2026 Program Agenda
iARTIST 8.0 – NYC | MAY 1-2, 2026
Metropolitan Pavilion, 2nd Floor – 123 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
The Beauty Edit: Industry Intelligence: Go beyond artistry and unlock your full potential in the beauty industry. This edition of iArtist is 1.5-day program and is designed for beauty professionals ready to build lasting careers, make their mark, and leave a legacy.
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 4:00pm-8:30pm
4:00pm-4:30pm: Arrival, Check-in & Seating
4:30pm-5:00pm: Welcome – James Vincent, Shelly Taggar, and Danessa Myricks
5:00pm-6:30pm: Human Touch in a Digital World – Alphonse Wiebelt, Danessa Myricks, Jake Aebly, James Molloy, Suki Tsujimoto, and Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks | Hosted by James Vincent and Danessa Myricks
To bring a human touch to a beauty career in the digital age requires a new type of client engagement. At a time when images are constantly being artificially generated and shared, creating a career that shows real connectivity and authenticity is key. Balancing digital tools with traditional, hands-on techniques, and focusing on uniquely human qualities like emotion, intuition, and client experience can help you become more intentional. Gain an understanding of how to use this approach to stand out and build meaningful relationships in the beauty industry.
Learn How To:
– Create connection and engagement
– Pinpoint what brands and clients are looking for from today’s beauty pros
– Cultivate your own voice and vision in the digital age
6:30pm-8:30pm: Opening Reception & Cocktail
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 8am-5:30pm
8:00am-8:30am: Arrival, Breakfast, & Seating
8:30am-10:15am: Beauty Meets AI: The Future of Artistry and Innovation | Hosted by Danessa Myricks
The future of beauty is being rewritten by AI, and the transformation is already underway. At a time when a selfie can lead to a personalized product regimen, and augmented reality allows for instant virtual makeovers, we are in the position to decide how to use these new tools to our advantage and adapt them into our routine. In this session, Kasey Spickard and James Sun, Beautytap CEO and Tech/AI Thought Leader, will share two distinct perspectives and explore how artificial intelligence can be more than just a tool for efficiency, how it can also be a source of creativity, client connection, and customer experience. They’ll also discuss the major trends shaping the beauty landscape for 2026 and beyond, and how this fusion of artistry and innovation is setting new standards of professional personalization and engagement.
Learn How To:
– Balance technology and human artistry
– Turn insights into innovations
– Create consumer experiences using AI
– Automate bookings, client communication, and upsells
– Use AI for content creation (captions, video ideas, editing), trend forecasting, and brand building
8:30am-9:15am: Kasey Spickard
9:15am-10:15am: James Sun
10:15am-11:15am: Working Internationally – Eddie Duyos, Kisha Augustine, Lijha Stewart, Roshar and Cynthia Di Meo | Hosted by James Vincent
In this panel, a diverse group of artists with international experience will offer their expertise on how to prepare yourself and your materials for landing international jobs and building worldwide. Learn how to work in different cultures and communities and ways to build relationships that can launch your global career. Learn how to curate your portfolio and website, build international brand relationships, recognize what’s available in the industry and communicate more effectively.
11:15am-12:45pm: The Artist CEO: Building a Sustainable Beauty Career – SandyNicha, Rokael Lizama, and Grishan Roof | Hosted by Danessa Myricks
In the modern beauty industry, your skill set must expand beyond doing just hair and makeup. Making your mark and building a successful career requires you to be both the creative and marketing mind. In this session, our artists will share their story and offer insight into building a long-lasting career.
Learn How To:
– Find inspiration
– Build your platform and social media presence
– Define your own aesthetic and bring it forward
12:45pm–1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm–2:30pm: The Pitch: Getting Brands, Agencies & Clients to Say Yes – Danessa Myricks, EJ Jamele, Alex Thompson, and Brian Esper | Hosted by James Vincent
Nailing the client pitch and presentation is essential for attracting clients and opening new opportunities. Elevate your business and career by mastering the art of client consultation and presentation. In this session, our panel of successful beauty professionals will go beyond technical skills to focus on the business acumen required to communicate your value effectively, understand client needs, and secure more bookings.
Learn How To:
– Sell an experience
– Transform the potential of small interactions
– Market yourself and your skills better
– Create material that sells you
Learn from two industry innovators known for their ability to blend aesthetic, intellect, vision, and purpose in everything they do. With reputations for honesty and transparency, they inspire through their artistry, authenticity, and passion for education. Drawing on years of combined experience, these artists will share their intelligent approaches to makeup, media, and more. Leave empowered to create the career you imagine—and deserve.
May 3 – The Makeup Show NYC – Day 1 | 9am-5pm
All iArtist participants receive complimentary admission to The Makeup Show NYC on both days.
Learn More About The Show
May 4 – The Makeup Show NYC – Day 2 | 9am-5pm
All iArtist participants receive complimentary admission to The Makeup Show NYC on both days.