Events

On the scene

Behind the scenes at the parties, launches and events in the world of beauty, aesthetics, spa and nails

PHOREST SALON OWNERS SUMMIT

DUBLIN ROYAL CONVENTION CENTRE, IRELAND

Features editor Ellen Cummings attended the Phorest Salon Owners Summit 2026, held at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre, which brought together around 750 salon, clinic and spa owners from around the world. The two-day programme focused on business growth, leadership and the role of technology in the client experience.

This year’s central theme explored how digital tools can support more human-led businesses, with a particular emphasis on reducing the administrative burden for owners and teams. Phorest used the Summit to introduce Phorest AI, a new suite of features designed to assist with tasks such as client summaries and front-of-house enquiries, positioning it as a support tool rather than a replacement for human interaction.

The education programme combined keynote presentations with practical business sessions. Highlights included a talk from skincare specialist Caroline Hirons, who spoke about professional credibility, leadership and responsibility within the beauty industry, and Dr Lollie Mancey, who addressed ethical considerations around AI adoption. Commercial performance and operational strategy were also covered, with sessions on profitability, data-led decision making and the evolving overlap between beauty and medical aesthetics.

Alongside the formal programme, the Summit placed strong emphasis on peer connection. Networking was built into the schedule through informal meet-ups and evening events, including Jukebox Jam bingo on Sunday night, which provided a relaxed setting for delegates to connect outside of the conference sessions.

Phorest also announced that 2026 would be the final year the Summit is held in Dublin, confirming plans to move the event to Killarney, County Kerry from 2027.

PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY AWARDS JUDGING DAYS

LONDON

In the lead up to the Professional Beauty Awards, we hosted a series of interview and practical days, where finalists across every category were put through their paces by our expert judges. Some sessions featured video interviews, while others included in-depth deliberation calls following visits to the shortlisted salons, spas and clinics. For the Electrologist of the Year (sponsored by Elite Probes) and Therapist of the Year categories, finalists brought their models to the sleek, riverside training rooms at IIAA in central London. Here, they showcased their skills in real time, performing treatments under the watchful eye of the judges. Once the treatments were complete, each finalist shared insights into their techniques and their career journeys during a short interview. Across all categories, judges scored independently, ensuring a fair and thorough assessment. The winners will be revealed on the awards night on March 1, at the Royal Lancaster London.

THE BUSINESS OF HAIR AND BEAUTY CONFERENCE

THE CURVE CLUB, LONDON

Timely hosted its inaugural Business of Hair and Beauty conference in late January, bringing together salon owners and beauty professionals to explore strategies for sustainable growth amid challenging market conditions. The event followed the release of Timely’s Beauty on the Brink report, which indicated that 21% of UK salons are currently operating at a loss, highlighting the need for financial literacy and business resilience. The conference featured a keynote from Lucie Macleod, founder of haircare brand Hair Syrup, who addressed the challenges salon owners face and shared practical advice for building profitable businesses. Panel discussions included Oyinkansola Adebayo, founder of AI-powered personalised shopping platform Jorra; Jasmine Griffin, founder of creative branding studio The Beauty of Marketing; Jo Irving, salon owner and founder of The Loft Reigate; and Charley Else, founder of talent agency and education centre The Talent House. Together, they explored topics from sustainable pricing and profit protection to branding, innovation and talent development.

BEAUTY DIRECTORS CLUB BUSINESS BOOTCAMP

MALAGA, SPAIN

Members of the Beauty Directors Club attended the organisation’s annual Business Bootcamp, hosted this year in Malaga with founder Susan Routledge. The educational sessions on offer spanned topics including business planning, finance and marketing strategy, from six UK business expert speakers. The schedule also allowed plenty of time to reflect on the year ahead in the Spanish sunshine. There was an opportunity to look at and debate the latest industry trends with a session hosted by Professional Beauty's managing director Mark Moloney. Routledge said "Our annual business bootcamp is such an integral part of Beauty Directors Club. We find spending time away from your business and with like-minded salon and clinic owners, gives you such an opportunity to create business magic for the year ahead."

SALON SERVICES PROFESSIONAL HAIR & BEAUTY AWARDS

THE MAY FAIR HOTEL, LONDON

The third annual Salon Services Professional Hair & Beauty Awards were held on February 9, and Professional Beauty's Ellen, along with senior content writer Josie Jackson, both attended the pink-themed evening, surrounded by figures from leading professional brands, respected members within the hair and beauty industry, and fellow press. S Pro Waxing Range took home the title of Best Wax, with Hive coming in as highly commended. Meanwhile, Professional Beauty Systems’ Lash & Brow Range claimed the top spot in its category, and Andreia Professional’s One Bottle Builder Gel took home the title of Best Builder Range. Hosted by journalist, presenter and social commentator Ateh Jewel, guests were invited to “shop” the winning products in the Salon Services store, created especially for the celebration.

RISE LAUNCH

GLASGOW

Fiona Jackson, owner of Diva salon in Glasgow, held an event to launch her new training initiative RISE (Ready for Industry, Success & Excellence). In a room full of industry professionals, including PB’s MD Mark Moloney, she outlined the concept and her plans. With over 20 years in the beauty industry – as a salon owner, employer and educator – Jackson created RISE to bridge the gap between education and the industry, with a specialised course designed to equip newly qualified professionals with the skills, professionalism, and business awareness required to thrive in the beauty industry. RISE claimed second place at PB’s "Pitch for the Future" competition in 2025, which offered inspired entrepreneurs the chance to win a £5,000 cash prize to fund their new business.

ESK EVIDENCE SKINCARE ENLIGHTEN GOLD LAUNCH

BULGARI HOTEL, LONDON

ESK Evidence Skincare launched its pigmentation-focused serum, Enlighten Gold, at The Bulgari Hotel and Ellen was among the guests. The evening began with a brand presentation and panel discussion featuring ESK co-founders Dr Ginni Mansberg and Daniel Rubinstein, Aesthetic Medicine editor Kezia Parkins and Manchester-based aesthetic practitioner Dr Kayathry John (Dr Kai). The discussion centred on the clinical and emotional impact of pigmentation conditions such as melasma, sunspots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as well as the challenges of treating them safely across different skin types and life stages. Dr Mansberg spoke about the need for evidence-led, non-irritating alternatives to traditional tyrosinase inhibitors, particularly for sensitive, menopausal or acne-prone skin. The presentation was followed by a dinner and informal networking with fellow journalists and industry professionals.