Imagine waking up to the sound of ocean waves, the scent of salt in the air and the buzz of anticipation. You’re at the beautiful Terranea Resort, surrounded by the most inspiring women in medical aesthetics: the visionaries, trailblazers and changemakers at the heart of this confidence-building profession we love.

From the moment you arrive at AmSpa’s Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (WALC), you’ll feel the energy. Read on for a walk through the weekend agenda.

Explore the itinerary and design your personalized schedule with the WALC app or visit the Schedule At-a-Glance for a snapshot of what to expect at this luxury leadership retreat.

Friday, October 3

After a warm welcome lunch, the day kicks off with AmSpa’s Founder and CEO, Alex Thiersch, setting the tone for transformation. Then, Jamie Kern Lima takes the stage with a keynote that’s raw, real, and unforgettable. Her story of resilience will leave you feeling unstoppable.
Next, you get the chance to meet Jamie in person: snap a photo, share a moment and soak in the inspiration.
Whether you choose archery by the beach, ocean kayaking through kelp forests, or the joy-filled chaos of puppy yoga, Friday afternoon is all about refreshing your spirit. You’ll laugh, move, and connect with fellow attendees in ways that go far beyond business cards.
As the sun sets, the Welcome Reception presented by Podium invites you to unwind with gourmet bites and signature cocktails. Then, under a blanket of stars, the Picnic Under the Stars begins. Acoustic music, s’mores and deep conversations with industry icons make this a night to remember.
Explore the cosmos with high-powered telescopes, get your aura photographed, or discover what your iris says about your health. From palm readings to headshot stations, every interaction is a chance to connect and grow.

Check-in and Welcome Lunch
11 AM – 12 PM
On your way to lunch, grab your reusable water bottle, courtesy of Nextech, from your registration bag. Every time you refill, be sure to scan the QR code on the bottle to unlock a donation that supports clean water, nutrition, and reforestation.

Day One Welcome
12:15 – 12:30 PM
Join AmSpa's Founder and CEO, Alex Thiersch, as they kick off the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference.

Keynote: Becoming Unstoppable
12:30 – 1:15 PM
Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics, shares her inspiring journey from rejection and self-doubt to resilience and success. Drawing from personal experiences, Kern Lima reveals the mindset shifts, strategies and lessons that helped her overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams. Through raw honesty and heartfelt storytelling, she empowers audiences to embrace their authentic selves, turn setbacks into stepping stones and unlock their full potential.

Jamie Kern Lima Meet and Greet & Break
1:15 – 2:15 PM
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, up close and personal! This exclusive meet and greet offers WALC attendees a chance to enjoy a brief, one-on-one interaction and snap a professional photo with Jamie. Whether you’ve followed their career for years or just became a fan, this is your moment to create a memory you’ll never forget.

Friday Afternoon Experiences at Terranea
2:45 – 5 PM

• Archery. Experience the unique sport of archery on Terranea's beautiful beach cove range and put your skills to the test. You will be guided by expert coaches who help guide beginners and experts alike on their aiming techniques. Come experience this true-to-place outdoor activity right next to the ocean. Closed toe shoes, comfortable clothing and sunscreen recommended.
• Guided Ocean Kayaking. Paddle your kayak through the stunning kelp beds along the Terranea coastline. This underwater forest is home to bottlenose dolphins, seals and sea lions, and bat rays. Experience the Catalina channel's famous underwater reserve on one of our stable, sit-on-top, tandem kayaks. Highly experienced instructors offer a safe, fun and informative tour, narrating highlights as you paddle. This is an energetic activity in which you will spend 1.25 hours on the water. Comfortable athletic clothing, or shorts are recommended.  Water shoes will be provided or can bring own.  Keep personal belongings to a minimum. Personal items can be locked in the vendors shed on the beach cove.
• Puppy Yoga. Welcome to the ultimate zen experience where downward dog meets actual dogs – it's puppy yoga time! Picture this: You unroll your mat and take a deep breath, and suddenly, you're surrounded by a flurry of adorable furballs wagging their tails. As you flow through your poses, these playful pups might just decide to join in, adding an extra element of joy and laughter to your practice. From downward-facing dog to puppy pose, every stretch becomes an opportunity for cuddles and smiles. So leave your stress at the door and unleash your inner yogi amidst a sea of furry friends. Puppy yoga isn't just about finding your balance; it's about finding your bliss in the company of the most delightful yoga partners imaginable. Athletic wear recommended.

Welcome Reception presented by Podium
6 – 7:30 PM
Reflect on your first day and enjoy refreshments. Beverage menu will feature the Primavera Specialty Cocktail, along with imported and domestic beer, house red and white wines and house sparkling. Food options include a charcuterie, cheese, crudite grazing table; vegetable rice paper roll; cumin marinated skirt steak skewer and paella croquette. Presented by Podium.

