Creater Con

Menu

Our Founding Partner

K18

About Creator Con

February 28 – March 2, 2026 | Creator Con attendees receive special pricing at VEA Newport Beach — starting at $289 per night plus taxes and fees. More details below.

Every big leap begins with one small click — and this one might just change the way you see your career.

Creator Con is a first-of-its-kind experience built for beauty pros who are ready to grow their influence, build their brand, and create content with confidence and purpose. Over three unforgettable days in sunny Newport Beach, you’ll learn from some of the most inspiring voices shaping the future of beauty — including Jacob Khan, Alfredo Lewis, Krista Bartik, Lisa G., Bailey Lavender, Gerard Scarpaci, Carly Zanoni, Zach Mesquit, and Anthony Cuts.

Through keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, and mentoring circles, you’ll gain the tools, stories, and strategies these creators use to build their brands and form genuine connections online. This isn’t another hair show — it’s a creator experience designed to help you:

You’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical skills, and the confidence to create content that stands out — whether your goal is to attract dream clients, collaborate with brands, or express your artistry in bold new ways.

Because at Creator Con, creativity becomes opportunity.

Meet the Creators Shaping the Future of Pro Beauty

Learn directly from the artists and innovators redefining what it means to be a beauty creator — sharing their stories, strategies, and the real lessons that helped them build thriving brands and communities online.

Gerard Scarpaci
Gerard Scarpaci
Co-founder HairBrained, Content Creator, Industry Leader

Gerard Scarpaci is a veteran hairdresser with over 30 years of experience in salons, classrooms, and on stages worldwide. As co-founder of Hairbrained—a global community of over 3 million #crafthairdressers and colorists—he has helped launch the Hb Pro Shop, Hb educational events, the Hairbrained Awards, and the Hb Live Academy. Today, he directs Hairbrained and continues to create classes, events, and content that inspire and educate craft hairdressers everywhere.

Jacob Khan
Jacob Khan
Hairbrained Artistic Director / Content Creator / Educator

Hairdresser, educator, entertainer, entrepreneur, content creator, Artistic Director of Hairbrained—basically, he’s a man who wears many hats (but only on bad hair days). Based in Atlanta, Georgia, he owns Fancy Scissors, which makes high-end shears that don’t break the bank, and the salon/education company Fancy Hairdressers.

With over 1.3 million social media followers, Jacob’s unique blend of education and humor reaches millions of hairdressers worldwide every month. When he’s not creating viral content, he’s busy repping Goldwell and BaBylissPRO.

Alfredo Lewis
Alfredo Lewis
Content Creator, Educator, Celebrity Hairstylist, Master Colorist

Alfredo Lewis is a licensed professional and educator with over 25 years experience. He is one of the most celebrated artists in the industry and has had a sensational career as a celebrity hairstylist, master colorist, brand ambassador, and business executive. He is living proof that the possibilities of being a hairstylist are endless and his mission is to share his secrets to success so that fellow artists around the world can achieve their dreams. Alfredo was trained at the prestigious Loreal Academy in NYC and specializes in balayage, blonding, and advanced coloring. He has also built a huge social media presence as a content creator with 3 million followers combined across TikTok, Instagram, & YouTube. Alfredo has taught sold out classes in every continent around the globe including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

His passion is supporting fellow hairstylists and sharing his love for the industry through community.

Krista Bartik
Krista Bartik
Educator, Hairdresser, Blonding Expert, Content Creator

Krista has been behind the chair since 2019 and has been educating for the past four years. Known for her expertise in blonding and balayage, she works full time behind the chair while sharing her passion for blonding education and content creation. Krista has taught across the United States, collaborated with top beauty brands, and earned multiple awards for her work—including recognition from Hairbrained with the 2025 Color, Content Creator of the Year award and several finalist placements in the BTC One Shot Hair Awards. Her mission is to inspire stylists through creativity, connection, and education.

