On March 30-31, Intercoiffure America Canada members gathered at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas for ICA’s annual Spring Gathering.

This year’s theme, “AI with Heart,” merged technology with the high-touch beauty industry, featuring a variety of presentations that demonstrated how owners can continue to connect with their guests while making their businesses more efficient.

ICA’s newest president, Scott Buchanan, was thrilled to offer an all-star lineup and relevant content as his first event as president.

“The theme was embraced beyond my wildest dreams by our members and manufacturing partners,” he says. “Over the weekend, there was deep learning, big a-ha moments, great connections, and a lot of laughter.”

Taking the Fear out of AI

Presentations from Sam Brocato and Andi Alleman highlighted AI tools and their potential to transform a business in ways the audience could relate and connect to their own salons.

Brocato demonstrated how he created a co-CEO for his salon with AI, sharing practical examples of how AI can be used to manage customer relationships and optimize operations. He also addressed the challenges and ethical considerations of AI, urging owners to integrate thoughtfully and strategically.

“You have to embrace current tools so you don’t get run over or miss out entirely,” Brocato said.

Bonnie Conte, owner of Avalon Salon Spa said, “I loved the concept of creating my own co-CEO. Sam Brocato demonstrated how to initiate AI technology, and how it becomes enhanced and more valuable with daily use.”

Alleman’s presentation, “Future-Proof Your Salon,” focused on marketing and branding with AI.

“By integrating AI tools like ChatGPT, salons can streamline processes like SEO optimizations, social media engagement and customer interaction,” Alleman said.

Alleman and Brocato’s content continued in a panel discussion and Q&A: “The Tech Forward Salon,” where the duo focused on the transformative potential of AI in the salon industry, particularly for luxury salons.

The discussion was led by Gordon Miller, beauty industry consultant, Michaella Williams, owner of Salon 718, and Ameet Kallarackal, co-founder and CEO of Glammatic Beauty.

Meet the Millers

Helen and Scott Miller, owners of Scott Miller salon, sat down for a fireside chat moderated by Kevin Glass-Krelic, head of network and flagship salons, Bumble and bumble, at Spring Gathering, sharing their insights on maintaining a warm, connected culture in a high-tech world, emphasizing the importance of integrating new technologies while preserving their core beliefs.

“The Millers shared their personal experiences implementing useful AI tools and systems while continuing to drive their business with connection and heart,” Buchanan said.

Sonya Dove Takes the Stage

ICA’s new artistic director, Sonya Dove, thrilled the audience with her artistic presentation inspired by AI.

Admitting to her own struggles with technology, Dove engaged ICA members with nostalgic nods to iconic shows like “The Jetsons” and “Doctor Who,” showing how futuristic concepts have evolved into today’s tech realities. But she also emphasized nothing will replace the human touch.

“Sonya showcased beautiful hair, but what was really amazing was how she tied in AI,” Buchanan said. “It was incredibly creative and connecting. I couldn’t be more inspired by her and am so grateful to Wella for sponsoring Sonya—she brings heart to everything she does.”

Connection and Conversations

Martin Spritzer and Stephen Herman of Inovshop continued the AI conversation with a presentation on integrating AI and digital tools into salon operations to drive growth. And Imaginal Marketing’s Kayla Morgan shared innovations in marketing that help salons deliver more targeted ads for optimal engagement to bring more guests into the salon.

Sheila Wilson and Dawn Graeter led a conversation around Southern Security Credit Union, a company providing financial solutions tailored to a business or individual’s unique needs. ICA members learned about the importance of financial literacy and personalized financial relationships.

“Southern Security Credit Union is the first financial partner for Intercoiffure, and has brought so much value to our members and their teams,” says Wilson.

Members also had time to connect and reflect on all they learned at the event.

“The incredible lineup of talented AI pros showed us many ways to improve our systems and tackle big projects using AI,” said Conte. “For once I’m returning home from a conference confident I’ll see results from my key takeaways!”

She added, “I loved how Scott Buchanan and the ICA Board made sure we left unafraid of AI and the future, and reassured that AI will not replace our best asset we work with daily—a caring heart.”

ICA members left with another valuable tool—notes and key takeaways from every speaker.

“We used Rozie AI’s Synopsis tool to take detailed, organized notes that each member received,” Buchanan said. “It’s easy to leave these conferences and forget the details of what you learned. But with the Synopsis, members have all the information at their fingertips.”

Buchanan adds, “Spring Gathering had a mix of fun, knowledge, love and community, while bringing AI to the forefront of the beauty industry.”