Highlights: The Official Newsletter of AACS

August 22, 2025

Annual Conference Early Registration Discount Extended!

Take advantage of additional savings when you register by August 29 for the 2025 Annual Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, October 23-26.

What you'll get:

• Exclusive leadership content
• Insider compliance updates
• Real-world strategies
• Unmatched networking

Don't let your school be left out! Register today.

Congratulations to the 2025 Student Stylist of the Year winners!

These deserving winners were announced and awarded at the CEA Conference Awards Luncheon, August 4 in Orlando.

Best Overall: Emily Futrell, The Salon Professional Academy - Evansville

Best in Cut: Akia Dale, L'esprit Academy - Southfield

Best in Color: Kasandra Olivera-Carlotta, Empire Beauty School - Central Tucson

Best in Finishing: Adrian Unruh, Eric Fisher Academy

Call for Volunteers: Annual Conference

We're seeking dedicated volunteers who want to help AACS execute a seamless and successful Annual Conference, October 23-26 in Miami Beach! This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the beauty, barber, and wellness education sector while taking part in an exciting conference experience!

If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out the interest form.

Start Planning Your Entries & Purchase Your Entry Ticket!

This year's Golden School Awards are launching soon! You can now purchase your entry ($149 flat fee per campus) which will allow you to enter in any or all of the nine award categories.

The winners of the 2025 Golden School Awards will be announced at the AACS Annual Conference in Miami Beach, October 23-26.

We can't wait to see which schools shine this year!

What the OBBBA Means For Our Sector

On August 14, AACS partners from Thompson Coburn LLC - Ben Grove & Chris Murray - presented an in-depth and informative review of the "wins" from the OBBBA and what implications the bill has for the beauty, barber, and wellness education sector.

AACS members can review the recorded webinar for free by logging into the Info Hub. Non-members can purchase the recording via the AACS virtual marketplace.

Paul Mitchell The School Wichita Offers Free Back to School Haircuts

AACS member, Paul Mitchell The School Wichita, offered free haircuts to students in advance of the new school year.

The school took the opportunity to give their student stylists more experience while also alleviating some of the stress for parents that comes with the back-to-school season. 

Read more via KAKE News.