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The recent Phorest Salon Owners Summit 2026 brought together approximately 750 salon, clinic and spa owners from around the world.
Taking place at Dublin’s Royal Convention Centre in January, the salon software company revealed at the event that this was the last year it was being held in Dublin, with next year seeing it move to Killarney in Co Kerry.
This year’s two-day programme focused on business growth, leadership and the role of technology in the client experience. The central theme explored how digital tools can support more human-led businesses, with a particular emphasis on reducing administrative burden for owners and teams.
Phorest launched its new Phorest AI offering at the event. Built on extensive global research and co-created with salon and clinic owners, this suite of features aims to solve three core challenges of the modern salon business: the need for team enhancement over replacement, the desire for trust and control, and the client’s expectation for instant gratification.
It is 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.
The education programme at the Salon Owners Summit combined keynote talks with practical business sessions. Highlights included a keynote from Caroline Hirons, who spoke about professional credibility, leadership and responsibility within the beauty industry, and Dr Lollie Mancey, who addressed ethical considerations around AI adoption.
Commercial performance and operational strategy were also covered, with sessions on profitability, data-led decision-making, and the evolving overlap between beauty and medical aesthetics.
Meanwhile, Phorest confirmed plans to move the event to Co Kerry from 2027.
“The energy in the room this year was electric,” said Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest. “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 to the stunning landscape of Kerry in 2027 – it’s the perfect place to continue this journey of growth together.”
The Salon Owners Summit 2027 will take place on 24 and 25 January in the Gleneagle INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
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