3rd Annual Beauty Industry Day
The Keynote You Won't Want to Miss
With 20+ years behind the chair and a passion for all hair kinds, Sylvie Gautron of Cocos Hair and Beauty Bar brings energy, expertise, and a whole lot of heart to Industry Day 2026.
Learn From the Best
Two sessions. Multiple rooms. One incredible lineup. Discover the breakout sessions running throughout Industry Day 2026. Choose one for the AM and one for the PM session.
19 Industry Partners. One Incredible Day!
From distributors to destination salons, the businesses behind Industry Day 2026 represent the best of Manitoba’s beauty community — and they’re actively looking for the next generation of talent. These are the people who could hire you.
Schedule of Events
Monday, May 11th ◆ 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM ◆ Louis Riel Arts & Technology Centre
Contact Miriam to register your school — miriam.giesbrecht@lrsd.net
Keynote Speaker
Sylvie's vast knowledge of hair texture, colour, and shape is impressive to say the least. Her knack for understanding just what your hair needs — how to work with it, or maybe tame it — will make each haircut fall right into place.
When you sit in her chair you can rest assured you will be heard, and she will collaborate with you to achieve your dream hair. Sylvie has been in the industry for 20+ years, and is a previous salon owner and educator with a passion for all hair kinds.
Watch out — her happy vibe is contagious! When she's not behind her chair she's usually organizing the next best thing coming to Cocos in terms of products, colour, and lining up education for staff.
Breakout Sessions
Session 1: 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM ◆ Session 2: 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Sessions run in both the AM and PM slots. Choose one per session. Spaces are limited in classroom rooms.
This session explores hair extensions — wefts versus tape-ins, finished results, maintenance, and styling upkeep. Alongside the technical demonstration, Tiffany will lead an open, honest conversation about the realities of the beauty industry, creating space for students to ask questions and gain realistic insight as they prepare for life behind the chair.
Explore Joico Intensities with Shian through live demonstrations focused on prism blocking and colour melting. This session breaks down creative colour placement and blending techniques to help students achieve vibrant, professional results.
An hour of real-world colour confidence with Gabrielle and Jenny, professional salon educators passionate about helping the next generation of stylists level up. Dive into Goldwell Power Toning and @PurePigments — bold, glossy, high-impact results that today's clients actually ask for.
Trend-forward colour, practical demos, and answers to the questions every new stylist has. Techniques you can take straight from the classroom to the chair.
Emily shares her signature approach to blonding — sectioning patterns, foil placement, and soft blended transitions for a lived-in but high-impact blonde. Covers lift goals, clean blonde formulation, and customizing each result while maintaining hair integrity. Practical techniques for emerging stylists.
Five industry-leading barbers in a high-energy Look & Learn — live haircutting demonstrations combined with real talk about building your name in today's industry. Beyond the chair: how to use social media as a business tool, grow an authentic following, and turn posts into opportunities.
A Look & Learn exploring braiding as a technical skill and a creative, client-centred art form. Observe step-by-step techniques and learn to adapt designs for different hair types, textures, and densities — with emphasis on listening to client needs and translating inspiration into customized, wearable designs.
Professional educator for Amika, Alison Kincaide demonstrates modern formal upstyles for bridal and special-event styling. Covers hair preparation, building structure, creating balanced shapes, and finishing a polished, long-lasting upstyle. Tips on working efficiently, incorporating current trends, and selecting the right products.
An interactive Look & Learn introducing the fundamentals of creating and maintaining hair locks on afro-textured hair using the crochet method. Live step-by-step demonstration covers sectioning, tool handling, lock formation, and finishing — with emphasis on hair health, texture awareness, and professional best practices.
Renowned hairstylist James Tse demonstrates iTip hair extensions from consultation through installation — sectioning, placement, blending, and maintenance for a seamless result. Covers best practices for working with extension clients and maintaining hair health in a premium service setting.
More details about this session will be posted soon. Check back for updates!
Trade Partners
We are grateful to the incredible businesses and organizations joining us for Industry Day 2026. Click any name to learn more.
CosmoProf +
Cosmo Prof® is a part of Beauty Systems Group (BSG), a network of stores, Sales Consultants and websites selling exclusive professional products to licensed beauty professionals. The brand carries a vast selection of popular, premium products and brands, continuously updated to bring you the most sought-after products on the market. BSG has over 1,300 Cosmo Prof® stores and approximately 500 Direct Sales Consultants in North America, serving the beauty industry for over 16 years with reliable and trusted products.
Salon Centre +
Salon Centre is a family-owned and operated, independent beauty supplier based in Manitoba, proudly serving salons and spas across the Canadian Prairies for over 25 years. Committed to quality products, professional service, and education, Salon Centre strives to be the most inspiring distributor in the region. With five storefront locations, each featuring dedicated education classrooms, Salon Centre is deeply invested in the growth and success of beauty professionals. Their spaces are designed to foster learning, creativity, and connection, supported by world-class brands, innovative products, and forward-thinking education.
Summit +
Summit is a family-run wholesale beauty distributor with personality to spare — obsessed with all things hair and beauty, and slinging products across the prairies since 1997. Products are what they sell, but people are the priority. Consulting and partnering with the boldest brands, salon partners, and industry pros is what fuels their inspiration. Real people. Rad products.
The Beauty Theory +
The Beauty Theory is a Winnipeg-based professional wholesale distributor built by beauty pros, for beauty pros — existing for the licensed esthetician, nail technician, skincare technician, educator, and spa owner who refuses to settle. Carrying only the best product lines alongside hands-on skill elevation training, The Beauty Theory is a partner in growth, not just a supplier. They show up with the tools, the education, and the support to help you work smarter, perform better, and build a business you're proud of. We supply your passion. We educate your purpose.
