HJ Business

HJ Reports: Phorest Salon Owners Summit

The Phorest Salon Owners Summit 2026 marked a milestone year as the event saw a record-breaking 750 attendees gather at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, surpassing the 2025 attendance by 15%.

The central theme for this year’s summit ‘Thrive: The Human Experience, Powered by Technology’, explored how digital tools can support more human-led businesses, with a particular emphasis on reducing administrative burdens for owners and teams.

DR LOLLIE MANCEY

The two-day intensive was defined by high-energy networking and the exclusive unveiling of the Phorest AI – a new suite of features designed to assist with tasks such as client summaries and front-of-house enquiries, positioning it as a support tool rather than a replacement for human interaction. “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,” said Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest. “Phorest AI isn’t just a tool; it’s an evolution in partnership. By automating admin, we empower our community to move from surviving the daily grind to truly thriving as creative entrepreneurs.”

CAROLINE HIRONS

CALVIN STOVALL

SUMMIT ATTENDEES

ERIN KUHN BHANSALI

HEATHER BAGBY

The Summit served as a powerful celebration of community, uniting salon owners, industry leaders, and innovators from across the field. Attendees enjoyed a standout experience immersive exhibition filled with meaningful connections, shared learning and collective growth, all set against a backdrop of inspiration and energy.

The education programme combined keynote talks with practical business sessions. Highlights included guest speaker Caroline Hirons, who delivered a powerful and no-nonsense keynote on what truly builds a high performing salon culture. Meanwhile, Dr Lollie Mancey’s keynote cut through fear and jargon when it comes to AI, reinforcing the idea that the salons that will thrive are those that blend technology thoughtfully with care values and authentic relationships.

Other speakers included Erin Kuhn Bashani who discussed profitability, Orla Phelan and Cillian Moloney who gave a masterclass on modern medi aesthetic businesses, and Arif Isikgun who demonstrated the power of storytelling in client experiences and retail conversations. Additionally, Calvin Stovall gave an insight into what it truly takes to create a WOW experience, Heather Bagby’s keynote discussed mindset, happiness, and sustainable high performance, and Katie Piper shared how to cultivate deep personal and professional resilience to overcome challenges and maintain clear business vision.

Phorest also announced that after 10 years, 2026 would be the final year the Summit is held in Dublin, confirming plans to move the event to Killarney, County Kerry from 2027 to accommodate the event’s rapid growth and provide a fresh, immersive experience.

KATIE PIPER

Ronan added: “The energy in the room this year was electric. Seeing our community grow this year proves that as our numbers increase, so does our ambition. After 10 amazing years in Dublin, it’s time for our next chapter. We are so excited to be moving the Summit to the stunning landscape of Kerry in 2027 – it’s the perfect place to continue this journey of growth together.”