Premiere Orlando has long been one of the professional beauty industry’s biggest stages for education, innovation, and connection, bringing together thousands of pros from across the country. Beyond the packed classrooms, product launches, and social media moments (some of which we created, thank you), the event often serves as a snapshot of where the industry is headed next.
To find out what resonated most this year, we asked some of pro beauty’s leading educators, artists, and mentors to share their biggest takeaways from Premiere Orlando 2026. Here’s what stood out to the experts.
Adrienne Small
“Premiere Orlando was a powerful reminder of how much our industry values education and connection. From teaching in SalonCentric’s Panoramic Classroom with The Doux to working live at the booth, I loved seeing students and professionals exited to learn, ask questions, and invest in healthier approaches to textured hair care and styling. The energy, engagement, and passion for growth made this year’s show especially memorable.” — Adrienne Small, Texture vs. Race Artist and Educator for Blonde Solutions and The Doux.
Alfredo Lewis
“My takeaway from Premiere was that more than ever stylists are seeking education and community. Premiere is the biggest hair show in the world and it was beautiful to see so many passionate hairstylists sharing their love for the industry over the course of the weekend!” — Alfredo Lewis, Founder and CEO of QOAT.
Blake Reed Evans
“My biggest takeaway from Premiere Orlando was the overwhelming support for live education. The energy in the classrooms was incredible, and every room I walked into seemed full of pros who were genuinely excited to learn. It was a great reminder that while digital education has created more opportunities than ever, there is still something special about being together, learning in real time, and connecting with our industry face to face.” — Blake Reed Evans, salon owner and Redken Pro Artist.
Carlos Pagan
“Premiere Orlando’s energy is simply on another level. It’s always inspiring to walk into a room filled with people who are passionate about their craft, but Orlando Premiere brings something special every single year — and this year was no exception.
From the education, the booth experiences, and the main stage presentations, to the incredible love, support, and encouragement I received throughout the weekend, it was truly overwhelming in the best possible way.
While I was focused on presenting classes, showcasing a collection, and fulfilling my responsibilities, I also found myself learning constantly. Every walk from one stage to another became an opportunity to absorb knowledge from the talented educators sharing their passion and expertise with our industry.
Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing beauty industry and thankful to Premiere Orlando for creating an environment that inspires growth, creativity, and connection year after year.” — Carlos Pagan, 2026 PBA NAHA winner “Barber of the Year” and L3VEL3 Pro Global Ambassador.
Dusty Schlabach
“Oh my gosh for me personally it was a roller coaster! From getting to present on main stage to cruising around and meeting people who are also into curls was so fun. It let me see that our not so little niche is growing… fast — and I love to see that. Hair stylists are absolutely out of their minds in the best way. To see so many in one place, you know everyone around can relate to the weight we choose to carry as therapists to our clients, and our obsession with growth and being the best we can be. Beasts!” — Dusty Schlabach, Curly Hair Specialist and Salon Owner.
Hannah Mejia
“Premiere Orlando always feels like a creative reset for me. It’s one of those rare places where you’re surrounded by people who are just as passionate, driven, and obsessed with this industry as you are. Between connecting with artists, representing brands I love, and seeing so much innovation and talent in one place, I left feeling inspired in the best way.
More than anything, it reminded me how grateful I am to do what I do. To educate, create, travel, and connect with this community is something I never take for granted. I came home with a full heart, a million new ideas, and even more excitement for what’s next.” — Hannah Mejia, Danger Jones Educator and K18 Pro Artist.
Kendra Alia
“I left Premiere Orlando this year feeling like there were more collaborations with artist to artist. I lot of support from peers. Premiere Orlando feels like an industry reunion.” — Kendra Alia, K18 Pro Artist.
Keya Neal
“Premiere is Orlando is undoubtedly the biggest hair show of the year! The anticipation and excitement as a beauty professional attending or as an independent artist bringing education to Premiere for the past 10 years, I’m always looking forward to new education, innovations, and the opportunities to connect with brands on the floor. This year‘s Premiere was one of the best in several years, coming off of COVID. I was glad to see a lot of the big brands came back and some for the first time! The energy was palpable and their efforts put into the booth displays and activations did not go unnoticed.
I was especially proud to be partnering with Innersense Organic Beauty as a collective artist. This was their first time exhibiting at Premiere but you wouldn’t know it. Their booth and classroom setup was OUTSTANDING! Both mirroring who they are as a brand. Every moment was intentionally curated to connect, meet, and build community around clean and diverse beauty. They did a phenomenal job and I’m proud to have been a part. Education is making a comeback! Most of the classes were very full, some with lines down the hall. I loved seeing us back to ourselves when we found recharge in being with each other, celebrating each other at NAHA, and elevating the industry.” — Keya Neal, Texture vs. Race founder and Innersense Organic Beauty Collective Artist.
Larisa Love
“Premiere Orlando is a great place to get inspiration, motivation and education, but as as an artist that works at Premiere it’s also incredible for brand awareness and creating new connections and friends!” — Larisa Love, brand founder and Joico Global Brand Ambassador.
Morgan Thomas
“Leaving Premiere Orlando I feel so full of inspiration from all the talented artists who took the stage but also all of the attendees who were there excited to learn and grown in the industry. It always gives me so much that the newer generation of stylists are just as hungry… and past and present!” — Morgan Thomas, an artist with Oligo Professionnel, DESIGNME and K18.
Olivia Thompson
“One of my biggest takeaways from Premiere Orlando is that opportunity isn’t something you wait for, it’s something you put yourself in proximity to. The people, partnerships, and possibilities that can change your career are often already in the room. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply show up and be seen!” — Olivia Thompson, Joico Blonde Specialist and Donna Bella Pro Extensionist team member.
Pati Rodriguez
“No matter where the trends or popularity goes in the hair industry, Premiere Orlando, at its core, will always be a place for skills to shine, the hair community to come together and a safe space for hair dressers to learn and have fun! Every year I walk away with hurting feet but a happy heart.” — Pati Rodriguez, Matrix Educator.
Tippi Shorter-Rank
“I actually had a different experience this year as I had a booth for the first time ever, as well as being nominated and announcing winners for NAHA. Usually I’m onstage… The overall experience was great and as a stylist and business owner that caters to texture, it was incredible to connect with all of the stylists looking for continued education to enhance their texture knowledge.” — Tippi Shorter-Rank, Mizani Artist and AirCut Creator, L’Oréal Pro Artist and Texpert Collective Co-Founder.
