ICA Salon Owner Forum: Chicago
October 24-26, 2026 • Chicago
Complimentary to ICA Members and Their Guests*
Sponsored
Exclusively by Phorest
Join fellow ICA salon owners for an intimate weekend of connection, collaboration and candid business learning in Chicago.
The weekend begins Saturday evening with a welcome reception at Gordon Salon, followed by a full day Sunday at Salon Buzz featuring three respected salon owners, peer-to-peer conversation, networking and practical ideas to take back to your business.
Sunday concludes with a private group dinner at Maggiano’s, offering more time for great food, conversation, community and connection.
On Monday morning, the Forum moves to Avalon Salon Spa. Attendees will travel together by bus for coffee, networking, and tours of Avalon and VIBE, Bonnie Conte’s two neighboring salon concepts, with the opportunity to meet the team and experience both businesses firsthand before departing for O’Hare.
PROGRAM: BUILT TO LAST
Three Leaders. Three Salon Stories. One Powerful Weekend.
What does it really take to build a salon company that grows, evolves and lasts?
Three respected salon owners take us behind the business to share the challenges, breakthroughs and bold decisions that shaped their success.
FROM HAIRDRESSER TO COMPANY BUILDER
Andreas Zafiriadis, Salon Buzz
Discover how Andreas transformed a vision behind the chair into a thriving luxury salon through craftsmanship, hospitality, education, technology and intentional systems.
BUILT DIFFERENTLY
Tony Gordon, Gordon Salon
Tony shares how legacy, team flow and open-book leadership helped Gordon Salon challenge convention and remain one of America’s Top 200 Salons for 23 years.
MORE THAN A SALON
Bonnie Conte, Avalon Salon Spa
Bonnie reveals how vision, values and community helped Avalon build two distinct concepts under one roof, support meaningful local causes and remain a Top 200 salon for 21 consecutive years.
Real stories. Practical strategies. Honest conversations.
Come ready to think differently, lead intentionally and build what is next.
Complimentary Registration*
Thanks to Phorest’s exclusive sponsorship, attendance is complimentary for ICA members and their guests.
Each member salon may register one member and one guest. Attendance is limited to just 36 participants to preserve the intimate, collaborative nature of the ICA Salon Owner Forum.
WHAT ARE OWNERS’ FORUMS?
The Owners’ Forums allow our Members and Class A Partners to connect in a more intimate and informal setting. Intentionally sized at 30 people, you’ll have the kind of real conversations that don’t happen in larger conference settings. Hosted by leaders like Fekkai, Salon 718, Edgeless Beauty Group, Gadabout and others, they offer a firsthand look into the inner workings of these successful businesses–plus a chance for new members to bond and share their challenges and triumphs.
