US Conference 2025
Seminars
Four intensive seminars are being offered for conference attendees on the day before the Conference (May 5, 2025). Intensive Seminars take place ALL DAY, with a break for lunch. Prepare to immerse yourself in a full day of learning from select expert speakers!
These seminars are optional and are in addition to the regular conference content. Please keep in mind that you may only sign up for one Intensive Seminar - seminars take place at the same time, and it is not possible to sign up for more than one.
Due to the hands-on nature of some classes, our attorney is requiring that all participants in those classes sign a release form before attending. If a release is required, it is noted under the seminar description. You can view and download the release form (opens in a new window or tab) at any time. Directions for signing and returning the form are on page two.
Using Building Blocks of Cosmetic Formulation
Maker Track
Presented by: Kayla Fioravanti
If you enjoy Formulator Friday with Kayla in the HSCG Member Facebook Group you do not want to miss this intensive. This will be the ultimate IRL Formulator Friday. Kayla will explain and demonstrate how to use the available formulation information and tools to start on your formulating journey. Together we will build shelf stable emulsifying and preservative systems to create a trendy clean lotion base. Kayla will explain how to create a line from one anchor product to expand the same concept into a serum, cream, and toner.
Wait, What?! I can't say that?
Business Track
Presented by: Marie Gale
Promoting your products can be tricky sometimes. You want to talk about all of the benefits ... but it's really easy to cross over the line into making your product an unapproved new drug (with drug or medical claims). You want to share your customer's testimonials ... but it's a slippery slope into misleading advertising or copyright infringement. You want to promote your environmental awareness ... but greenwashing looms around the corner. You want to tell people how you support important causes with your business profits ... but you can easily become a "fundraiser" and subject to your state's consumer protection laws. You CAN promote your product's benefits, use testimonials, share your environmental care, and support your favorite causes - you just have to do it correctly and stay within the lines. Find out where the lines are and what you can and can't say.
Adventures in Swirling
Maker Track
Presented by: Catherine McGinnis, Jackie Thompson
Up your swirling savvy as Cathy McGinnis-Sizemore teaches you 6 sure to impress swirls while Jackie Thompson teaches you how to formulate your soap for the best swirling results while maintaining the quality and integrity of the soap. During this presentation you will take these swirl techniques and soap formulas for a test drive as you make a loaf of soap using one of the formulas and swirling techniques taught in the class! Along with PowerPoint and Video presentations, participants will come away with physical handouts of what is covered in class along with access to the videos demonstrating the various swirl techniques and of course the soap made in class.
Art of Aroma: Candle Making & Fragrance Blending
Maker Track
Presented by: Kevin Reed
This is a hands-on candle making workshop with an emphasis on fragrance blending. The seminar is designed for both beginner and experienced crafters. It includes an overview of candle making in small batches, with an emphasis on understanding and blending fragrance oils. There will be in-depth discussion about fragrance components and categories, the fragrance wheel, how to calculate percentages in the finished product, and the impact of fragrance oil on the burn profile of candles. There will be open conversation and feedback as we hand around blotter strips and create our own fragrance concepts using a variety of single-note fragrance oils. Attendees will then be able to make candles using the fragrance blends they create. Each attendee will take home a wealth of candle and fragrance knowledge, along with truly unique candles of their own creation.