Where Connection, Capability and Community Converge.
By Linda Woodhead.
Fairmont Resort, Blue Mountains | March 28–29
Set high in the breathtaking surrounds of the Blue Mountains, the Regional Long Lunch once again delivered a powerful and purposeful gathering of the beauty industry, bringing together regional salon owners, therapists, educators and brand leaders for a weekend grounded in connection, education and real-world business insight.
More than just an event, the Regional Long Lunch has become a movement, one that champions collaboration over competition and creates space for meaningful conversations that shape the future of the industry.
An Immersive Start
The experience began ahead of the main event, with speakers and sponsors arriving at the Fairmont Resort for a thoughtfully curated welcome. A standout moment came in the form of a hands-on clay modelling session led by Emelly Simons, where guests, champagne in hand, embraced creativity and connection in a relaxed and engaging environment.
This was followed by a guided walkthrough of the Fairmont’s Ubika Day Spa, a 17-room wellness sanctuary designed to nurture physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Featuring a float tank, salt room, steam room and Vichy showers, the experience reinforced the importance of wellbeing in an industry centred on caring for others.
A speaker and sponsor dinner rounded out the evening, setting the tone for a highly connected and collaborative experience.
A Day Designed for Impact
Sunday’s Long Lunch opened with a VIP breakfast session, offering keynote speakers the opportunity to connect directly with attendees in a relaxed and intimate setting. Nicole Le Lievre of Circadia introduced the concept of circadian rhythms and their role in skin health, grounding the day in science while delivering practical insights for treatment planning.
From there, the event unfolded into a carefully curated program that balanced business strategy, skin science and client experience.
Returning to What Matters: The Power of Touch
Isabella Loneragan (Ilskin & The Skinformé Academy) delivered a powerful reminder that in an increasingly device-driven industry, the value of touch remains unmatched. Her session explored how advanced facial massage can deliver both exceptional results and increased profitability when positioned correctly within a treatment menu.
She also addressed the importance of pricing with confidence, encouraging therapists to move away from discounting and instead elevate their services through expertise and experience.
Education as the New Currency
Few sessions resonated as strongly as Dr Donna Marcal (Dermatonics), who delivered an in-depth and highly engaging breakdown of sunscreen. From ingredient safety and environmental impact to the complexities of product claims and regulation, her session challenged attendees to look beyond marketing and truly understand what they are recommending to clients.
Her message was clear: informed professionals create empowered clients, and ultimately, stronger businesses.
Business Evolution in the Age of AI
Looking firmly to the future, Sarah Cordiner (Tekmatix) explored how technology, automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way beauty businesses operate and grow.
From AI agents capable of managing communication across multiple platforms to the importance of streamlined link pages and SEO-driven content, her session provided a roadmap for scalability in a digital-first world.
The message was clear: embracing technology is no longer optional, it is essential for sustainable growth.
Retailing with Integrity
Emma Hobson brought a wealth of experience to the stage with a session focused on consultation and retailing with integrity. Outlining a six-step process, from consultation through to follow-up, she reframed retail as an extension of care rather than a transactional exchange.
Her emphasis on education, communication and trust reinforced the role of the therapist as an expert, not a salesperson.
Addressing the Industry’s Challenges
A thought-provoking panel discussion featuring SACSA representatives shed light on the broader challenges facing the hair and beauty industry. With over 35,000 beauty therapists in Australia, the sector continues to experience a national shortage, driven by declining enrolments, unclear career pathways and outdated training frameworks.
Attendees heard that enrolments have dropped by 25%, while diploma participation has declined even more significantly, highlighting a critical need for reform. Encouragingly, the federal government has announced a full overhaul of training packages, with changes expected to roll out over the next 18 months.
Understanding the Modern Client
Post-lunch sessions continued to deliver actionable insights, beginning with Melissa Hodgkinson (Circadia), who explored the DISC profiling model and its application in client communication.
By understanding different personality types, Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness, attendees were equipped with tools to better connect with clients, tailor consultations and ultimately increase conversions.
Skin Science, Simplified
Kylie Turrkin (Cosmeceutical Solutions) brought a fresh perspective to skin health, reframing inflammation as a communication issue rather than simply a condition to treat. Using the analogy of a “complicated love story,” she explored the role of exosomes and advanced skin communication technologies in delivering smarter, more effective results.
Innovation in Action
In a refreshingly honest session, Emelly Simons (The Cosmetic Industry Coach) addressed the often-complex relationship between salons and suppliers. Her message was direct: business owners must take ownership of their decisions and align their partnerships with their long-term goals.
She encouraged attendees to clearly define their business model, understand their value and manage expectations when working with suppliers.
A Moment of Meaning
One of the most powerful moments of the day came as founder Karen Geiszler gathered attendees in a circle, sharing the story behind the Regional Long Lunch. What followed was a heartfelt and emotional moment of connection, complete with song, reflection and a renewed sense of purpose.
It was a reminder that beyond business strategies and industry insights, it is people and connection that truly define this industry.
Visibility, Branding and the Future
The final panel of the day featured Linda Woodhead (Mocha Group) alongside Kayla Zigic and Keira Maloney, exploring the critical role of media, branding and social presence in today’s business landscape.
The discussion reinforced a clear message: visibility is essential. From storytelling to strategic positioning, businesses must actively shape their narrative to remain relevant and competitive.
Ending on a High
As the day ended, the atmosphere shifted from reflective to celebratory. A surprise saxophonist brought energy to the room, transforming the space into an impromptu dance floor before guests moved into the Cocktails & Connection networking hour, supported by Circadia.
More Than a Long Lunch
The Regional Long Lunch continues to stand apart, not for its scale, but for its impact. It is an event that fosters genuine connection, delivers meaningful education and creates space for the conversations that matter.
In an industry that thrives on innovation, it is events like this that ensure progress is grounded in purpose.
www.regionalbeautylonglunch.com.au
All photography by Keira Maloney www.thesalonphotographer.com
