive event-only deals and discounts to maximize value. Sampling products firsthand allows you to assess their quality and suitability for your professional needs before making significant investments.
• Attend Live Demonstrations: Visit The Stage to see products in action through live demos. This is a great way to evaluate tools and techniques before making purchasing decisions. Watching demonstrations also helps you gain practical insights on product usage, which you can apply directly to your services.

Conclusion

The Hair Festival is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the professional hair industry, discover the latest trends, and connect with experts and peers. To be held on June 29-30, 2025, at the ICC Sydney, this event promises unparalleled chances to learn, shop, and grow your network. By planning your visit and actively engaging with the festival’s offerings, you can make the most of this unique experience.

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