The Picnic Under the Stars 
7:30 – 9:30 PM
The stunning Terranea Resort hosts the 2025 WALC event on 102 oceanfront acres, and this opening-night event takes full advantage of the incredible seascape. This picnic under the stars features soothing live acoustic music, s’mores and other delicious food and drinks, and the opportunity to network with the most incredible women leaders in the business. Presented by Galderma.

• Tour the Night Sky Stargazing presented by Allergan Aesthetics. A unique Terrace Stargazing event, hosted by photographer and astronomer Wida Maher of Dark Sky Exploring. At your leisure, peer through two very high-powered telescopes (similar in power to the Griffith Observatory) on a guided “Tour of the Night Sky.” Take pictures directly through the lenses with your phone and capture your favorite discovery in stunning clarity, while learning about the amazing night sky above us.
• Palm Readings presented by RepeatMD. Fortune tellers have been interfacing with the beyond world for as long as some of them can remember. Because of the longevity, there are a lot of approaches to readings for the curious without letting things get too heavy. Have your palm read to give insights about your personality, emotions, life path, and potential future.
• Iris Readings presented by CosmoFrance. Have you ever had your Iris’ read? Visit the Iris reader to learn more about ‘Irsiology.’ This is a reading of the Iris. Our reader can tell how someone is feeling, along with health challenges, including digestion and oxygen intake, just from looking at the Iris of the eye.
• Aura Photo Booth presented by Nextech. Don’t miss this interactive experience where your “aura” (the supposed energy field around your body) is captured in a photograph using special equipment. The colors in the photo are said to represent different aspects of your energy, mood, or personality.

Saturday, October 4

Start your day with an energizing workout with ocean views. Then, enjoy breakfast al fresco before diving into a day packed with powerful sessions.
From Jane Wurwand’s keynote on human-first leadership to panels on ambition and authenticity, every moment is designed to elevate your mindset and your mission.
Lunch is a masterclass in recurring revenue, followed by sessions on mindfulness, AI, and building purpose-driven empires. You’ll hear from DW honorees and industry leaders who are rewriting the rules of success.
The Distinguished Women Honors Dinner, presented by Merz, is the crown jewel of the weekend. Dress to impress and celebrate 25 remarkable women who are shaping the future of aesthetics. It’s elegant, empowering and unforgettable.

Nature’s Gym Fitness Session
7 – 8 AM
Get in shape while enjoying pristine oceanside views. A fun and challenging combination of cardiovascular drills and resistance training primarily using your own body weight to build your endurance and strength around Terranea Resort’s 102-acre property.

Breakfast presented by CareCredit
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Enjoy an al fresco dining experience on the Palos Verdes Terrace and feed your soul with Terranea's elevated continental breakfast.

Day Two Welcome
9:30 – 9:45 AM
AmSpa's Founder and CEO, Alex Thiersch kicks off Day 2 of the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference with Nicole Mowad-Nassar, Global President, Allergan Aesthetics and SVP, AbbVie, in her first industry appearance.

Keynote: Human First: Reclaiming the Practitioner’s Connection in a High-Tech World
9:45 – 10:30 AM
In an increasingly high-tech, protocol-driven world, the real differentiator isn’t the device—it’s you. Human connection isn’t optional; it’s the new gold standard. Your presence, empathy, and purpose are what turn clinical outcomes into personal transformations. 
Presented by Jane Wurwand, co-founder and chief visionary of Dermalogica.

Resetting the Conversation Around HA Filler Sentiment presented by Allergan Aesthetics
10:30 – 10:40 AM
Education and awareness for the injector community—what’s happening, why it matters, and how they can help. Allergan knows from extensive research that injectors are the most influential voice in shaping filler consideration, both in the office and online. Their support and participation, especially on social media, are critical to success. 
Presented by Brittony Croasdell, MS, FNP-BC, APRN, clinical director and co-owner of Fulcrum Aesthetics, in conversation with Michelle Hinds, National Director, Thought Leader Development, US Medical Aesthetics at Allergan Aesthetics.

PANEL | Unapologetically Ambitious: Owning Success Without Shrinking
11:20 – 12 PM
Have you ever felt looked down upon for being ambitious and wanting more than the status quo? You are not alone, and it is critical to learn tactics on how to own this ambition in a way to leads to results. Learn tips from leading women in the medical aesthetics industry on how they have climbed the ladder and owned their authority without becoming minimized.
Panelists include Erika Barry, NP-C of Resculpt Aesthetics; Amy Lynn Birkenstamm, RN, CANS, of Glo Derma and Glo Academy; Carrie Galpin, US Head of Customer Education and Key Thought Leader Development; Amanda Holden, MD, of Holden Timeless Beauty; Nicole Katz, Vice President of Customer Engagement and Corporate Affairs; and Shelby Miller, DNP, FNP-C, of RUMA Medical.