Lisa G
Lisa G.
CEO, Straight out of Cosmo / Hairstylist / Content Creator

Lisa Giles is a self-made content creator/ hairstylist turned CEO with 14 years of experience, known for her unapologetic approach and passion for empowering stylists. From France to the U.S., her career has spanned educating for Kenra, collaborating with global brands like K18, Matrix, Schwarzkopf, and Square, and leading teams at New York and Paris Fashion Week. She founded Straight Out of Cosmo, the first hairstylist education app, making accessible, affordable training that challenges traditional beauty standards. Beyond entrepreneurship, she’s a color correction expert, podcast host of Unapologetically You with Lisa G, and a visionary leader dedicated to helping stylists build authentic, successful careers.

Bailey Lavender
Bailey Lavender
Hairstylist, Educator & Content Creator

Bailey Lavender is a hairstylist, educator, and content creator who’s just as known for her viral salon skits as she is for her lived-in blondes and transformation work. With 2.9M+ followers across platforms, Bailey has built a community by mixing hair education, comedy, and real-life storytelling that every stylist (and client) can relate to.

She has taught and spoken at shows like Premiere Orlando, Premiere San Antonio, and America’s Beauty Show Chicago—sharing her no-fluff approach to boundaries, mental health, and surviving “toxic salon” stories. Whether she’s behind the chair, on stage, or on your FYP, Bailey’s mission is simple: to help stylists laugh, learn, and love what they do again.

Carly Zanoni
Carly Zanoni
Founder- Blonde Chronicles University / Educator / Hairstylist

Carly is a Northern California native with over 17 years of experience in the hair industry. After a decade behind the chair in La Jolla, she founded Blonde Chronicles University, a virtual education platform with over 8,000 members. With a social media community of 690k+, Carly is passionate about helping stylists simplify their work, build confidence, and create beautiful, efficient results behind the chair.

Zach Mesquit
Zach Mesquit
PLatinum Perfection, King of Blondes, Luster Lengths Creator

A true artist, Zach loves color and was drawn to pure blonde early on which tracks with his personality of being self-driven for excellence and pushing creative boundaries - everyone in the hair industry knows that extreme blond is the hardest hair color to achieve. The industry soon took notice and his loyal fans are as committed to his work as the jealous “rats” who unsuccessfully try to antagonize him. His brand Platinum Perfection is aptly named. He is known for using the rats’ comments as content, showing his mischievous and sarcastic side.

For over nine years, Zach Mesquit has worked on his own without assistants. He is notoriously committed to controlling his work. Zach has worked with brands including Bellami and Wella Professional (National Ambassador for over four years).

Anthony Elliot
Anthony Elliot
Master Stylist, Content Creator, Brand Ambassador

AnthonyCuts is a premier hair influencer and master stylist known for precision cuts, healthy hair practices, and trend-setting styles. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for elevating Black hair culture, Anthony blends education, creativity, and craftsmanship to inspire clients and creators worldwide.

Conor Begley
Conor Begley
Entrepreneur, Brand Builder, Co-founder Tribe Dynamics

Conor Begley is a serial entrepreneur and brand builder, best known as the co-founder of Tribe Dynamics, the leading influencer marketing analytics platform acquired by CreatorIQ in 2021, where he went on to serve as Chief Strategy Officer. Today, he is the co-founder of Fathers, a premium organic American lager redefining “clean beer” for the modern consumer. Conor blends deep expertise in technology, finance, and the creator economy with a passion for storytelling, distribution, and craftsmanship, making him a recognized voice in consumer brands and digital influence.

Kindale Clarke
Kindale Clarke
Virtue Ambassador, Educator, Panelist

Kindale Clark is a hair stylist, educator and Virtue Ambassador. Specializing in natural hair cutting, styling and coloring, she has made it her mission to help everyone who comes through her chair find beauty in all aspects of hair and life. She leads education classes globally, collaborates on digital content creation, and participates in retail events and trainings—bringing her curl expertise to both consumers and the professional community. Kindale has been featured in BRIDE and The Knot and is the proud owner of The Heir Salon and Family in Durham, NC for five years.

