All registrations are non-refundable but can be transferred to another unregistered student or qualified Nail Tech if needed.
Let’s goooo! Welcome to Summit 2026!
8am - Registration & Mingle
Kickstart your Summit vibes with coffee and catch-ups. You’ll get your room key if you're staying with us, say Hi to the Monaco Fam, and settle in for an unforgettable few days.
10am - Fine Line Nail Art Masterclass
Time to level up those lines! Work side-by-side with our Mentors to perfect crisp, clean, professional linework across a bunch of fun designs. Whether you're still finding your confidence or ready to finesse your strokes, we’ve got you covered.
1pm - Lunch (Provided)
Recharge, refuel, reconnect. We'll take care of the food so you can focus on the fun.
2pm - Choose Your Adventure
🖌️ Option One: Cartoon Character Nail Art
Think this is beyond your skillset? Think again. You’ll learn how to hand-paint a cartoon character of your choice - step by step, with guidance, and YES, you absolutely can do this.
📱 Option Two: Social Media from Scratch
New to Instagram or unsure what to post? Join our Mentors to learn how to make social media work for you. Real talk, no fluff - just the basics that actually help you build a client base and show off your work.
4pm - Press-On Play Time!
Time to create your own little masterpiece. Make a set of 5 press-on nails using the skills you’ve learned today, with feedback from your Mentors that is designed to help you succeed in the 'Salon Art' category of the NZ Nail Competitions. Not entering the Nail Comps? No stress - this is about play, creativity, and getting hands-on feedback from your Mentors. Painted a character? We encourage you to use it as the centrepiece and inspo for the other 4 nails 🏆
5pm - Break
Grab a breather, change your outfit, stretch your hands - you’ve earned it.
6pm - Pub Quiz but make it NAILS!
You’ll be in mixed teams with newbies and pros, Mentors will be your lifelines, and there’ll be loads of prizes up for grabs. Dinner isn’t included, but you can order from the bar during our 7pm halftime break. Expect chaos, laughs, and maybe a bit of healthy competition.
8.30pm - Finish
Get some rest – Day 2’s got even more magic in store. 💤
Today’s about speed, skill, and a sprinkle of sass - let’s get into it!
8am - Shopping Hour
Spotted something yesterday that made your inner magpie squeal? Now’s your chance to grab it before we dive into the day. Tools, brushes, art bits - fill that kit!
9am - Speed Training: Real-Time Gel Polish Service
Watch Penny in action as she knocks out a full gel polish service (removal + reapplication) at real-life speed. She’ll explain every step she takes to get faster without cutting corners - this is the “how do they do it so quick?” moment you’ve been waiting for.
10am - Sneaky Side Quest: We’re Marking Penny’s Work
You read that right. We’re putting Penny under the microscope! Together with the Mentors, we’ll score her service like it’s an exam or comp entry - on camera, in real time. You’ll learn exactly what judges look for and how to sharpen your own eye, whether you’re going for gold or just want happy clients.
11am - Acrylic Isn’t Dead
A classic French Sculpted Extension demo is coming your way - we’re kicking it old school. Then it’s over to you: practice with any product you like (Acrylic, Hard Gel, PolyGel - your call), while Mentors coach you in whichever way you need.
🔥 Bonus Challenge: IF by 4pm, you are wearing a full hand of sculpted French Extensions (of any medium - Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel), you can have them critiqued based on NZ Nail Competition criteria. No pressure. Just goals 🏆
12pm - Lunch (Provided)
Because we can’t slay on an empty stomach.
1pm - Flawless BIAB Demo + Practice Time
Let’s talk BIAB perfection. We’ll demo a set with minimal refinement, then hand over the reins so you can practice (or keep working on your French set). Need help? Mentors will be floating to support you, wherever you’re at.
2pm - Competition Prep
Time to sort your kit, pick your colours, and take a breath. The (super-not-scary) Gel Manicure Comp is about to begin...
