LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
+ SCHMOOZEFEST
2025
CONNECTION. Inspiration. Leadership.
The Ultimate Industry Gathering!
Join us for one of the most anticipated events on the hair industry calendar – where bold ideas meet real-world strategy, and the future of our industry takes centre stage.
The AHC Leadership Summit isn’t just another business event. It’s your ultimate front-row seat to the trends, insights, and voices shaping Australian hairdressing and barbering right now. This high-impact afternoon brings together exclusive industry data, honest conversations with salon leaders and innovators, and a powerful keynote designed to challenge your thinking and spark new ideas. You’ll leave feeling energised, inspired, and ready to lead your team and business into what’s next.
Then the energy shifts into Schmoozefest, our signature networking event, where meaningful connections are made over drinks and canapés in a relaxed, vibrant setting.
If you’re passionate about growth, leadership, connection, and being part of the industry’s evolution, this is the event you don’t want to miss.
Inspiring Leadership. Elevating Business. Ending with Cocktails.
🧠 What’s on the Agenda?
🎙️ Keynote Speaker: Stephen Walters, Chief Economist, Business Insight Leader
Gain fresh perspective on Australia’s economic climate and what it means for small business. Stephen will unpack emerging trends, risks and opportunities that salon leaders need to know now and for the future.
📊 State of the Industry Report – Presented by the AHC
Be the first to hear the latest industry intelligence. We’re breaking down new insights from ATO data, member surveys and national research to reveal where hairdressing and barbering stand right now – and where we’re headed.
🎤 Panel: Future-Proofing Your Salon – Insights from the Frontline
An energising conversation with industry trailblazers – from seasoned icons to rising stars – sharing how they’re adapting to client shifts, team challenges, new tech, and changing business models.
💼 Actionable Business Insights
Think: leadership mindset, future planning, productivity strategies, sustainable growth, and team culture.
🍸 Wrap up with Schmoozefest
Cap off your day with great conversation, cocktails, canapés, and industry connections. Relax, celebrate and schmooze in style.
✨ Perfect Timing & Location – Taking place right before Hair Festival and the AHIA Creative Awards weekend, in the heart of Sydney!
🎯 Who should attend?
Salon owners, solo operators, educators, corporate leaders and anyone wanting to lead with clarity in a changing industry.
Spotlight on Keynote Speaker Mark McCrindle
We’re excited to welcome keynote speaker Mark McCrindle – award-winning social researcher, best-selling author, and TEDx speaker. A globally recognised demographer and futurist, Mark coined the term Generation Alpha and has spent two decades advising top global brands. His powerful insights into social trends, workforce shifts and future megatrends will help our industry stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world.
Mark’s game-changing session, The Future of Work, explores what rapid change means for salon owners, educators, and industry leaders – and how to stay ahead:
Changing workforce & client demographics – How increasing cultural diversity, an ageing population, and shifting lifestyle trends will impact salon staffing and client expectations.
Generational transitions in salons – How different leadership styles, career expectations, and learning preferences across generations affect team management, staff retention, and workplace culture.
Industry workforce trends – The rise of freelance stylists, rent-a-chair models, flexible employment, and the impact of technology on how we work and do business.
Attracting & retaining talent – Strategies to build loyal, engaged teams in an industry where career mobility is high and competition for top talent is fierce.
Future-proofing your business – How to adapt to industry megatrends, embrace innovation, and create a thriving, future-ready salon. Amazing insight for anyone leading a team or shaping the future of our industry.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain powerful strategies for staying ahead in the evolving world of hairdressing and barbering.
Not a member? Please log in to create an account and purchase tickets. Having issues? Contact us on (02) 4929 6098.
📅 Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00PM – 7:00 PM (Registration from 1:15 PM)
📍 Venue: Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
💳 Pricing:
🔹 AHC Member Ticket: $495 (inc. GST)
🔹 Non-Member Ticket: $595 (inc. GST)
🍽️ Includes: Light lunch, and afternoon tea with refreshments, followed by drinks and canapes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be included in discussion on the future of our industry.
🚨 Tickets On Sale Now!
Book early to secure your spot.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ticket, please review our cancellation terms below:
Before April 30 2025 – Full refund, excluding Stripe Fee
May 1 – May 31 2025 – 50% refund of the ticket price excluding Stripe Fee
After May 31 2025 – No refunds available. However, you may transfer your ticket to another attendee (see below).
Ticket Transfers
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to another person at no additional cost. To do so, please notify us in writing at least 48 hours before the event with the new attendee’s details.
Event Changes & Cancellations
In the unlikely event that AHC Leadership Summit + Schmoozefest 2025 is postponed or cancelled, registered attendees will be offered the option to transfer their ticket to the rescheduled date or receive a full refund.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info@theahc.org.au