Intercoiffure America Canada’s annual Spring Gathering is March 30 and 31 in Las Vegas at the Paris hotel.

This year’s theme, AI With Heart: From Potential to Possible, focuses on helping owners turn AI capabilities into real, tangible results for their businesses.

Members will learn about the AI tools that can make the biggest impact from owners who’ve used them successfully.  

“We want ICA members to see how embracing AI and other tech tools results in more time to engage with the guest experience and perform our craft,” says Scott Buchanan, ICA president. “Using AI to run more efficiently gives us the time we need as leaders to bring heart and connection to our team and customers.”

Learn and Grow Together

Sam Brocato, ICA board member and owner of Sam Brocato Salon in New York City, is presenting “Sam’s Co-CEO” at Spring Gathering, showing leaders how to create their own co-CEO with AI tools. 

“I started creating it with ChatGPT last September,” he says. “It’s AI for planning my salon, enriched with all the information I have about my business. 

“At Spring Gathering, I’ll demonstrate how it works and all its capabilities.” 

For those who want an even deeper dive, Brocato will also host a breakout at the event.

“You have to embrace current tools so you don’t get run over or miss out entirely,” he says. “As salon leaders, we’re in a really good place as a physical trade. We touch people, and that part of our business can’t be taken away. Technology can live in the salon at the front desk, in customer service, and even at the back bar.”

Michaella Williams, owner of [salon]718 in Brooklyn, New York, is part of the development team for the Spring Gathering event. Williams, who has been an innovator and early adapter of AI, is  pulling from her personal experience using AI tools in her salon to help shape the program.

“It’s no different than when we made the adjustment from paper books to online booking,” she says. “This is the next phase of technology, and we have to do it to open up doors.”

She adds, “I’m not firing anyone—we’re using AI as an enhancement tool. And it will get better the more we use it.”

Andi Alleman, founder of Casa Noon Beauty, empowers creatives and entrepreneurs to build their dream business through intuition and practical strategy, utilizing AI and other tools. 

“I’m all about future proofing,” she says. “I’m passionate about helping salon owners look at the possibilities of using AI technology to create efficiencies and visibility in their business.”

Alleman will show ICA members how to use AI to better understand SEO, rank social and blog writing, and how to quickly implement for fast results on the mainstage and in a breakout. 

“ChatGPT can guide you to the right key words and current trends to highlight,” she says. 

Las Vegas Awaits

Spring Gathering is Buchanan’s first event since being elected ICA president, and he’s excited to help pave the way for owners to blend innovation and human touch in a rapidly evolving industry. 

“Using technology and AI to create more efficiencies in your business frees up time to do what we love—build up relationships with our customers and teams,” he says. “This results in less staff turnover and higher client retention. And it helps get owners out from behind the desk and more focused on relationships.”  

Stefanie Fox, industry thought leader and marketing guru will dive into these themes of connection and leadership at a breakout session, bringing the event full circle. And ICA’s new Artistic Director Sonya Dove will show how she is blending the heart and craft of what she does with AI tools. 

Buchanan encourages members to bring additional leaders from their salons. From the front desk to social media strategies, there will be something for everyone.

“Everyone who attends, from owner to manager to manufacturing partners, is going to get tactical information for their own business,” Buchanan says. “There are learning opportunities for all.” 

Register to attend the Spring Gathering here.

And book your hotel rooms here.