The 2026 WWD LA Beauty Forum, Star Power: Innovation, Influence and the It Factor, will bring together the creative forces, brand builders and dealmakers shaping the next era of beauty. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles — where culture, celebrity and commerce collide — the forum will explore how brands and retailers are navigating a crowded, fast-evolving marketplace by tapping into innovation, influence and cultural relevance.

Through timely conversations and real-world case studies, attendees will gain insight into how creativity translates into commercial success, how capital and consolidation are reshaping the industry, and how emerging categories and channels are redefining what it means to win at retail. From Hollywood’s most influential makeup artists to executives steering M&A strategy, LAB will equip attendees with fresh perspective, actionable intelligence and inspiration for the year ahead.

CREATIVITY MEETS COMMERCE
Inside the minds of top makeup artists and creative directors who are balancing artistry with scalability, profitability and brand longevity.

THE STATE OF BEAUTY M&A
A look at today’s mergers and acquisitions landscape — who’s buying, who’s selling, where investors see opportunity, and what successful exits really require in 2026.

WINNING IN A FRAGMENTED RETAIL ENVIRONMENT
From prestige to mass, DTC to experiential retail, we’ll examine how brands and retailers are standing out, driving discovery and converting consumers amid increasing noise and competition.

THE RISE OF INGESTIBLE AND FUNCTIONAL BEAUTY
Exploring the fast-growing intersection of beauty, wellness and nutrition — what’s resonating with consumers, what’s hype, and how brands can build trust and credibility in this space.

Out of challenge comes opportunity.

As Los Angeles emerges from one of the most difficult years in its history, the city is gearing up for a cultural renaissance, from hosting the World Cup this spring, to the opening of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries in April to the anticipation surrounding the Olympics in 2028.

At the 2026 WWD LA Beauty Forum, themed Star Power: Innovation, Influence and the It Factor, we’ll examine how brands and retailers are harnessing the power of what’s next to drive innovation in an increasingly cluttered and complex environment. From exploring how Hollywood’s hottest makeup artists are forging creativity with commercial viability to understanding the current M and A landscape, winning at retail to the rise of ingestible beauty, LAB will leave attendees inspired and primed for the year ahead.

Speakers at this years event include Silvia Galfo, President of L’Oréal Luxe USA, Stefanie von Albert, chief assortment & purchasing officer, Douglas Group; Katherine Power, founder and chairman of Merit and Versed and partner at Greycroft; Amanda Nusz, SVP, essentials & beauty merchandising, Target and many more to come. Watch out for more details- we look forward to seeing you at what promises to be an informative and productive day of content and networking.

Jenny B. Fine
Editor in Chief, Beauty Inc
Executive Editor, Beauty, WWD

Subject to change

1 Hotel West Hollywood
8490 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069 

Tower 28, DedCool and Rizos Curls’ L.A.-based Founders Chat About Confronting Crisis
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How Brands Can Turn Consumers Into Community
Leaders from NYX Professional Makeup, Cocokind and Noyz share their thoughts on community at the 2025 WWD L.A. Beauty Forum.

Mary Phillips’ Multifaceted Path to M.Ph
At the WWD LA Beauty Forum, Phillips outlined her wide-ranging career path and how it culminated in the launch of her brand.

Summer Fridays’ Next Chapter, Lauren Ireland Looks to Build a Legacy Brand With Joy and Structure
At WWD’s L.A. Beauty Forum, cofounder Lauren Ireland and president Kim Natale shared how a creator-born brand evolved into a disciplined, globally minded business.

The LA Beauty Forum brings together a community of 150+ global founders, owners., c-suite executives, director-level leadership and beauty professionals in consumer marketing, engineering, operations, research heads, retail managers, global comms, e-comm and more.

“Beyond my expectations for sure! Thank you for assisting in my participation! Great Job!”

“I always enjoy WWD events, the people attending and topics covered. I also think the networking breaks are amazing.”

“Overall a great event, very well planned and there were lots of wonderful opportunities to learn, connect and be inspired.”

“This event was really well done, organized and upscale. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself.”

At the forum you'll get access to

- High level conversation themed around wellness, finance, and entertainment in the beauty industry
- Insightful panels designed to create solutions and compel action
- Breakfast and lunch
- Interactive activations and partner experiences
- Networking opportunities with like-minded professionals across industry categories

STANDARD RATE: $850
EARLY BIRD RATE: $650

*Early bird rates end on 2/14/26

STANDARD RATE: $1,350
EARLY BIRD RATE: $1,200

*Early bird rates end on 2/14/26

PARTNERSHIP INQUIRIES

Melissa Rocco
mrocco@fairchildfashion.com

ATTENDEE INQUIRIES

Patricia Reidy
preidy@fairchildfashion.com