NEXT EVENT

Salon Smart
Monday
7 November

9:00AM until 4:30PM
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin

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TICKETS

Single ticket €100* | HUB subscribers pay €80*
Pair of tickets €180*

Ticket price includes:

  • Access to the full business agenda
  • Light breakfast on arrival
  • Lunch
  • Refreshment breaks
  • Goody bag from L’Oréal Professionnel Paris

BUY TICKETS

*Prices are inclusive of UK VAT. The Salon Smart HUB is an online business support network. It’s FREE and available 24/7. Sign up now >
If you are not a salon owner, manager or team member (for example work for a brand, distributor or PR agency), please call +44 (0)1434 610416 to discuss attendance. Event Terms and Conditions >

WHAT TO EXPECT

Salon Smart returns to Dublin for a motivational day designed to re-energise business body and mind, delivering an agenda that will tackle key issues, share real experiences, and answer your big questions.

Look forward to an inspiring mix of solo sessions, panel discussions and live Q&A –all providing practical advice and fresh ideas you can implement in your business for tangible results. 

Get stuck into subjects like recruitment, management and control, collaborative learning, team spirit, salon culture – and so much more! 

And with plenty of opportunities to network with your peers and meet our event partner, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, you can make lasting and valuable new connections, too.

If you want to stay positive, be proactive and make progress – get to Salon Smart!

Scroll for the agenda and speaker line-up

Take a look…


AGENDA

08:45
Registration opens
Enjoy a light breakfast and network until sessions commence

09:30
Welcome by Creative HEAD editorial director Amanda Nottage

09:40
In pursuit of happiness – Danielle Garner
Shaping a dream team requires more than structure and respect, it requires heart and soul. Here’s why…

09:55
Finding staff (and how to keep them) – Hellen Ward
Practical advice and positive guidance on tackling employment issues 

10:10
Power half-hour – Monica Teodoro
Thirty minutes that will transform your business 

10:40
Refresh and refuel
Tea, coffee, cake!

11:10
John Keegan f*&ked up… but fixed it!
A problem shared is a problem prevented – learn from John’s mistake as he bares all about a boo-boo  

11:30
Collaborative learning – Conor James Doyle
Why partnering with others in the classroom can bring you a more rounded workforce  

11:45
All talk, more action: Sustainability
Take steps in the right direction, with guidance from:
Kevin Bodenham; Marco Dias; and Claire Martin-Kennedy

12:15
All talk, more action: Texture equality
Take steps in the right direction, with guidance from:
Andrew Mulvenna; Lorraine Naughton; and Laura Murphy

12:45
Lunch is served
Enjoy a delicious meal while getting to know the people, products and support available, at L’Oréal Professionnel Paris

14:00
Welcome back, from Creative HEAD editorial director Amanda Nottage

14:05
A fresh approach to salon life – Michelle Grimes
From a greener workspace through to wellbeing in the workplace, hear why change is good [for business]

14:20
Team Talk: THE SPACE Hair Soul Beauty – with Carla Rose McQuillan and team
Learn about the inner workings of this successful salon squad

14:50
Refresh and refuel
Tea, coffee, cake!

15:15
Ask an expert
From age-old problems to big new issues, this is your chance to probe our expert panel for smart solutions. Ready to help and sharing knowledge on topics from industry rules and red tape to new client expectations: Samantha Byrne; Lisa Eccles; Patrick Gildea; and Paul Hession

16:15
Event close
Don’t forget your goody bag!

Timings subject to change – event start and close times will be unaffected

SPEAKERS

Meet the people set to deliver bucket loads of advice, inspiration, and fresh thinking, at Salon Smart 2022 in Dublin

More names to be announced…

Kevin Bodenham – owner, Moyo Hair & Beauty

Kevin Bodenham – owner, Moyo Hair & Beauty

Kevin Bodenham is the owner of multi award-winning Moyo Hair & Beauty in Dublin which was opened back in 2008 after a move from Capetown South Africa to Dublin, after spending just one weekend in the city. Ever since, the salon has gone from strength to strength and with Kevin’s keen interest and belief in holistic health the salon has become increasingly focused on providing these type of treatments, partnering with organic Italian hair care brand Oway.

Samantha Byrne – owner, Vanilla Hair Design

Samantha Byrne – owner, Vanilla Hair Design

Award-winning hairdresser, Samantha Byrne is the proud owner of Vanilla Hair Design Tullow and Mount Wolseley, a salon she has owned since 2020. At Vanilla, Samantha ensures that all her team are educated to the highest standards and all stylists are capable of working with all elements of hair. As someone who came to be a salon owner at a young age, Samantha is passionate about progressing the youth of today through the industry, whether through education incentives or schemes to get them onboard with salons.

