Come early and enjoy our hot breakfast! This is a great opportunity to network with other attendees, schedule meetings and grab a cup of coffee before the first session starts.

Has beauty M&A hit a wall? Strategic buyers are stepping back, prioritizing cost control and organic growth—turning many into net sellers as they divest underperforming assets. With fewer active acquirers, a growing backlog of “for sale” brands, and mounting macroeconomic volatility, beauty dealmaking appears to have entered a new era. This session explores whether we’re seeing a short-term slowdown or a lasting reset—and what it will truly take to get deals done in today’s challenging landscape.

As economic headwinds and shifting consumer behaviors force another retail recalibration, both brands and retailers are becoming more selective. With fewer launches, deeper partnerships, and a renewed focus on profitability, what does this evolving landscape mean for brand growth—and how can retail remain a vital part of the value creation equation?

What really happens after the deal closes? In this candid session, founders share hard-earned lessons from their exit journeys—what went right, what they’d do differently, and what no term sheet ever prepares you for. If you’re considering a sale or just planning ahead, this is your shortcut to real-world insight.

We cater a warm buffet with vegetarian options. No need to find restaurants or hassle with reservations–we got you covered.

Using a decade of dealmaking data, we outline what constitutes the “ideal deal” today–one that balances likelihood to transact, while maximizing deal size and multiple value.

Once an afterthought for prestige, Amazon is now a critical—and cutthroat—channel for beauty. This panel explores how the platform is reshaping brand strategy, investor diligence, and the economics of scale in an increasingly pay-to-play environment.

We explore novel ingredients like exosomes, rising formulation costs, and whether consumers and investors are ready for a post-retinol future.

Wellness is no longer a side category—it’s where beauty, health, and culture collide. From GLP-1 drugs to ingredient crackdowns, shifting consumer behavior and rising scrutiny are redrawing the lines of the beauty-health equation. Learn how brands and investors are navigating this evolving space—and where the biggest opportunities lie.

Relax, reload and network in a stress-free environment. Sponsored by HSA Cosmetics and Mayple.