Phorest Software has officially concluded the Salon Owners Summit 2026, marking a milestone year for the global professional beauty community. 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.
The two-day intensive was defined by high-energy networking and the exclusive unveiling of the Phorest AI suite designed to enhance human teams rather than replace them.
Innovation Spotlight: Phorest AI – Enhancing the Human Experience
The 2026 Summit served as the launchpad for Phorest’s most significant technological leap to date: the Phorest AI suite. Built on extensive global research and co-created with salon and clinic owners, this suite is 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,” 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.” This year’s Summit was a powerful celebration of community, uniting salon owners, industry leaders, and innovators from across the field. Attendees enjoyed a standout experience filled with meaningful connections, shared learning, and collective growth – all set against a backdrop of inspiration and energy.
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. To accommodate the event’s rapid growth and provide a fresh, immersive experience, the Phorest Summit 2027 will move to Killarney, Co. Kerry.
“The energy in the room this year was electric.” continued Ronan Perceval. “Seeing our community grow this year proves that as our numbers increase, so does our ambition. After ten 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.”
The move to the “Kingdom of Kerry” marks a new era for the Summit, trading the cityscape for the world-renowned beauty of Killarney’s lakeside landscapes.
2027 Dates: January 24th & 25th, 2027
Location: Gleneagle INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Don’t miss out on 2027! Secure your spot here – https://www.phorestsummit.com/