Marco Dias – owner, The Studio By Marco Dias

Marco Dias – owner, The Studio By Marco Dias

Brazilian hairstylist, Marco Dias has several strings to their bow – as an afro hair specialist, visual artist and social activist, as well as a Wella passionista – there are few days Marco’s schedule is not packed…Not only that, having worked in the hair industry for over 18 years and settling in Dublin 15 years ago, Marco made the decision to open their own salon, The Studio By Marco Dias, an award-winning cool urban salon in Ranelagh, which has successfully run for more than ten years now.

Conor James Doyle – founder, Conor James Education

Conor James Doyle – founder, Conor James Education

Conor James Doyle is a stylist, educator and consultant wanting to make a difference in the industry. As a L'Oréal Colour Specialist, former ID artist and three-time winner of Colour Trophy, Conor’s passion and drive for hairdressing is undeniable. However, this skill and expertise did not come naturally and for Conor carefully chosen education courses were crucial to his knowledge development. As a result, Conor’s own educational platform, aims to teach in a style that is more than just 'copy and paste' techniques, instead offering deeper understandings into the decisions made as hairdressers.

Lisa Eccles – owner, Zinc Hair & Beauty

Lisa Eccles – owner, Zinc Hair & Beauty

As the owner of Zinc Hair & Beauty in Kilmainham, Lisa Eccles is an employer for a team of 17, as well as a stylist within the salon. Having opened Zinc in 2009, Lisa continues to pride herself on providing a friendly and welcoming environment for her team and clients. She is part of the Moroccanoil education and artistic team, teaching courses around Ireland and regularly working at London Fashion Week too. Lisa is also the current Vice President for the Irish Hair Federation, working for the elevation of the industry.

Danielle Garner – owner, Wildflower

Danielle Garner – owner, Wildflower

Award-winning salon owner, Danielle Garner has been working in the hairdressing industry since aged 15. From working behind the chair, to editorial shoots, fashion week shows and wedding bookings too, Danielle is well versed in many areas of the industry. Yet, her passion was truly found in the birth of Wildflower, her unique salon space which aims to cultivate individuality and creativity amongst staff and clients alike. With what started as just an idea to growing into a team of 15 people, Danielle prides herself on creating an environment and space for “people to grow in their own right”.

Patrick Gildea – owner, Patrick Gildea Hairdressing

Patrick Gildea – owner, Patrick Gildea Hairdressing

Patrick Gildea has championed an astonishing career in hairdressing and is undeniably an icon within the Irish hairdressing industry. His expertise and knowledge across multiple disciplines have allowed him to become an established name among clients and industry peers – respected most notably for his skills in colour care. However, his passion for curating an exceptional salon experience is what has set him apart from others time and time again, most recently winning Best Hair Experience Provider in North-Western Ireland by Lux Life Magazine Health Beauty & Wellness Awards.

Michelle Grimes – founder, Maven Hair Studio

Michelle Grimes – founder, Maven Hair Studio

Founder of Maven Hair Studio, Michelle Grimes is a salon owner doing things a bit differently. In 2014, after almost 20 years in the industry, Michelle had the urge to open the doors to her own studio that sought to have a fresh and unique approach to hairdressing – rejecting the generic ‘big salon experience’ and instead curating a personal and relaxed environment. Passionate about this shift in attitude, Maven Hair Studio continues to showcase that a fresh approach to salon life can still thrive in Ireland’s hairdressing industry.

Paul Hession – owner, Hession Hairdressing

Paul Hession – owner, Hession Hairdressing

Successful salon owner and established hair stylist, Paul Hession has been making his mark within the industry for over 30 years. Taking over the family business back in 2001 from his father, Paul has worked passionately on creating an accomplished and individualistic business model that nurtures both its clientele and staff. With a team of close to 50 people, Paul’s management skills and enthusiasm for his craft have been crucial to ensure the business continuously drives forwards. Especially, during the pandemic, when Paul was faced with a new challenge – ensuring positive mental wellbeing amongst his employees.

John Keegan – founder, The Academy Barber

John Keegan – founder, The Academy Barber

John Keegan has made his mark as one of Ireland’s most renowned barbers. Opening The Academy Barber back in 2010, John has successfully expanded his business to three further barber shops since and has won over 80 industry awards, including the prestigious IHF Star Team Mentor. He has also spent over two decades educating in men’s hairdressing and barbering in the hope to inspire and guide the future talent of the industry.

Claire Martin-Kennedy – founder, cLHAIR

Claire Martin-Kennedy – founder, cLHAIR

Master stylist at Gro London and an expert in both Afro and European hair, Claire Martin-Kennedy can be found styling up a storm in the salon or travelling the globe as a hair educator. She’s also responsible for online brand, cLHAIR – an exclusive members club, where she provides a variety of valuable advice and practical tips for fellow hair passionistas.

