
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
On September 2nd, at 11 am PST/2 pm EST, the PBA will present the keynote “The Road to Reinvention: How inventive thinking can drive success in turbulent times,” presented by New York Times bestselling author Josh Linkner.

Josh Linkner
PBA
TheProfessional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization representing the professional beauty industry, has announced its programming for its annual Executive Summit. This year, the PBA Executive Summit explores the art of reinvention; diving into innovation and consumer trends presented in a new virtual platform, where guests can interact with the speakers and other attendees. The PBA Executive Summit will be a two-part virtual event on September 2, 2020 and October 7th, 2020; content will also be available on demand for a short time after the event.
The most successful companies, brands, and individuals make reinvention part of their business strategies – and in 2020, driving purposeful transformation is more important than ever. Join the Professional Beauty Association, beauty industry thought leaders and top executives to explore this theme to help secure a strong business future.
On September 2nd, at 11 am PST/2 pm EST, the PBA will present the keynote “The Road to Reinvention: How inventive thinking can drive success in turbulent times,” presented by New York Times bestselling author Josh Linkner, followed by an in-depth discussion with Kecia Steelman, Chief Store Operations Officer, President of International Ulta Beauty on how Ulta is driving transformation for growth, moderated by Zack Rieken, PBA Manufacturer Council Chair and Living Proof CEO.
Five-time tech entrepreneur and New York Times bestselling author Josh Linkner will deliver a systematic approach for accelerating transformation and driving productive reinvention, while the Kecia Steelman discussion moderated by Zach Rieken, will explore how Ulta Beauty is reinventing, adapting, and innovating in 2020 and beyond.
As change is inevitable. You need to decide: Will you drive that change, or be driven away by it? Will you disrupt or be disrupted? By choosing to deliberately re- imagine your own status quo, you can secure a strong future for both your company and career. This presentation will help guide this approach in a tactical, strategic, and interactive way.
On October 7th, at 11 am PST/2 pm EST, the PBA will present “Consumer Trend Insights: Behaviors in Beauty,” presented by Denise Herich Co- Founder and Managing Partner, The Benchmarking Company, and an industry panel comprised of Yene Damtew, Aesthetics Salon Owner; Bertrand Fontaine of SalonCentric - A Division of L’Oreal USA; Stefan Mund, Regional Head Henkel Beauty Care Professional North America at Henkel; and Christina Russell, CEO of Sola Salon Studios.
Driving purposeful transformation demands an ongoing process of discovery and understanding. In part two of the PBA Executive Summit Beauty of Reinvention, The Benchmarking Company will provide exclusive actionable consumer research and insights on trends and behaviors going into the fourth quarter of 2020.
A digital panel discussion follows, featuring a cross-section of beauty industry leaders from manufacturing, distribution, salon suites, and salon owners/stylists, focused on consumer behavior, showcasing how they are leveraging insights and consumer behavior to re-invent their businesses for future growth.
The PBA Executive Summit will be presented in a new virtual platform, where guests can interact with the speakers and other attendees. The PBA Executive Summit will be a two-part virtual event, each part around 2 hours and the content will also be available on demand for a short time after the event. PBA member registration fee: $175; Regular registration fee: $225.
Registration includes:
Access to the virtual platform for the two part series, where you can interact with the speakers and other attendees
A signed copy of Josh Linkner's book, "The Road to Reinvention: How to Drive Disruption and Accelerate Transformation"
Access to Josh's presentation on demand through Sept 9, 2020
A PDF download of The Benchmarking Company report
Access to The Benchmarking Company and Industry Panel presentation on demand through Oct 14, 2020
Register today to receive your book in advance!

We’re the Professional Beauty Association. We believe in redefining what it means to be a beauty professional in today’s world by connecting, understanding, educating, celebrating, and fighting for the community that we -- collectively -- stand for and serve, whether you’re working behind the chair or running a beauty brand. We aim to make your job easier through providing news, resources, blueprints, advocacy, recognition, and community, so you can focus on the things you love, like creating and growing your business. We’re in the trenches with you, and out there advocating for you; because we are all in this beautiful industry together -- connected by beauty, united by passion.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.

Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.

Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.

The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.

CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.

Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.

The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.

The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.

SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.