Reed Exhibitions’ Hair & Beauty portfolio of events – Hair Expo Australia, Beauty Expo Australia and Beauty Expo Melbourne – will have a new Event Director in 2018, with long-standing Event Director Julia Erben stepping down from the role, effective January 2018. Cory Watson has been announced as the Hair & Beauty portfolio’s new Event Director, effective early 2018.

Reed Exhibitions’ Hair & Beauty portfolio of events includes Hair Expo Australia, Beauty Expo Australia and Beauty Expo Melbourne

After nine wonderful years at the helm of Reed’s Hair and Beauty Expos, I have decided to relocate to Europe to spend time with my family. I wish to emphasise how much I have learnt from this industry and its incredibly passionate people and I am so grateful for the many professional and personal relationships I’ve formed over the years, which I’m sure will endure”, said Julia Erben. “Hair Expo and Beauty Expo have an experienced team who are preparing amazing shows for 2018. The event programs for Beauty Expo Melbourne and Hair Expo Australia have already been finalised, with new packages, exciting brands on board, and internationals artists secured - I have no doubt that they will be fabulous shows that will serve to inspire our visitors.

Julia’s time with the Hair & Beauty portfolio saw the events move from strength to strength, with Hair Expo Australia winning ‘Best Show Overall’ at the 2016 EEAA Awards, and Beauty Expo Australia reaching huge milestones for its 2017 edition at the new International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour. Julia leaves the well-regarded portfolio in a strong position moving into 2018.

The 2017 edition of Beauty Expo Melbourne recorded more than 5,000 visits

Cory Watson will take on the Event Director role from early 2018. According to Reed, Cory is a highly experienced event industry professional, who is currently Head of Parenting at Fairfax Events, where her portfolio includes the market-leading Essential Baby & Toddler Show. She joins the Hair & Beauty team after a very successful career working for exhibition companies like Clarion in the UK, Single Market Events and Fairfax Australia. Cory is passionate about live events, her team and her customers – making her a natural fit for Reed’s dynamic Hair & Beauty portfolio.