This article was originally published by American Spa.
The Be+Well | Beauty and Wellness Show (formerly International Beauty Shows and IECSC) announced a call for beauty, spa, and wellness leaders to speak at upcoming Be+Well events. American Spa recently interviewed Kelley McCarthy, the conference director for Be+Well events, to find out more about the benefits of becoming a Be+Well speaker, what she is looking for in potential speakers, and how to apply.
AS: Be+Well has quickly become a critical platform in the industry. What role do speakers play in shaping the event experience?
Kelley McCarthy: Speakers are the heartbeat of the Be+Well Beauty and Wellness Shows.
Our attendees aren’t passive; they’re highly engaged professionals who are investing in their growth and actively looking for new ideas they can implement immediately.
That means our speakers aren’t just presenting — they’re influencing how the industry evolves. The best sessions spark action, shift perspectives, and give professionals tools they can take straight back to their businesses.
AS: What sets a Be+Well speaker apart from someone teaching at other industry events?
KM: We look for speakers who bring both deep industry expertise and the ability to teach it in a compelling, engaging way.
You can be incredibly talented, but what matters most is your ability to translate that expertise into meaningful, actionable education. Our audience expects to walk away with techniques, strategies, and insights they can actually use — whether that’s in the treatment room, behind the chair, or in their business operations.
A strong Be+Well speaker is someone who can inspire and instruct.
AS: What kinds of topics are you most interested in for 2027?
KM: We intentionally keep our content wide-ranging because Be+Well sits at the intersection of beauty, wellness, and business. We’re especially interested in topics that connect those worlds.
That includes:
- Advanced esthetics and skin science;
- Hair cutting, color, and texture innovation;
- Makeup artistry, nails, brows, lashes, and other beauty services;
- Client experience, consultation, and retail strategies;
- Business growth, marketing, and leadership;
- Medspa treatments and emerging technologies;
- Holistic wellness and internal health;
- Cross-disciplinary concepts that bridge beauty and wellness.
The strongest submissions are the ones that go beyond fundamentals and offer a fresh perspective or a clear takeaway.
AS: Beyond topic expertise, what makes a speaker stand out in the selection process?
KM: There are three major differentiators:
- Proven experience: Real-world results matter. We’re looking for professionals who have built something - whether that’s a clientele, a business, or expert credentials in their field.
- Audience draw: If you have a following or a strong industry presence, that’s a huge asset. It shows us there’s demand for what you teach.
- Presentation ability: We expect polished, confident speakers who can command a room and deliver a clear message.
We also ask for references from past speaking engagements, which helps us ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across the program.
AS: What’s in it for professionals who step into a speaking role?
KM: Speaking at Be+Well is one of the fastest ways to elevate your positioning in the industry.
It gives you:
- Direct access to an audience actively seeking education;
- Increased visibility and credibility as a trusted expert;
- Opportunities to build meaningful relationships and long-term clients; and
- Alignment with a leading, future-focused industry platform.
Our family of events is at the forefront of beauty and wellness, and partnering with exceptional educators is a big part of what keeps us there. We place tremendous value on our speakers and the expertise they bring to the industry.
AS: Any advice for someone considering applying?
KM: Focus on the value you’re delivering.
Ask yourself:
- What will attendees walk away knowing or doing differently?
- How is my content distinct from what’s already out there?
- Can I clearly articulate the transformation my session provides?
The strongest applications are clear, specific, and grounded in real-world impact.
AS: How can interested professionals apply?
KM: We’re currently accepting speaker applications for our 2027 events. If you’re passionate about education and ready to share your expertise with a highly engaged audience, we encourage you to apply by submitting an application HERE.