HOTEL & VENUE

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa
900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660

evenings at vea the lanai marea terrace cocktails members decor edge pool and bar lobby wall marea terrace

Creator Con Special Rate:

Starting at $289 per night (plus taxes and fees). Available February 26 – March 2, 2026

BOOK Your stay now!

Your Creator Con experience unfolds at VEA Newport Beach, a AAA Four Diamond resort where creativity meets California luxury. Between sessions, unwind with ocean views, recharge in the world-class spa or fitness center, and connect with fellow creators in stylish lounges and sun-soaked social spaces.

Why You’ll Love It:

Because inspiration hits differently when you’re surrounded by palm trees, sunshine, and good company.

Who’s Creator Con For?

Creator Con is for beauty pros who know there’s more to social than just posting hair photos — it’s about telling your story, building your brand, and creating opportunities that go beyond the chair.

If you’ve ever thought:
“I want to post more, but I don’t know what about.”
“I freeze when it’s time to hit record.”
“I wish I understood how other stylists grow online.”

Then you belong here.


This event is for:

You don’t need a big following — just curiosity, creativity, and the courage to start.

Creator Con is where you’ll find your confidence - your community - and the skills to make it happen.

Schedule

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28th

3:00 - 8:00 PM
Arrivals & Registration
5:00 - 7:00 PM
K18 Hair Flip Welcome Party

SUNDAY MARCH 1st

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 - 9:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Gerard Scarpaci
9:45 - 10:15 AM
BREAK -coffee networking
10:15 - 11:45 AM
CREATOR BREAK OUT SESSION *
Lisa G- The Edit Experience LIVE
Krista Bartik - Content Capture: Photo & video
Alfredo Lewis- Going Viral & Maximizing impact
Jacob Khan — Building a Brand thru. Storytelling
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Meet the Creators Lunch
1:15 - 2:45 PM
CREATOR BREAK OUT SESSION *
Lisa G- The Edit Experience LIVE
Krista Bartik - Content Capture: Photo & video
Alfredo Lewis- Going Viral & Maximizing impact
Jacob Khan — Building a Brand thru. Storytelling
2:45 - 3:00 PM
BREAK- Networking & Snacks
3:00 - 4:00 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION: "Content That Performs," with Bailey Lavender, Anthony Elliott, Carly Zanoni & Zach Mesquit
4:00 - 5:30 PM
IRL Mixer
5:30 - 6:00 PM
Sunset Toast
* All attendees will circulate all four breakout sessions over the two days.

MONDAY MARCH 2nd

8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast & Networking
9:00 - 10:30 AM
CREATOR BREAK OUT SESSION *
Lisa G- The Edit Experience LIVE
Krista Bartik - Content Capture: Photo & video
Alfredo Lewis- Going Viral & Maximizing impact
Jacob Khan — Building a Brand thru. Storytelling
10:30 - 11:00 AM
BREAK- Networking
11:00 - 11:45 AM
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Conor Begley
12:00 - 1:30 PM
LUNCH & Networking
1:00 - 2:30 PM
CREATOR BREAK OUT SESSION *
Lisa G- The Edit Experience LIVE
Krista Bartik - Content Capture: Photo & video
Alfredo Lewis- Going Viral & Maximizing impact
Jacob Khan — Building a Brand thru. Storytelling
2:30 - 2:45 PM
BREAK- Networking & Snacks
2:45 - 4:00 PM
PANEL DISCUSSION- "Content That Converts," with Bailey Lavender, Alfredo Lewis, Kindale Clark, & Jacob Khan
4:00 - 4:30 PM
Closing
* All attendees will circulate all four breakout sessions over the two days.

Event Sponsors

Virtue Goldwell Minerva

Contact

Got questions or need a little extra guidance?

We’ve got you. Whether you’re curious about tickets, mentoring sessions, or just want to make sure Creator Con is right for you, our team is here to help.

Reach out anytime at [email protected] — we’re real humans, ready to make your Creator Con experience smooth from the first click to the final toast.