Carla Rose McQuillan – owner, THE SPACE Hair Soul Beauty

Carla Rose McQuillan – owner, THE SPACE Hair Soul Beauty

Carla is a multi-talented power within the industry, as a successful salon owner, session stylist and colour educator. With her wealth of experience, Carla has developed a deep passion to help with the evolution and development of the industry, which starts at her salon, THE SPACE Hair Soul Beauty in Dublin. At THE SPACE, creativity, individuality and openness are at the centre of their philosophy, where employees are encouraged to meditate daily, and clients invited to treat the salon as though it’s their own home.

Andrew Mulvenna – owner, Andrew Mulvenna

Andrew Mulvenna – owner, Andrew Mulvenna

Andrew Mulvenna has championed a three-decade career in hairdressing and has successfully run his salon, Andrew Mulvenna Hair for the past 21 years. Throughout his work Andrew has collaborated on numerous global industry projects and won several awards. However, more recently, Andrew has turned his attention to a mission of ‘salon sustainability’ after relocating and renovating his latest salon, a converted three-storey Victorian bank in Belfast, where he discovered the challenge of seeking sustainable options. Since, Andrew has been focused on guiding his team and customers forward into a new era of ‘cyclical salon sustainability and committed responsibility’ to our planet and climate.

Laura Murphy – owner, The Hair Space Galway

Laura Murphy – owner, The Hair Space Galway

Educator, salon owner and award-winning stylist Laura Murphy has worked in the hair industry for over 20 years. Her work has featured in magazines and on runways including London Fashion Week. Her most recent endeavour, The Hair Space in Galway was created by Laura with the vision of generating a unique space that enables clients to love and embrace their hair textures. Recognised in Ireland, as a leading educator for textured hair she also runs an outstanding hair academy within The Hair Space, with the end goal to see more inclusivity of all hair textures in salons across Ireland.

Lorraine Naughton – director, OB-1 Hair

Lorraine Naughton – director, OB-1 Hair

Having opened OB-1 Hair in the town of Maynooth over 20 years ago, with no background in the hair industry, Lorraine Naughton quickly fell in love with life as a salon owner and the magic that surrounds hairdressing. Now, several years later, Lorraine has combined both her passions for hair and the environment by creating Co. Kildare’s first sustainable salon. With a deep concern for the impact of the industry on the planet, Lorraine works tirelessly alongside organisations such as L’Oréal Professionnel Paris and Green Salon Collective in order to minimise her salon’s impact on the environment, whilst simultaneously spreading the message that green is the way forward.

Monica Teodoro – L'Oréal Professional Products

Monica Teodoro – L'Oréal Professional Products

Monica Teodoro is the general manager for education and professional development at L’Oréal Professional Products UK & Ireland. With a career rooted heavily in the hairdressing industry and a passion for supporting its future evolution, Monica has become an established and trusted voice within the industry. From how hairdressing can be pushed forward through education to talent nurturement and online offline strategies, she is dedicated to paving the way for the next era of hairdressing.

Hellen Ward – director and co-founder, Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa

Hellen Ward – director and co-founder, Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa

Hellen Ward knows everything about salon management, from recruitment to retaining staff, her expertise is limitless. She runs a salon, she’s developed a salon management system, she’s written books about salon management for City & Guilds, and she educates in the art of it. Most recently, she co-founded the newly formed SEA (Salon Employers Association), a group of directors and educators campaigning on behalf of salon employers in the industry to ensure parity across the sector's business models and fairer taxation.

VENUE AND LOCATION

Close to Dublin airport and many of the city’s local attractions – including St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Temple Bar, as well as Grafton Street for shopping, the 4-star Radisson Blu Royal Hotel provides a modern, chic and inspiring setting for our Salon Smart attendees.

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin, D08 VRR7

GETTING TO THE VENUE

By rail: The Light Rail Transit System (Luas), connecting the city centre with the Dublin suburbs, is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. For route information visit the Luas website.

By bus: Dublin is well-served by buses, running from early morning to late at night, and many will drop you nearby. Please check the timetable for up-to-date information at the time of travel. 

From Dublin International Airport: Dublin Airport is 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus.For more information visit the hotel website.

VENUE PARKING

The hotel provides secure underground parking for 60 vehicles, charged at €3.50 per hour or €15 for 24 hours. Should the car park be full, the hotel will do its best to arrange parking at one of two affiliated car parks, located nearby.

The car park is accessible via Ship Street. For more information visit the hotel website.

ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES

Keen to kick back after a busy day of business networking? Book one of the hotel’s 233 rooms and suites. All are equipped with coffee and tea provisions, mini bar and free high-speed wifi. There’s a restaurant and bar on-site, and private resident-only, state-of-the-art gym, located in Valvære Spa.

For reservations visit the hotel website, call +353 (1)898 2931 or email reservations.royal.dublin@radissonblu.com