Fall Forward 2027
Where Technique Meets Business
A two-day beauty education experience in New Orleans. Two different class experiences. One unforgettable weekend.
Professional Registration
Day 1 — Look-N-Learn
Sunday, November 15 · 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Day 2 — Hands-On
Monday, November 16 · 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Both Days — Complete Experience
Includes Day 1 Look-N-Learn + Day 2 Hands-On
Day 2 & Both Days: Hands-On participants must bring required tools and mannequin. View Tool List
Student Registration
Day 1 — Look-N-Learn
Sunday, November 15 · 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Day 2 — Hands-On
Monday, November 16 · 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Both Days — Complete Experience
Includes Day 1 Look-N-Learn + Day 2 Hands-On
Day 2 & Both Days: Hands-On participants must bring required tools and mannequin. View Tool List
Dates
Sunday, November 15 · 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday, November 16 · 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue
NOLA Skyline Event Center
10001 Lake Forest Boulevard, Suite 1111
New Orleans, LA
Experience
Look-N-Learn · Hands-On
Vivid Architecture
Kay Simpson & Cory Paul
Meet the Educators
Industry professionals. Diverse expertise. One weekend designed to help you level up.
Cory Paul
Master Stylist, Educator & Entrepreneur
Award-winning master stylist and founder of Cory Paul's Hair Studio, CKOR Hair Products, and an online educational academy. He continues to elevate the beauty industry through innovative artistry, education, and leadership.
Suzanne Branch
Licensed Cosmetologist & Business Strategist
Licensed cosmetologist of 40 years, certified trichologist, clinical salon owner, and Beauty Business Cash Creation Strategist. Creator of the One Client → 12 Revenue Cycles framework, she teaches beauty-industry CEOs how to build profitable, predictable businesses.
AshStylez
Licensed Cosmetologist · Salon Owner · Beauty Entrepreneur
More than 10 years in the beauty industry specializing in master lace installations, sewing-machine wig construction, and makeup artistry. A multi-business owner offering quality lace products, custom wigs, and luxury beauty services.
Annette Nicole Jones, M.A.
Entrepreneur, Author & CEO — Wealth by Design Legacy Firm
Purpose-driven entrepreneur, author, speaker, mental health professional, and CEO of Wealth by Design Legacy Firm, LLC. With 18 years as a nonprofit strategist and 20 years as a grant writer, she helps visionaries turn meaningful ideas into sustainable organizations and lasting legacy.
Sam A. McCrea IV
Master Cosmetologist & Barber · Owner, Legacy IV Cutting Lounge
Highly accomplished professional in Cosmetology and Barbering with experience dating to 1997. Owner of Legacy IV Cutting Lounge in Hammond, Louisiana. He has traveled nationally sharing expertise at hair shows, symposiums, and summits, and teaches entrepreneurs how to build six-figure businesses.
Kay Simpson
Renowned Hairstylist, Salon Owner & Platform Artist
Renowned hairstylist, salon owner, educator, platform artist, and entrepreneur with 34 years of experience. Owner of a 20-station salon and founder of Linq Hair Products. For 11 years she served as a platform artist with the Patrick Bradley Team Hollywood.
Dr. Enola Pillard
Licensed Cosmetology Instructor, Life Coach & Author
With 23 years as a passionate hairstylist, Dr. Pillard is committed to continual education and professional growth. A licensed Cosmetology Instructor, life coach, mentor, motivational speaker, and author, she brings a holistic approach to beauty education.
Dr. Beverly D. Smith
CEO, UmojaVisions Inc. · President, Beauticians Local #1
Entrepreneur, beauty-industry leader, educator, mentor, and community advocate with nearly four decades of experience. CEO of UmojaVisions Inc. and President of Beauticians Local #1 in New Orleans. Her educational work connects beauty, mathematics, entrepreneurship, business development, and financial literacy.
Felecia Marie
31-Year Master Short Hair Specialist & Platform Artist
31-year Master Short Hair Specialist, Educator, Platform Artist, Entrepreneur, and Mentor with more than two decades of salon ownership experience. Founder of The Versatile Pixie Cut Class, Catch The Waves Class, and Battle of The South Hair Show. She has educated stylists across the United States and internationally.
Come Ready to Learn — and Come Hungry!
Day 1
Vivid Architecture
Watch bold color and precision cutting come together in this fashion-forward experience inspired by the Fall/Winter 2026–27 Pantone palette.
Discover strategic vivid color placement paired with strong exterior lines and soft interior texture to create looks that are chic, elegant and unforgettable.
Professional
$150
Student
$75
Vivid Architecture — Hands-On
We're not watching from the seats. We're building from the table.
Take the inspiration from the stage to your own hands.
Practice precision cutting techniques, bold exterior shaping, soft interior texturing and intentional fashion-color placement.
Leave with practical techniques and renewed confidence to create customized, high-impact looks behind the chair.
Your mannequin. Your hands. Our educators.
Swag bags are included with Hands-On classes only.
Hands-On supplies include:
Cutting comb
Wide-tooth comb
Metal-tip foiling comb
Rat-tail comb
Water spray bottle
Protective gloves
Notebook
Pen
Professional
$250
Student
$150
Hands-On participants must bring required tools and mannequin. View Tool List before registering.
Day 2
Day 2 & Both Days
Come Prepared: Hands-On Tool List
Hands-On participants are responsible for bringing the required tools and mannequin listed below. Please arrive prepared so you can fully participate in the hands-on training.
Cutting & Styling
- Professional cutting shears
- Texturizing shears
- Razor with replacement blades
- Cutting comb
- Wide-tooth comb
- Metal-tip foiling comb
- Rat-tail comb
- Sectioning clips
- Water spray bottle
- Blow dryer with concentrator nozzle
- Paddle brush for blow-drying
- Flat iron
Color Supplies
- Color brushes in multiple sizes
- Color bowls
- Foils
- Protective gloves and apron
Additional Items
- Extension cord
- Notebook and pen
- Mannequin tripod or stand
- Phone and tripod for photos/videos — optional
Mannequin Requirement
Participants must bring a NEW 100% HUMAN-HAIR MANNEQUIN with NO previous color or chemical processing.
Mannequin Recommendation: Amazon is a convenient place to purchase a new 100% human-hair mannequin. Please carefully verify the product description before ordering to make sure the hair has not been previously colored or chemically treated.
Both Days
Day 1 Look-N-Learn + Day 2 Hands-On
The complete Level Up 2027 experience — both separate class experiences at one bundled price.
Day 1
Look-N-Learn
Nov 15 · 11 AM–4 PM
Day 2
Hands-On
Nov 16 · 10 AM–3 PM
Professional
$300
Student
$200
Hands-On participants must bring required tools and mannequin. View Tool List before registering.
Student Pricing — Valid Student ID Required
Student pricing is available only to qualifying students. Student seating is limited.
Please bring your valid Student ID to the event. Student IDs will be checked at the event.
Apply to Be a Vendor
Showcase your beauty brand, products, or services to a room full of industry professionals and enthusiasts. Vendor booths are available for beauty brands, product lines, tools, accessories, and more. Space is limited — apply early to secure your spot.
- Direct access to beauty professionals and consumers
- Dedicated booth space with signage
- Networking with educators and industry leaders
- Opportunity to demo products live
Level Up 2027
A weekend of education, artistry, and community.
Sponsors & Partners
Interested in sponsoring Level Up 2027? We'd love to partner with you.
Sponsor logos coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Level Up?
Join us November 15–16 at the NOLA Skyline Event Center. Choose your experience and secure your spot today.