The two-day intensive was defined by high-energy networking and the exclusive unveiling of the Phorest AI suite.
Published:Following the theme “Thrive: The Human Experience, Powered by Technology,” the event saw a record-breaking 750 attendees gather at the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, surpassing the 2025 attendance by 15% and solidifying the Summit’s reputation as the premier global event for salon, spa and clinic leadership.
Innovation Spotlight: Phorest AI – Enhancing the Human Experience
The 2026 Summit served as the launchpad for the Phorest AI suite. Designed to solve three core challenges of the modern beauty business: the need for team enhancement over replacement, the desire for trust and control, and the guest’s expectation for instant gratification. By automating administrative tasks – from summarising complex client histories to managing front-desk enquiries – Phorest AI ensures that teams can show up more prepared, more present, and more connected to every client.
“Our goal has always been to return the gift of time to salon, spa and clinic owners, allowing them to focus on the human connection and the artistry of the client experience,”
– Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest.
Caroline Hirons Building a High Performing Salon Culture
Caroline Hirons delivered a powerful and no-nonsense keynote on what truly builds a high performing salon culture honesty education and unapologetic expertise.
Dr Lollie Mancey The Ethical Edge Demystifying AI Ethics
Cultural futurist Dr Lollie Mancey reframed AI as a tool to support not replace human expertise in the salon industry.
Profit Playbook Success Stories That Actually Work Erin Kuhn Bashani Qnity
Erin Kuhn Bashani brought clarity to one of the industry’s most uncomfortable topics profit. Using real salon data and case studies she demonstrated that sustainable profitability does not come from cutting costs but from empowering teams tracking the right numbers and growing revenue with intention.
Medi Masterclass Navigating Modern Beauty and Aesthetic Services Orla Phelan and Cillian Moloney
This practical masterclass explored how modern medi aesthetic businesses can deliver seamless compliant and personalised patient journeys.
PhorestGO and Arif Isikgun Motivation Empowerment and Storytelling
This dynamic session combined product innovation with human connection showing how PhorestGO empowers teams through clarity confidence and goal setting.
Calvin Stovall The Art of the WOW Experience
Calvin Stovall brought infectious energy and a powerful message on what it truly takes to create a WOW experience in today’s experience driven economy.
Heather Bagby Mindset Happiness and High Performance
Heather Bagby delivered a deeply human and research grounded keynote on mindset happiness and sustainable high performance in the beauty industry.
Katie Piper Resilience & Vision: The Power of Perspective
The keynotes were embargoed, however the session included talks on:
Cultivating deep personal and professional resilience to overcome challenges and maintain clear business vision.
A Decade of Dublin: The End of an Era
After ten incredible years of hosting the Summit in Ireland’s capital, Phorest announced a major change of scenery for its next chapter. The Phorest Salon Summit will be moving to the stunning landscape of Kerry in 2027. The move marks a new era for the Summit, trading the cityscape for the world-renowned beauty of Killarney’s lakeside landscapes.
Don’t miss out on 2027! Secure your spot here: www.phorestsummit.com.
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