Affinity Hair Lounge +
At Affinity Beauty Lounge, the goal is to make you feel like the best version of yourself. They offer a wide array of innovative beauty services by talented, well-rounded professionals — prioritizing not just the services, but how you feel while you're there. Built on open communication, teamwork, and accountability, they use Canadian products with low allergens and great results. Life is busy, and Affinity wants to make time slow down for you with a relaxing service and great conversation in an environment that feels comfortable. At Affinity Beauty Lounge, it's not just about beauty — it's about you.
Chatters +
Proudly Canadian and Canada's largest salon chain with over 115 locations across the country — boasting Canada's best selection of salon-quality products and a talented team of over 1,200 hair stylists and consultants. At Chatters Winnipeg, the focus is on providing a delightful and fulfilling experience. They value each customer and strive to create a positive salon environment that brings out your best self, spreading positivity through the power of haircuts and styling.
Cocos Hair and Beauty Bar +
At Cocos, the goal is to ensure that everyone is heard, valued, and part of something special. Their combined passion means you'll leave feeling on top of the world. They blend traditional haircutting and colouring techniques with a forward push on hair design — including weather and curl-specific products made in-house: Utility Beauty BEND, BASICS & SKIN. Inclusive, passionate, and innovative, all stylists are trained with the highest quality in curl products and education. Their passion for natural textured and curly hair has cultivated a loyal following and continues to raise the bar in their craft.
Copper Penny Beauty Boutique +
Known for high-quality services and a friendly, inclusive salon experience. Located in the heart of Selkirk, Manitoba, Copper Penny provides professional hair, nail, esthetics, and alternative healing services. Relax and unwind with an Image Skincare Facial or a pedicure with a friend.
Edward Carriere +
For over forty years, Edward Carriere has been more than just a salon — it's a community of beauty enthusiasts dedicated to making each client look and feel their best, using only the best products to ensure every treatment is top quality. Built on exceptional service, continuous education, creativity, and professional integrity, the salon offers a comprehensive range of beauty and wellness treatments all in one location. Beyond beauty, they are deeply involved in the community, holding annual fundraisers that support local initiatives and enhance the lives of their team and neighbours.
Hair Obsession +
Established in 1976, Hair Obsession takes pride in offering the best services, keeping up with current trends through continuing education and using only the highest quality products including Redken and Unite. They offer all men's and women's trending colours, cuts, and perms.
Natera Massage and Esthetics +
Natera Massage and Esthetics is a family-owned and operated spa dedicated to providing a serene and relaxing environment. For 10+ years, they have been committed to offering high quality massage therapy and esthetic services that promote wellness and rejuvenation. Their team of experienced therapists and estheticians are passionate about helping you achieve your optimal health and beauty goals — because self care is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.
Riverstone Spa +
On the banks where two mighty rivers meet lies The Riverstone Spa — a luxury spa offering a blend of esthetics, relaxation, medi-spa treatments, and customized therapies. Services range from advanced skincare and results-focused treatments to restorative bodywork and massage, all delivered in a high-end, client-centred environment.
Saint Barber Shop +
Barbering is just one of the many outlets they pour their artistic energy into. SAINT the shop is their clubhouse — and SAINT the brand represents their endless pursuit and respect for all they hold sacred.
Savile Row Salon +
Named for the iconic London street recognized for its exquisite made-to-measure tailoring, Savile Row Salon applies the same bespoke principles to each and every client — natural, effective, made-to-measure hair. Located in the heart of North River Heights on Academy Road, they are a luxury boutique salon offering a welcoming, familial atmosphere, providing each guest with a custom haircut and style through continued education paired with prescriptive at-home product care.
Sugar Shop +
SugarSMAC® Education is the official educational partner of SugarSMAC® Professional Sugaring Products — a brand trusted by top sugarists and industry leaders across North America, known for its smooth texture, superior performance, and consistent results. These products aren't available to just anyone: with a completed Foundation Level Certification, students gain exclusive access to the full SugarSMAC® lineup at wholesale pricing.
The Hair Company by NK +
Elevated hair, rooted in community. Located in the heart of Birds Hill, East St. Paul, The Hair Company by NK is a boutique salon offering modern colour, precision haircuts, and customized hair experiences tailored to you. Focused on creating effortless, dimensional results using premium colour lines and thoughtful, personalized techniques — so you leave feeling confident, refreshed, and completely aligned with your look.
The Loft +
The Loft goes above and beyond to make every guest leave feeling great. Passionate about keeping up with the latest beauty trends and wild about education, their team loves catching up with clients, having fun, and making people feel fabulous. They put their heart and soul into the salon, motivated every day to build and maintain a collaborative, educational, and welcoming environment.
IATSE Local 856 +
IATSE is a Labour Union made up of more than 100,000 specialty artists, technicians and freelance craft workers across North America. IATSE Local 856 represents the specialty artists and technicians who work in film and television production in Manitoba. Committed to actively participating in the growth and sustainability of the local film industry, their members work on everything from major feature films to renowned television series, celebrated internationally for their skills and expertise.
Time with Praise +
Many cosmetology graduates report feeling underprepared when working with afro-textured and highly textured hair types. Praise Okwumabua's goal is to support schools by helping students build confidence, foundational knowledge, and respectful techniques for serving clients with afros and other hair types — through guest demonstrations, workshops, and curriculum support designed specifically for cosmetology students. Praise is a professional stylist with expertise in afros and other hair types, passionate about helping the next generation of stylists feel confident and capable working with all hair types.
