Designed for beauty industry leaders focused on uniting the industry and moving it forward, the 2023 Executive Summit explored strategies to stay up to date with trends and successfully adapt to the evolving wants and needs of consumers.
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, successfully completed its 9th annual Executive Summit. The Executive Summit is beauty’s most anticipated event, where industry leaders come together to connect and collaborate, utilizing insights, data and thought leadership to unite, inspire, create change and spark innovation.
Drawing top leaders in the industry, the PBA Executive Summit took place on November 13 and 14, 2023, at the iconic Arizona Biltmore. This year’s summit provided an unparalleled opportunity for beauty industry leaders to stay ahead of change and revolutionize within the dynamic beauty landscape. Attendees were immersed in a two-day program filled with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and the chance to explore strategies that would keep them up to date with the latest trends and consumer demands.
First time attendee and PBA Visionary Elite Member Missy Megginson of Schedulicity expressed her enthusiasm for the event, declaring, “I was simply blown away by the Executive Summit and can’t wait to attend next year. As the industry’s premier event for beauty leaders to come together to connect and collaborate, it provided the ideal opportunity to network with peers while discussing future forward topics– all against the backdrop of the beautiful Sonoran Desert.
The summit featured a host of distinguished keynote speakers who shared their expertise and insights on the future of the beauty industry. Daniel Levine, Executive Director of the Avant- Guide Institute, hosted “Tressed to Impress: The New Face of Beauty Marketing,” where he explored the trends shaping the rapidly evolving beautyscape and provided insider knowledge on what’s next in social and search.
Myra Reddy, PBA’s Government Affairs Director, provided an update on the many things PBA’s Government Advocacy team works on tirelessly to protect the beauty industry. These include tracking bills in state and federal legislation to prevent deregulation, interstate licensure compacts and military expedited licensing. She also discussed federal legislation that would make domestic violence awareness training more accessible to cosmetologists.
Crystal Washington, renowned Futurist, Technologist, and Author, led a dynamic, engaging session titled “Harness Generative AI Like ChatGPT for Enhanced Performance.” Attendees, who were encouraged to participate throughout the interactive session, gained valuable insights on leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive performance and take their businesses to the next level.
Eric Termeunde, best-selling author, workplace culture and leadership expert, spoke about “Leadership and AI: Building High-Performance Teams in the New World of Work.” He discussed the talent shortage in the workplace and how the best leaders will use know-how to build high-performing teams as AI continues to invade the workplace.
Rounding out the experience, Green Circle Salons showed how consumer sentiment has changed toward brands not focused on sustainability. They cited how, as proven by data, it is imperative the beauty industry focuses on sustainability to build revenue, gain clients, and save money in a way that is ethical and simple.
In addition to the enriching sessions, the Executive Summit 2023 introduced two exciting new networking opportunities. The PBA Golf Tournament, held at the picturesque, newly renovated Arizona Biltmore course, provided participants with a chance to connect while enjoying a round of golf, followed by lunch and an awards ceremony. For those seeking a blend of knowledge and indulgence, The Biltmore Wine and History Tour offered a guided exploration of the historic property, accompanied by wine tasting from local wineries as well as the original recipe for the Tequila Sunrise which was invented at the Arizona Biltmore.
Additionally, she shared the unwavering efforts PBA is taking to advocate for FICA tax tip fairness, in an effort to finally overturn the disparities in the tax code employment-based beauty establishments have been subject to for decades.
The Arizona Biltmore, a legendary retreat for US Presidents and movie stars since 1929, served as the perfect backdrop for this transformative event. Designed by the iconic American architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the hotel’s rich history and timeless elegance added an extra layer of allure to the Executive Summit experience.
The PBA Executive Summit 2023 successfully brought together beauty industry leaders, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to revolutionize the beauty industry. As the event concluded, attendees left with newfound inspiration, strategies, and connections that will propel their businesses forward in the ever-changing beauty landscape.
“The 2023 Executive Summit was the best one yet. It is always great to collaborate with fellow industry leaders, and this year offered exceptional content on the latest technologies that will revolutionize beauty,” exclaimed Dana Schmitdbauer, Director of Pro Sales North America Independent Distributors at Olaplex. “It provided an incredible platform for industry leaders to come together and share their expertise. The knowledge and connections gained during this event will undoubtedly drive innovation and growth in the beauty industry for years to come.”
To learn more about the Professional Beauty Association, please visit probeauty.org.