2.30pm - Open Book Competition: GEL MANICURE – Group One
This comp is a safe space to grow. You’ll follow the same timing and structure as the real NZ Nail Comps - but you can ask for help while you go! It’s basically hands-on training with the added bonus of a possible trophy. Don’t feel comp-ready? You don’t have to be. Just show up, learn, and see what happens 🏆
3.15pm - Open Book Competition: GEL MANICURE - Group Two
Same vibe, different crew. Mentors will still be cheering you on, guiding you through every step.
4pm - Mentor Feedback Session
We’ll go over your work using NZ Nail Comp criteria - constructive, kind, and SO helpful for growing your confidence.
5pm - PJ Party Mode: Activated
Time to swap your files for flannel - get into your comfiest PJs and head back to the conference room for a night of chill and cheer.
5.30pm - Pizza Delivery - Happiness 🍕
6pm - Social Media Takeover
Want real feedback on your socials? Our Mentors will (gently) audit volunteer Instagram and Facebook accounts so everyone can learn what works - and what’s holding you back. Always a highlight!
8pm - Buy, Swap, Sell
Got duplicate brushes or that gel colour you thought you’d love? Set up your own mini garage sale and grab a bargain (or a trade!) from someone else’s kit.
9pm - Finish
Go get some sleep. You’re halfway through something amazing 💅✨
Your final day of Summit magic - trophies, secrets, and a little bit of glam 💃
8am - Shopping Hour
One last chance to snag those goodies you’ve been eyeing all weekend. Stock up, top up, and treat yourself - future you will thank you.
9am - Super Secret Guest Demo #1
We’re kicking things off with a bang - but who’s our guest? 👀 That’s the secret. Expect 15 minutes of wow-worthy technique, then 45 minutes of up-close floor walking so you can ask questions and soak up the gold.
10.15am - Super Secret Guest Demo #2
Another secret guest, another epic demo. Watch, learn, and then get real-time tips from one of the industry’s best.
11.30am - Super Secret Guest Demo #3
One last surprise before lunch! They’ll demo, you’ll learn, and your skills will level up without even realising it. These guests are bringing the inspo hard.
12.30pm - Lunch (Provided)
Eat. Hydrate. Breathe. And maybe start thinking about what you’re gonna wear tonight 👑
1.30pm - Group Photo
All your fave nail nerds in one shot! Come camera-ready - this photo will live on forever (and probably end up on someone’s salon wall).
2pm - Choose Your Final Challenge
💅 Option One: Mystery Tips
Channel the last few days of learning into 3 show-stopping nail tips, each based on a surprise inspo pic. Mentors will give you comp-style feedback - whether you’re planning to enter the NZ Nail Comps or just want to test your creativity 🏆
📈 Option Two: Business Building Round Table
Need help with pricing, policies, or defining your dream client? Sit down with a Mentor in a small group and work through exactly what your salon needs next. This is the no-fluff, ask-anything biz boost you’ve been craving.
4.30pm - Mentor Huddle (AKA: Glam Time!)
The Mentors are off to deliberate... which means you have time to get dolled up. Throw on some glitter, fluff up your hair, and get ready for the big moment.
6pm - Prizegiving
Whether you're taking home a trophy or a truckload of new confidence, tonight we celebrate you. Expect cheers, tears, hugs, and a whole lot of proud.
We can’t quit each other just yet...
You asked, we listened. We're technically done... but none of us are ready to say goodbye. 💅💕
So before we head off to the NZ Nail Expo at the Distinction Hotel (just an 8-minute drive away), let’s squeeze in one last memory:
✨ Summit Breakfast Meetup! ✨
Join us for a chilled-out brekkie, lots of laughs, and all the debriefing you didn’t know you needed. It’s low-key, pay-your-own-way, and the perfect final hang with your Summit crew before the real world calls again.
See you there, sleepyheads 💖