Beauty Changes Lives successfully hosted its third annual Industry Leader Roundtable at the Hilton Orlando during Premiere Orlando, bringing together 90 top executives and thought leaders from across the beauty, barbering, nails and wellness sectors.
Held the same day as the annual Beauty Changes Lives Gala, the Roundtable serves as a platform for cross-sector collaboration, candid dialogue and actionable insights on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
This exclusive, invitation-only event explored the timely theme: Technology 3.0: Technology and the Future of the Beauty, Barber and Wellness Industry.
Our program was moderated by Edwin Neill, President and CEO of Neill Corporation and Beauty Changes Lives Board Member.
The afternoon opened with a powerful conversation between Dr. Vint Cerf and Charles Brown.Courtesy of Beauty Changes Lives
“Technology is not just a tool,” says Dr. Cerf. “It’s a catalyst for reimagining how we connect, create and serve.”
Following the keynote, participants broke into facilitated working groups to examine how technology is impacting the professional beauty industry.
Topics included: 
Following the keynote, participants broke into facilitated working groups to examine how technology is impacting the professional beauty industry. Courtesy of Beauty Changes Lives
- Preserving the Human Connection in a Tech-Driven Industry
- Making Smarter Technology Choices: Partners, Priorities and ROI
- Driving Internal Buy-In and Adoption
- Technology and Industry Associations
Key findings from the working groups included:
- Technology should enhance—not replace—the human connection.
- Tools that reduce inefficiencies free up time for more meaningful, personalized service.
- Smarter tech decisions start with strategy. Leaders emphasized the need for shared evaluation frameworks, centralized industry data and greater collaboration.
- Leadership drives adoption. Clear communication, defined benefits and strategic timelines are essential for successful implementation.
- AI can accelerate education and career growth. Tools like AR/VR, ChatGPT and automation are reshaping how professionals learn, work and grow.
The Roundtable also provided valuable networking opportunities, giving industry leaders the chance to strengthen existing relationships and form new ones. Courtesy of Beauty Changes Lives
“This Roundtable was designed to challenge assumptions, expand thinking and spark ideas that can be applied across the industry,” says Lisa Roeberg, Executive Director of Beauty Changes Lives. “Dr. Cerf’s insights—and the depth of discussion in every group—helped us see how the beauty industry can embrace innovation without losing its heart.”
For more information about the Industry Leader Roundtable and to learn how to get involved with Beauty Changes Lives, please visit beautychangeslives.org/roundtable.
