Ted Gibson and Jason Backe are set to debut the Convergence Beauty Wellness Science Summit, a two-day event taking place May 3 and 4 in Palm Springs, Calif.
“The intersection of professional and consumer education has blurred,” said Gibson — the celebrity hairstylist whose clients have included Lupita Nyong’o and Angelina Jolie — noting that the event will address the need for shared dialogue and industry alignment.
He and Backe — his husband, business partner and longtime hair colorist — aim to bridge the evolving relationship between beauty professionals and today’s increasingly informed consumers. The summit will serve as both an educational forum and a community gathering, reflecting a broader shift in the industry as clients pay closer attention to product ingredients, health impacts and environmental responsibility. At the same time, stylists are stepping into more expansive roles, moving beyond service providers to become trusted sources of guidance.
“We are providing premium education, stimulating panel discussions and fabulous entertainment to celebrate the unique and special relationship between the beauty professional and the consumer,” said Backe.
Programming will explore the connection between beauty and wellness, covering subjects such as ingredient literacy, longevity science and mycology. The focus aligns with the founders’ recent expansion into wellness, with the launch of their mushroom- and blue-green algae-based daily supplement under the Ted Gibson brand.
Attendees can expect panels, technical demonstrations and business education, according to the summit. Day one will bring professionals and consumers together, ending with a runway showcase titled “Beauty in Motion.” Day two will offer deeper professional training centered on advanced techniques, salon operations and business growth.