Lunch and Learn: 2025 Membership Masterclass: The $100M Playbook for Recurring Revenue Presented by RepeatMD
12 – 1 PM
Learn from Phil Sitter while enjoying a lunch menu from renowned executive chef Andrew Vaughn.  

Leading from Within: Mastering Self Through Mindfulness
1 – 1:30 PM
Get ready to take a mindfulness journey within to discover what’s missing and what might be holding you back from living life to your fullest potential. This interactive session will walk you through the tools and techniques you need to live a more productive life, while staying calm on the inside. Tessa Todd Morgan will help you Find Your Triessence in order to better care for yourself physically, mentally and spiritually. Think self leadership and emotional Intelligence. 
Presented by Tessa Todd Morgan, Founder & CEO, Triessence

Beyond Skin Deep: Building an Empire on Purpose presented by Lumisque, Inc CO2Lift
1:30 – 1:40 PM
"Beyond Skin Deep: Building an Empire on Purpose" is a 10-minute conversation with Lana Kerr, CEO and founder of CO2Lift by Lumisque, and Jennifer Walden, MD, FACS.

Beyond Business: Using AI to Balance Your Life and Amplify Your Success
1:40 – 2:10 PM
This session explores how AI can seamlessly integrate into both professional and personal spheres, helping women thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Presented by Kiyonna Jones, PhD, FNP-C, of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Boutique.

Unfinished Business: The Power of Not Being Done Yet presented by Skytale
2:10 – 2:20 PM
Behind every thriving aesthetic business, there’s a story, and, often, the chapters we don’t see are the ones that change everything. Two years ago, Ryann Lavenia was at a crossroads: overwhelmed and questioning what was next. But, instead of closing the book, she chose to rewrite it. Today, she leads four successful med spa locations, and her journey is far from over. Join Skytale consultant, Judy Kozlicki, and Ryann Lavenia for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it really takes to grow, scale and lead when the stakes, and the dreams, are bigger than ever.

Choosing Botox Cosmetic for Your Patients and Your Practice presented by Allergan Aesthetics
2:20 – 3 PM
Join Shawna Chrisman, NP and Allergan's Kim McMaster to learn how Botox Cosmetic supports patient, injector, and practice goals. Hear from Shawna how Botox Cosmetic helped shape her early years in practice, review the most recent FDA-approved treatment area with Botox Cosmetic (moderate to severe platysma bands), and learn how Botox Cosmetic and Allergan Aesthetics can help you achieve your business goals.

Community and Counsel: Building Your Brain Trust
3 – 3:40 PM
In this inspiring and actionable keynote, Kendra Bracken-Ferguson explores the power of building your own brain trust—a deeply personal and intentional network of mentors, advisors, peers and truth-tellers who champion your vision and protect your purpose. Drawing from her bestselling book The Beauty of Success: Start, Grow, and Accelerate Your Brand, Bracken-Ferguson will share real-world lessons on how to identify, nurture and lean into your brain trust as an essential tool for sustainable leadership and self-motivation. From boardrooms to breakdowns, she’ll unpack why no founder—and no woman—should navigate the path alone. Attendees will walk away with a renewed sense of clarity on the role community plays in personal and professional success, and how to intentionally build the counsel they need to grow with confidence and grace.

Afternoon Break, presented by Dermalogica
3:45 – 6:30 PM

Cocktail Reception
7 – 7:30 PM
Enjoy a refreshing cocktail as you take in the Terranea Resort's coastal beauty. 

Distinguished Women Honors Dinner presented by Merz
7:30 – 10:30
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Distinguished Women Awards Dinner, where we honor the extraordinary achievements of women who lead, inspire, and empower.
Enjoy a beautifully curated dinner, meaningful connections, and fun award presentations that celebrate the diversity, resilience, and brilliance of women who are shaping our communities and our future.

• Dress Code: Elegant attire, Dress to impress
• Evening Includes: Cocktail reception, three-course dinner, awards presentation, and inspiring keynote address.
• Presented by: Merz Aesthetics
• Welcome Speaker: Susie Albion, MSN, RN | Senior Director of Education and Advocacy, Merz Aesthetics

Let us come together to celebrate the legacy and future of feminine leadership—powerful, graceful, and unapologetically bold. 25 remarkable women received the honor of being named the Distinguished Women in Medical Aesthetics 2025. Discover their stories here.

Sunday, October 5

The final day begins with Yo-Chi, a fusion of yoga and Tai Chi that centers your body and mind. Breakfast follows, then sessions on mindful leadership, team culture, and “unreasonable hospitality” that will challenge and inspire you.
Cy Wakeman’s keynote on Reality-Based Leadership is a game-changer. You’ll leave with tools to ditch the drama and lead with clarity and confidence.

