Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The AACS Convention & Expo is a vital event for beauty, barber, and wellness education leaders, taking place from October 22-24, 2026, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Attendees will engage in dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities designed to enhance their educational practices.
The event also features an exhibit hall showcasing top industry partners and innovative solutions for schools. AACS Convention & Expo takes place in Las Vegas, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The AACS Convention & Expo takes place from October 22-24, 2026, at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA.
- 2Organiser: Hosted by AACS, the event focuses on enhancing educational practices in the beauty industry.
- 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include school owners, directors, and educators from across the country.
- 4Entry: Registration is open now with various pricing options available.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in beauty education, network with industry leaders, and participate in hands-on workshops that enhance operational success. This event is a key gathering for beauty, barber, and wellness education leaders, featuring workshops and networking opportunities.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to key decision-makers in the beauty education sector, enhancing visibility and building valuable relationships. This event is a key gathering for beauty, barber, and wellness education leaders, featuring workshops and networking opportunities. Attendees include school owners, directors, and educators from across the country.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Cosmetic surgeons in private and academic practice
Dermatologic surgeons and Mohs surgeons
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons
Plastic surgeons offering aesthetic procedures
Oculoplastic surgeons
Residents, fellows and medical students considering cosmetic surgery
Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and aesthetic nurses
Practice managers, administrators and surgical coordinators
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Laser and energy-based device manufacturers
Injectable and dermal filler companies
Skincare and post-procedure recovery brands
Surgical instrument and operating room equipment suppliers
Body contouring and liposuction device makers
Breast implant and aesthetic surgery product companies
Practice management, EHR and marketing software providers
Hair restoration and regenerative medicine suppliers
CME and surgical training providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Facial cosmetic surgery: facelift, brow lift, blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty
Body contouring and liposuction
Abdominoplasty and post-weight-loss body surgery
Breast augmentation, lift and reduction
Dermatologic surgery and skin cancer reconstruction
Injectables: botulinum toxin and dermal fillers
Laser and energy-based skin resurfacing
Hair restoration and hair transplantation
Cosmetic gynecology and intimate aesthetics
Practice management, EHR and aesthetic marketing services
Operating room equipment, instrumentation and sutures
Surgical garments, skincare and recovery products
Location & Facilities
Venue
Mandalay Bay
Las Vegas, USA
Facilities
Parking
Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Mandalay Bay for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
AACS Members
699General admission
Non-Members
1099General admission
One-Day Registration
399
Who runs the show
Organisers
AACS
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Las Vegas, USA
Why it matters
Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends in beauty education, network with industry leaders, and participate in hands-on workshops that enhance operational success. This event is a key gathering for beauty, barber, and wellness education leaders, featuring workshops and networking opportunities.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Harry Reid International
Harry Reid International is the main gateway; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each terminal.
~8 mi (13 km)
to venue
15–25 min off-peak
by car
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 25-45
Best forHarry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Mandalay Bay
15-25 min off-peak; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each LAS terminal. Surge pricing is common during large conventions. Confirm live fares.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD 28-45 metered
Best forHarry Reid International (LAS) to Mandalay Bay
15-25 min off-peak; Harry Reid International is the main gateway; rideshare pickup zones are signed at each terminal.
tram
Estimated costFree
Best forMandalay Bay Tram (Mandalay Bay - Luxor - Excalibur)
Free south Strip tram connecting the Mandalay Bay resort with Luxor and Excalibur stations. Useful for nearby hotels, not for airport transfers.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2-6 single ride; USD 8-10 24-hour pass
Best forLas Vegas Strip bus routes along Las Vegas Boulevard
RTC Strip buses connect the south end at Mandalay Bay with the Convention Center corridor and downtown. Confirm current RTC fares and pass options.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 15-30 per day self-park; valet and event rates higher
Best forMandalay Bay self-parking and valet
On-site parking is available at Mandalay Bay; rates vary by event and duration. Confirm current rates and convention parking access before driving.
Weather
Mid-October in Las Vegas typically brings warm days, cool evenings, low humidity and little rain. Conference halls are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful. Check the forecast closer to travel because desert temperatures can swing sharply between day and night.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
US mobile networks use GSM/LTE/5G, so check your operator's international roaming plan or buy a US eSIM before departure. Mandalay Bay convention areas may have Wi-Fi, but confirm access with AACS or your exhibitor contact. Bring a portable battery for long session days.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Resort venue etiquette
Mandalay Bay is a large casino-resort, but the AACS convention areas are separate from the casino floor. Business casual is appropriate for scientific sessions and the exhibit hall.
Tipping
Plan for 15-20 percent at restaurants, a few dollars per bag for hotel staff and small tips for housekeeping. Taxi and rideshare tipping is customary.
Smoking and indoor air
Nevada restricts indoor smoking, with exceptions in casino areas. Conference halls are typically smoke-free and heavily air-conditioned, so bring a light layer.
