DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the arrival of more than 30,000 attendees for Mary Kay’s annual convention, the iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillac leaves more than just a rosy hue in rear view mirrors but a multi-million dollar economic impact over the course of the 18-day event running July 16 through Aug. 2.
Mary Kay’s first Seminar was held in the company’s 500 square foot warehouse in 1964 where 200 attendees dined on chicken cooked by Mary Kay Ash herself. After outgrowing several downtown area hotels, the event moved to the Dallas Convention Center in 1974, making Mary Kay Seminar the longest running annual event at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas.
“Each summer, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants look forward to ‘coming home to Dallas’ for Mary Kay’s annual Seminar,” said Laura Beitler, Vice President of Recognition and Events for Mary Kay U.S. “The boost Mary Kay Seminar brings to the local economy is one small way we say thank you to Dallas for opening their arms to us each summer and giving Mary Kay’s independent sales force and their guests a memorable experience that brings them back year after year.”
The Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates Seminar will pump $32.1 million into the Dallas economy and contribute to 2,400 jobs in the Dallas area this year. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas has hosted approximately 1.2 million attendees for Mary Kay Seminar over the past 40 years.
“The infusion of energy and enthusiasm that the Mary Kay sales force brings is integral to the spirit of Dallas and important to our city’s hotels and restaurants, providing a positive economic impact year after year,” said Phillip J. Jones, President and CEO for the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’ve welcomed Mary Kay at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center since 1974 and look forward to hosting this annual event for many years to come.”
After a record-setting year in 2013 during the company’s 50th anniversary, Mary Kay continues to see success in the U.S. with more than 220,000 new independent sales force members starting their Mary Kay businesses in the first half of this year.
“Women of all backgrounds and ages continue to turn to Mary Kay for the products they love and trust as well as the unparalleled business opportunity,” said Darrell Overcash, President of Mary Kay U.S. “Mary Kay has enriched the lives of millions of women around the world by providing the freedom and flexibility to pursue their short- and long-term goals while being recognized for the successes they achieve in their Mary Kay businesses.”
Mary Kay Seminar consists of five back-to-back events held July 16 through Aug. 2 in Dallas where the success of the company’s independent sales force is celebrated through recognition of their achievements while also providing education, inspiration and motivation for the year ahead.
The theme for this year’s Seminar, “Discover What You Lovesm,” invites Mary Kay's independent sales force to discover what helps them feel beautiful, confident and connected while enjoying freedom and flexibility in their Mary Kay businesses. During this year’s event, more than $7 million in recognition and prizes will be awarded including the newest addition to Mary Kay’s career car fleet, a black BMW 320i, and the coveted Mary Kay pink Cadillac.
Mary Kay Seminar
- 1963 – Beauty by Mary Kay opens for business in Dallas.
- 1964 – Mary Kay holds first Seminar with 200 attendees in 500 square foot company warehouse.
- 1969 – Five Independent Sales Directors earn the use of a signature pink 1970 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.
- 1974 – Mary Kay Seminar moves to the Dallas Convention Center.
- 1981 – Mary Kay Seminar grows to two back-to-back events held over six days with 16,500 attendees.
- 1984 – Mary Kay Seminar grows to four back-to-back events over 13 days with 22,000 attendees.
- 1997 – Mary Kay Seminar grows to five back-to-back events over 17 days to accommodate record attendance.
- 2001 – Mary Kay Ash passes away on Thanksgiving Day, her favorite holiday.
- 2003 – Dallas Convention Center completes $130 million expansion yielding 1 million square feet of exhibit space.
- 2006 – Mary Kay Seminar delivers economic impact equal to four TX-OU Weekends.
- 2013 – Mary Kay celebrates 50th anniversary with $3 billion in global wholesale sales and 3 million Independent Beauty Consultants.
- 2014 – Mary Kay Seminar, the longest running annual event at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, delivers $32.1 million economic impact from 30,000 attendees.
About Mary Kay
Irresistible products. Positive community impact. Rewarding opportunity. For 50 years, Mary Kay has offered it all. With 3 million Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and $3.5 billion in global annual wholesale sales, Mary Kay is a top beauty brand and direct seller in more than 35 markets around the world. Discover what you love by connecting with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant in your area at marykay.com.
