Beauty industry icons Ted Gibson and Jason Backe are bringing the worlds of professional and consumer beauty together with the launch of the Convergence Beauty Wellness Science Summit, taking place May 3-4, 2026, at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel.
Designed as a two-day educational and community experience, Convergence celebrates a new era where beauty, wellness, and science intersect. “For a long time, beauty lived in divided worlds,” Gibson explains. “Consumers are more educated and invested in their health, and professionals are being called to evolve into leaders in wellness and science. Convergence was created to honor that moment.”
The summit offers a blend of technical education, panel discussions, and speaker sessions exploring topics from ingredient literacy and mycology to longevity science. Professionals will deepen their skills in hair cutting, coloring, and business strategy, while consumers can engage in demonstrations covering hair and skincare techniques. A highlight of the event is the “Beauty in Motion” runway show, an evening performance that celebrates beauty as living art.
Backe emphasizes the community aspect of the summit: “People are paying closer attention to ingredient lists, environmental impact and how beauty fits into their overall wellness. Convergence gives the industry a place to talk about that honestly and intelligently.”
Key sponsors and partners include Vish, whose smart color management tools provide real-time, data-driven insights; Phorest, Phenix Salon Suites, Balanced Beauty Pro, Ergo Styling Tools, Keune Haircosmetics, and Hubnox, all contributing to a professional-forward yet consumer-inclusive experience.
Tickets are $199 for consumers, $399 for professionals, and $499 for VIP access. For more information, visit visit tedgibson.com or follow on Instagram @tedgibson and @convergencebws on Instagram.