Pace and time zone
Las Vegas is on Pacific Time. Arrive early on day one for badge pickup, and build in walking time because Mandalay Bay's convention and resort areas are large.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: LAS
Book into LAS (Harry Reid International Airport), the only major commercial gateway, about 8 mi from Mandalay Bay. Captures for 22 Oct 2026 showed JFK-LAS as 'prices currently typical' and the London and Dubai markets as 'prices currently high', so lock transatlantic and Gulf routings early. A nonstop LHR-LAS example was 10 hr 45 min with Virgin Atlantic. Asia-Pacific and Australia travellers should plan one-stop itineraries via Dallas, Los Angeles, Seoul or Vancouver.
Hotels
Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Check-in (recommended)
2026-10-22
Check-out (recommended)
2026-10-24
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Harry Reid International (LAS): 15–25 min off-peak. Allow road or rail time to Mandalay Bay; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is the venue hotel, walkable to the convention area. Hotels in the Convention Center district and Hughes Center are roughly 3-4 mi away, about 10-20 minutes by rideshare or taxi depending on traffic. The free south Strip tram serves Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur, not the Convention Center corridor.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Las Vegas. At LAS, follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone; at Mandalay Bay, use the main lobby or convention-area rideshare pickup point. Surge pricing is common during large conventions and evening events.
Public transit: There is no metro rail line to Mandalay Bay. The practical public options are the free Mandalay Bay Tram linking Mandalay Bay, Luxor and Excalibur, and RTC buses along Las Vegas Boulevard. Use the tram for nearby south Strip hotels and buses for the Convention Center corridor or downtown. Confirm current RTC fares and tram hours before travel.
Parking: Mandalay Bay has self-parking and valet. Rates vary by event and duration, so confirm current rates and convention parking access with the venue before driving. Rideshare avoids parking delays during large meetings.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Typical October: daytime highs around 27-31 C (low 80s F); overnight lows around 15-18 C (low 60s F). Confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: October is one of the drier months in Las Vegas, with low rain probability. Evenings cool quickly in the desert, so a light layer is useful.
Packing: Pack light layers, business casual clothing for sessions, comfortable shoes for the Mandalay Bay convention floor, sunglasses and SPF for daytime, and a light jacket for air-conditioned halls. Bring a refillable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at AACS Convention & Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm exact dates, venue and registration category on myaacs.org/schedule
T-2
Book your LAS flight and Mandalay Bay hotel or nearby alternate
T-3
Check ESTA or US visa status if travelling from outside the United States
T-4
Download the AACS programme and shortlist sessions relevant to your practice
T-5
Confirm CME tracking requirements with your licensing board
T-6
Arrange airport transfer or plan taxi/rideshare from LAS to Mandalay Bay
T-7
Save registration confirmation and a digital copy of your passport
T-8
Pack business casual clothing and comfortable shoes for the convention floor
T-9
Set up US mobile data or an eSIM for maps and messaging
T-10
Review the exhibitor list and pre-book meetings with key suppliers
T-11
Check the Las Vegas forecast and pack light layers for air-conditioned halls
T-12
Plan arrival at least 60-90 minutes before your first session for badge pickup
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Mandalay Bay
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2AACS Convention & Expo registration concourse
Mandalay Bay
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Mandalay Bay
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$258.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$408.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 699 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 699 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether AACS Convention & Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For AACS Convention & Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Cosmetology supplies and equipment and Barbering tools and products solutions and benchmarking suppliers at AACS Convention & Expo in Las Vegas.
Min. budget
$1,627.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Cosmetology supplies and equipment and Barbering tools and products products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$7,321.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Las Vegas show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- AACS
- American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the professional society that hosts this annual scientific meeting for cosmetic surgery physicians and allied aesthetic clinicians.
- Cosmetic surgery
- Elective surgical procedures that reshape normal anatomy to improve appearance, including facial, breast and body procedures.
- Facial rejuvenation
- Surgical and non-surgical treatments that address facial aging, such as facelift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, skin resurfacing and injectables.
- Body contouring
- Procedures that reshape areas of the body, including liposuction, abdominoplasty and post-weight-loss body surgery.
- Injectables
- Botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments used to soften facial lines, restore volume and improve skin appearance.
- Laser resurfacing
- Energy-based skin treatment used for wrinkles, scars and pigmentation; device selection and settings are core topics for cosmetic surgery practices.
- Rhinoplasty
- Surgery of the nose to improve form, proportion or function.
- Blepharoplasty
- Eyelid surgery that removes excess skin or fat to refresh the upper or lower eyelid area.
- Abdominoplasty
- A tummy tuck procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and fat and tightens the abdominal wall.
- CME
- Continuing medical education credits; confirm the AACS programme for the specific CME hours and accreditation statements offered at the 2026 meeting.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- AACS Convention 2026
- Las Vegas beauty expo
- barber education conference
- wellness education event
- AACS Convention & Expo 2026
- AACS Convention & Expo Las Vegas 2026
- AACS Convention Las Vegas 2026
- AACS 2026
- AACS Las Vegas 2026
- Las Vegas USA
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.