Premiere Orlando 2026 once again proved why it remains one of the most exciting beauty industry events in the world. From packed classrooms and a buzzing show floor to the largest Nailympia Orlando competition to date, the weekend was filled with inspiration, education, artistry, and unforgettable moments for nail professionals from around the globe.
The weekend kicked off Saturday with the annual Competition Q&A Classroom hosted by Alisha Rimando alongside industry icons Alex Fox, Michelle Soto, Lisa Boone, and Kirsty Meakin. Now in its third year, the class continues to grow rapidly, welcoming 143 attendees eager to learn more about the world of nail competition, judging, preparation, and career growth through competing.
Guests lined up nearly two hours before the doors opened for a chance to receive one of only 60 sponsored swag bags filled with products and gifts from GlossaryLive.com, GlossaryLive University, KUPA, Cuccio, Gelish, Best Nails & Spa, ASP, Light Elegance, Exclusive Nail Couture, Michele Soto, Kirsty Meakin Nails, and Alisha Rimando. Each attendee also received the GlossaryLive Nails & More Guide featuring exclusive discounts and offers from sponsors, while seven lucky guests won grand prize giveaways at the end of the class.
Sunday marked the opening of the Premiere Orlando show floor and the beginning of the 52nd Nailympia USA Orlando competition. The nail section of the show floor was overflowing with energy, music, education, live demonstrations, and nonstop creativity as thousands of beauty professionals explored the latest products, trends, and innovations shaping the industry.
This year’s Nailympia Orlando competition welcomed 102 competitors from 13 countries who filled 329 competition seats across arena and turn-in categories. With more than 30 judges led by Nailympia Director Alex Fox and Head Judge Alisha Rimando, the competition floor was alive with focus, passion, and extraordinary artistry.
Competitors showcased incredible work in themed categories including Flat Art Boxed: The Zodiac, Runway Nails: Industrialist Couture, Reality Nails inspired by Bauhaus, Pointillist and Cubist art, and To Stiletto & Beyond: The Old Curiosity Shop. Arena competitions included Gel Polish, Acrylic Competition Nails, UV Hard Gel Competition Nails, The Joy of Nails, Salon Nails, and Stiletto Nails
Top Nailympia Orlando 2026 honors included:
- Art Winner of Winners: Yen Bui – USA
- Top USA Tech: Duong Bui – USA
- Winner of Winners Division 1: Yen Bui – USA
- Winner of Winners Division 2: Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- Winner of Winners Division 3: Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- Individual Top Scorer: Francesca Paliotto – Italy
The weekend also celebrated excellence across the industry with the NASNA (North American Star Nail Artist) Awards and the PBA NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) red carpet event and ceremony. NASNA Season 2 crowned Jessica Vero as Champion, with Michelle Soto named First Runner-Up and Yuliia Kovalchuk as Second Runner-Up.
Premiere Orlando continues to showcase the incredible growth of the nail industry and the passion of artists worldwide. With new generations entering the industry eager to learn, compete, and push creative boundaries, the future of nails has never looked brighter.
