2026 Heartland Nail Expo & Nail Art Competition

Get ready to level up! Whether you’re here to master new skills in professional classes or showcase your talent on the world stage, the 2026 Heartland Nail Expo is your destination for all things nails.

🎟️ Attending the Expo?
→ Select Expo Only ! VIP or General Admission

🏆 Competing?

→ Select from Primary Competitor Entry (Includes Divisions 1, 2, & 3 for Virtual and Submitted categories) OR the Ultimate Nail Art Challenge standalone ticket.

• 🏆 2026 Competition Theme: Artist Choice
• The INJA Nail Art Competition: We are thrilled to introduce the International Nail Judge Association (INJA) competition! This is your chance to have your work evaluated by industry experts and compete for prestige and prizes. With Hands-On (In-Person), Submitted( In person &Mail In), and Virtual( In person & Mail In) categories, there is a stage for every artist.
• Virtual ( In Person & Mail-In) Requirement: All virtual entries must be submitted on a practice hand with the tips securely glued. Submitted (In Person & Mail In ) categories remain as Tip Box entries.
• Exclusive Shopping with Live Demos: Explore a Nail Company Only expo floor. Discover the latest trends, high-end products, and professional-grade tools from top-tier vendors.
• Hands-On Education: Kick off the weekend on Saturday, August 8th with intensive, paid interactive workshops led by industry leaders. (Note: Expo ticket required; Classes are an additional fee paid directly to educator.).
• Networking Round Up – Join us Saturday evening from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM in the Expo Area! Come dressed in your finest western wear to connect with fellow techs and educators over light appetizers and drinks

This event is designed exclusively for:

• Licensed Professionals (Nail Technicians & Cosmetologists)
• Actively Enrolled Students
• Salon Owners

• Competition Info: For full rules and category details, please visit theNail Art Competitions pageon our website.

Join us at theRenaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Centerfor a vibrant, creative atmosphere. Mark your calendars—we can’t wait to see your artistry in action!

• Expo Ticket Required: You must purchase a Heartland Nail Expo ticket to attend any Saturday classes. No exceptions.
• Saturday Class Fees: Classes are an additional charge and are paid directly to the educator. Links for registration can be found on ourFacebook Page.
• Professional Verification: All attendees purchasing from vendors must be Licensed Nail Technicians, Cosmetologists, or Actively Enrolled Students.
• Required ID: You must bring a current Professional License and a photo ID with a matching name. Students must provide a photo ID and proof of current enrollment (digital photos of these documents on your phone are acceptable).
• Artist Assistant Passes: Available for cash-only purchase on the day of the show. This allows entry for one assistant (18+) per purchased Expo ticket.
• Children & Infants: The Expo is for those 18+. The only exception is nursing infants under age 1, who must be worn in a carrier (strollers are not permitted). Children/ Nursing infants are strictly prohibited in the competition areas.
• Refund Policy: All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, you may sell or gift your ticket to another licensed professional by updating the attendee information in your Eventbrite account.

Info: **NEW TIME** IN EXPO AREA Please have your pro beauty license or student documents & photo ID out/ready to show at Registration so the check-in lines move faster.

Info: ** Must purchase a Heartland Nail Expo Ticket to attend any Saturday class. No exceptions!
**Saturday Classes are an additional charge and will be paid directly to the educator presenting the class.

Info: Live demonstrations and product showcases, the Heartland Nail Expo has it all. Discover the latest nail art designs, experiment with new nail care products, and gain insights from renowned nail artists.

Info: *TIME AND LOCATION CHANGE * IN EXPO AREA -Expo Area Networking event -come dressed in your finest western wear and bring business cards, your QR code, or DOT to share with Educators and other Tech's. Lite appetizers and cash bar with Beer, Wine and non alcoholic drinks available.

Info: Early entry for the 30 VIP ticket holders. Shop without the big crowd. *Please have your pro beauty license or student documents & photo ID out/ready to show at Registration so the check-in lines move faster.

Info: General admission Entry. Please have your pro beauty license or student documents & photo ID out/ready to show Registration so the check-in lines move faster.

Info: -1pm Competition begins
-5pm Competition ends
*No MODELS REQUIRED.

**Check In and Set Up for competitors in the Ultimate Nail Art Challenge to Complete 3D Art pieces to be applied in 2nd half of competition .

Info: Description: Early check-in and drop-off for Submitted (Tip Box) and Virtual (Practice Hand) entries.

Info: Description: Final morning window to drop off pre-prepared Tip Boxes and Practice Hands at the Competition Desk.

Info: No MODELS REQUIRED, May use your own hand.

-8am Doors open
-11:30am Read Rules
-12- 2pm Hands on- Nails applied to one hand
-2 -3pm Judging of one hand
-3-4pm 3D art applied
-4-5pm Final Judging
-6pm Awards Ceremony

Info: Check In for Hands On , Virtual ,and Submitted Nail Art Competitions

Info: -8am Doors open
-8:30am Read Rules
-9-10am 1hr Gel Art Manicure Competition
**1 hand only (May use your own)
-10-11am Judging

Info: -8am Doors open
-11:30am Read Rules
-12 to 4pm complete One hand each Salon Style French and Salon Style Nail Art Extensions
use time from 12 to 4pm to complete both hands on your own schedule.
-4pm Judging
-6pm Awards Ceremony

Info: All Judging to be completed

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Karlette Morrison