8am - Registration & Mingle
Summit vibes were kickstarted with coffee and catch-ups as everyone settled in for an unforgettable few days.

10am - Fine Line Nail Art Masterclass
Time to level up those lines! Attendees worked side-by-side with Mentors to perfect crisp, clean, professional linework across a bunch of fun designs. 

1pm - Lunch (Provided)
Time to recharge, refuel, and reconnect! 

2pm - Choose Your Adventure

 Option One: Cartoon Character Nail Art
Think this would be beyond your skillset? Think again. Attendees learnt how to hand-paint a cartoon character of their choice - step by step, with guidance, and they smashed it out of the park.

 Option Two: Social Media from Scratch
Attendees who were new to Instagram or unsure what to post headed off for a sidebar to learn how to make social media work for them. Real talk, no fluff - just the basics that actually help build a client base and show off your work.

4pm - Press-On Play Time!
Time to create a little masterpiece. Attendees made a set of 5 press-on nails using the skills they had learned, with feedback from their Mentors that was designed to help them succeed in the 'Salon Art' category of the NZ Nail Competitions. For those not entering the Nail Comps there was no stress - this was about play, creativity, and getting hands-on feedback from the Mentors. 

5pm - Break
Time for attendees to grab a breather, change their outfit, and stretch their hands.

6pm - Pub Quiz but make it NAILS!
In mixed teams with newbies and pros, attendees quizzed their way through chaos, laughs, and maybe a bit of healthy competition.

8.30pm - Finish

8am - Shopping Hour
Everyone's chance to grab new toys before diving into the day. 

9am - Speed Training: Real-Time Gel Polish Service
Penny knocked out a full gel polish service (removal + reapplication) at real-life speed, explaining every step she takes to get faster without cutting corners.

10am - Marking Penny’s Work
We put Penny under the microscope! Together with the Mentors, attendees scored her service like an exam or comp entry - on camera, in real time, learning exactly what judges look for and how to sharpen their own eye.

11am - Acrylic Isn’t Dead
A classic French Sculpted Extension demo - we were kicking it old school. Then it was over to attendees who could practice with any product (Acrylic, Hard Gel, PolyGel), while Mentors coached in whichever they needed.

 Bonus Challenge: IF by 4pm, attendees were wearing a full hand of sculpted French Extensions (of any medium - Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel), they could have them critiqued based on NZ Nail Competition criteria. No pressure. Just goals

12pm - Lunch (Provided)

1pm - Flawless BIAB Demo + Practice Time
Alisha Holden demoed a set with minimal refinement, then handed over the reins so atendees could practice (or keep working on their French set). Mentors were floating around to offer support.

2pm - Competition Prep
Time to sort kits, pick colours, and take a breath. The (super-not-scary) Gel Manicure Comp was about to begin...

2.30pm - Open Book Competition: GEL MANICURE – Group One
This comp is a safe space to grow. Attendees follow the same timing and structure as the real NZ Nail Comps - but can ask for help while they go! It’s basically hands-on training with the added bonus of a possible trophy. 

3.15pm - Open Book Competition: GEL MANICURE - Group Two
Same vibe, different crew. Mentors guiding through every step.

4pm - Mentor Feedback Session
We went over attendees work using NZ Nail Comp criteria - constructive, kind, and SO helpful for growing your confidence.

5pm - PJ Party Mode: Activated
Attendees swapped files for flannel - getting into their comfiest PJs and heading back to the conference room for a night of chill and cheer.

5.30pm - Pizza Delivery

6pm - Social Media Takeover
Our Mentors (gently) audited volunteer Instagram and Facebook accounts so everyone could learn what works - and what was holding them back. Always a highlight!

8pm - Buy, Swap, Sell
Attendees set up their own mini garage sale to grab a bargain (or a trade!) from someone else’s kit.

9pm - Finish

8am - Shopping Hour
One last chance to snag any goodies attendees had been eyeing all weekend.

9am - Super Secret Guest Demo #1
15 minutes of wow-worthy blooming gel techniques from Melody Hatch, then 45 minutes of up-close floor walking so attendees could ask questions and soak up the gold.

10.15am - Super Secret Guest Demo #2
Another epic demo, this time from Amanda Viviers, focussed on isolated chrome. We were watching, learning, and then getting real-time tips from one of the industry’s best.

11.30am - Super Secret Guest Demo #3
One last surprise before lunch! Caitlin from Prim Improper and Millie from Gemini Claws demoed embedded transfers, bringing the inspo hard.

12.30pm - Lunch (Provided)

1.30pm - Group Photo

2pm - Mystery Tips
Attendees channelled the last few days of learning into 3 show-stopping nail tips, each based on a surprise inspo pic. Mentors gave comp-style feedback - just to test your creativity

4.30pm - Mentor Huddle (AKA: Glam Time!)
The Mentors were off to deliberate... which means attendees had time to get dolled up, ready for the big moment.

6pm - Prizegiving
Whether taking home a trophy or a truckload of new confidence, on the last night we celebrated. Cheers, tears, hugs, and a whole lot of proud.