11.28.23
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 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 Nov. 13 and 14, 2023, at the 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, per organizers.
The summit featured a host of 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 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, futurist, technologist and author, led a dynamic, engaging session entitled, "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.
PBA Golf Tournament and Beyond
In addition to the enriching sessions, the Executive Summit 2023 introduced two new networking opportunities. The PBA Golf Tournament, held at the 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 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 retreat for US presidents and movie stars since 1929, served an apropos backdrop for this transformative event.
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, organizers said.
"It is always great to collaborate with fellow industry leaders, and this year offered exceptional content on the latest technologies that will revolutionize beauty," said 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.”