The National Cosmetology Association was founded in 1921, and is the premiere association for beauty professionals.  They provide many, many benefits to their members, not the least of which is free admission to their trade shows and the ability to purchase major medical insurance at group rates.  Read all about their benefits for students all the way to seasoned professionals, and if you are not a member, I highly recommend that you become one in order to help you stay current with the ever changing beauty business, and help overcome some of the challenges to being in the business.