PBA Celebrates 10th Annual Executive Summit: “The Power Of Beauty And The Human Connection”

Top executives, industry influencers, and thought leaders gather to share strategies, explore trends, and shape the future of beauty.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) proudly wrapped up its landmark 10th Annual Executive Summit held on November 11-12, 2024, at the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Arizona Biltmore in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bringing together top industry executives, influencers, and professionals from beauty’s biggest brands, the two-day summit, themed “The Power of Beauty and the Human Connection,” offered an exclusive forum to connect, learn, and shape the future of beauty. Attendees gained actionable strategies to implement immediately in their businesses, engaged with thought-provoking content, and enjoyed valuable networking opportunities designed to elevate their businesses and drive meaningful innovation in the beauty industry.

With the beauty industry at a pivotal crossroads, PBA leaders Myra Irizarry and Leslie Perry shared timely insights into the political and economic forces shaping the future—from legislative wins and tax updates to emerging trends in business strategy and education.

PBA Director of Government Affairs, Myra Irizarry, discussed the evolving political landscape post-election and its impact on beauty industry businesses. Irizarry provided an update on H.R.45 + S.45, the Small Business Tax Fairness and Simplification Act which will provide salon owners with W2 employees a credit for taxes paid on tips mirroring the existing credit in place for the restaurant industry. Irizarry concluded by celebrating the recent success of the Texture Education Collective (TEC), founded by Aveda, DevaCurl, L’Oreal USA, Neill Corp., and PBA, in passing legislation in three additional states to enhance training for textured hair care.

PBA Director of Membership Leslie Perry unveiled findings from a recent PBA study, spotlighting critical trends like the positive effects of strategic pricing guidance on client engagement and visit frequency. As demand for social media and management training grows, Perry called on manufacturers and distributors to lead in advancing industry education. With 70% of beauty professionals optimistic about the future, Perry reaffirmed PBA’s commitment to driving career growth and innovation across the industry.

The summit also featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers and expert-led sessions, including:

Shane Feldman, TV Host, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Count Me In, kicked off the summit with a powerful keynote on “The Future-Proof Passport: Driving Connection and Collaboration in This New World.” Feldman shared how embracing collaboration and community is the key to staying ahead of the competition. His session gave attendees practical strategies for leading teams, building stronger relationships, and finding authenticity in their work.

Jeff Bloomfield, Keynote Speaker and Storyteller, spoke about “Neurocommunication:

The Science Behind World-Class Customer Experience.” Bloomfield explored how understanding the science of decision-making can transform customer interactions, helping beauty professionals communicate with their clients more effectively and meaningfully. His session blended biology, psychology, and communication theory into an experiential learning opportunity that empowered attendees to change the way they connect with customers.

Tiffany Shlain, Artist, Filmmaker, and Author, offered a different perspective in her session “24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week.” Drawing from her decade- long practice of turning off screens every week, Shlain shared the profound benefits of unplugging for personal well-being, productivity, and meaningful connection. She offered attendees a roadmap to incorporate balance and presence into their fast-paced digital lives.

Beyond the general session, the event featured a variety of networking opportunities, including the PBA Golf Tournament at the newly-renovated Arizona Biltmore golf course. Participants had the chance to connect with colleagues while enjoying a round of golf, followed by a celebratory awards luncheon. The Cocktails & Connections Luncheon was held at a private museum housing a world-class collection of classic automobiles, rare antiques, and custom-designed jewelry, offering a beautiful setting for socializing, networking, and celebrating a decade of growth as a community.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th year of this important gathering,” shares Nina Daily, Executive Director of PBA. “The 2024 Executive Summit brought together a diverse group of forward-thinking professionals passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in beauty. The connections forged here will help shape the future of our industry.”

As the 2024 Summit concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and fresh perspectives on how to adapt and thrive in the rapidly changing beauty industry. The event reinforced the importance of human and technological connections as a foundation for success.