Yo-Chi Fitness
7 – 8 AM
Join us outside on the last day in the Palos Verdes Meadows for a group Yo-Chi class. Yo-Chi combines the world’s two oldest mindbody disciplines, Yoga and Tai-Chi, to create a unique and effective movement experience. Some of the benefits of Yo-Chi include mindfulness, stability, mobility, relaxation, reduced blood pressure, and energy flow.

Breakfast presented by Medicreations
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Enjoy an al fresco dining experience on the Palos Verdes Terrace and feed your soul with Terranea's elevated continental breakfast.

Staying the Course: Making Mindful Leadership a Daily Practice
9:30 – 10 AM
Now that you have the tools to live life to the fullest, how do you make sure it comes to fruition? We can hear things and want to make changes, but, can easily slip back into busy mode and let life get in the way. We will discuss the three things to make sure our TRIESSENCE sticks and come up with a Plan of Action to walk away with and start using right away. Presented by Tessa Todd Morgan, Founder and CEO, Triessence.

PANEL | The People Puzzle: Solving for Culture, Capability and Change
10 – 10:45 AM
The management, mentoring, inspiring, hiring and even firing of people has forever been a challenge, but, due to many factors—including the multigenerational workforce, more focus on a work-life balance and higher salary requirements than ever before—it is a struggle with which most leaders are all too familiar. Join these industry-leading people pros to learn tips and tricks to a satisfied, profitable, inspired, kind and efficient team.
Presented by Robin Ntoh, VP of Aesthetics at Nextech, and Terri Ross, founder of Terri Ross Consulting.

Achieving Competitive Advantage and Increased Profitability Through Unreasonable Hospitality
10:45 – 11:05 AM
Unreasonable Hospitality, the New York Times best-seller by restauranteur Will Guidara, shares the universal business principals he applied to take his restaurant, Eleven Madison Park, from a good restaurant to the number-one restaurant in the world. Attendees will explore key concepts in "unreasonable hospitality"; their impact on customer satisfaction, staff retainment, competitive advantage and profitability; and how to successfully install those principals in medical spas. There will be an interactive activity on the customer journey advantage map, examples of how these principals positively impacted Lickstein Plastic Surgery and time for questions at the end of the presentation.
Presented by Lisa Lickstein, MSW, MBA, co-owner and COO of Lickstein Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa.

Morning Break presented by HydroPeptide
11:05 – 11:35 AM
Visit the brand activations (get your headshot taken at Nextech's Headshot Station if you haven’t!), attend a Connection Session or chat with fellow attendees while soaking in the morning’s teachings.

3 Keys to Unlock Growth presented by RepeatMD
11:35 – 11:45 AM
Join Phil Sitter as he presents 3 practical ways to grow your business with attracting new customers, having them come more often and increase the size of their transaction.

KEYNOTE | Reality-Based Leadership: Ditch the Drama and Turn Excuses Into Results
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Leaders are constantly called to deliver aggressive agendas with limited resources in complex environments. These last few years have caused even more challenges in leadership realities, and many are learning that new circumstances are going to require a more modernized leadership approach. The modern role of a leader, in today’s reality, will require less managing people and more emphasis on managing the energy of people. Regardless of the dynamic of the group they are interacting with, a true leader of a situation is someone who is able to manage the energy of the group away from “why we can’t” or “why we shouldn’t have to” and put that energy into, “What are we trying to create? And how can we get there?”
The new role of the leader is to reveal inspiration in their people by managing energy away from drama and redirect it towards results and happiness at work. Reality-based leadership gives leaders the tools, techniques and proven coaching models to skillfully navigate the interferences of drama that derail the success, cohesiveness and engagement of the teams they lead or interact with. These tools are highly effective in a variety of leadership situations and help to quickly manage conversations to move beyond excuses, hardwire personal accountability while ensuring teams are ready for what’s next moving forward. Participants will take away an increased understanding of the main sources of drama that derail their teams and how to quickly move beyond them with simple tools to free themselves and their teams up to deliver on the goals of the business, even in transformative times.
Presented by Cy Wakeman, drama researcher, NYT bestselling author, Hall of Fame Speaker and leadership guru of Reality-Based Leadership.

Farewell Lunch
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Gather with your fellow visionaries one final time to end the weekend with a message of inspiration and community. You will leave WALC ready for the next adventure, with a network in your back pocket and the advice of the undisputed leaders of this space.

Why you can’t miss WALC

AmSpa’s Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (WALC) is poised to be a transformative experience, bringing renewed energy to the hardworking women who power change. You’ll be surrounded by the best of the best, including DW honorees, top brand voices and thought leaders who are shaping the future. Together, you will explore new mindsets in leadership, build community and recharge for your next practice milestone. 

Join the movement. Find your place at Terranea Resort, October 3 – 5, 2025 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Learn more and register for WALC today.