Join leading aesthetic experts in person for a full-day educational experience exploring today’s most in-demand treatments and technologies.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
4040 Central Florida Pkwy
Orlando, FL 32837
9:00am-9:30am: Registration/Breakfast
9:30am-4:00pm: Presentations/Live Demonstrations
4:00pm-5:00pm: Cocktail Reception
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Konika Schallen, MD Dr. Konika Schallen is the Medical Director of Candela and the Candela Institute for Excellence, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Additionally, she holds the position of Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Operations at Candela. Dr. Schallen is a visionary dedicated to advancing the field of energy-based treatments through science. Her commitment extends to contributing to the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovative protocols aimed at promoting healthier skin and achieving a rejuvenated appearance for patients of diverse skin types. With extensive experience in academia, industry and private practice, Dr. Schallen is a highly sought after speaker in the field of aesthetic medicine. She has lectured and collaborated with physicians and aesthetic medicine professionals in nearly 50 countries. Dr. Schallen has practiced in both Europe and the US and currently operates her private practice, CMA Medicine, in Jacksonville, Florida. |
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Prof. Firas Al-Niaimi, MBBS Dr. Firas Al-Niaimi is a highly experienced and respected consultant dermatologist with nearly 20 years of medical experience. Professor Firas Al-Niaimi has published over 210 scientific papers in medical journals, written 10 book chapters (and his own book), and completed over 400 scientific presentations in more than 55 countries around the globe. He has trained in some of the UK's top hospitals including the largest dermatology department in Europe (Manchester) and the world-renowned St. John's Institute of Dermatology at St. Thomas’ hospital where he completed a prestigious laser and Mohs surgical fellowship there and continued to work as an honorary consultant for several years. In 2021 he was appointed professor in dermatology and becomes the first and only professor in laser dermatology in the UK. |
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Shaun Patel, MD Dr. Shaun Patel is the founder of Miami Skin and Vein and specializing in injectable and energy-based treatments for facial rejuvenation. He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Miami, graduating with honors and AOA distinction, and completed a Radiology residency at New York University and fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Renowned for his expertise, Dr. Patel is in the top 1% of injectors recognized by Galderma and serves as a national trainer for their GAIN faculty. He lectures at major aesthetic conferences and participates in advisory boards focused on neuromodulators and dermal fillers. As a Key Opinion Leader for Candela, he contributes to innovation in laser and light-based treatments. Dr. Patel has served as a principal investigator on several FDA clinical trials and remains dedicated to advancing nonsurgical facial aesthetics through research, training, and patient care. |
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Edwin González, NP Edwin González, originally from Margarita Island, Venezuela, studied Medicine at the University of Los Andes in Mérida, Venezuela, where he earned his medical degree in 2003. He continued his studies in Spain, where he earned his degrees as a Specialist in Aesthetic Medicine and a Specialist in Laser Dermocosmetics. In 2018, after obtaining a talent visa, he decided to move with his wife and daughter to South Florida, in the United States. He began his studies, earning a Master's degree in Nursing from Miami Regional University, which allowed him to become a Licensed Nurse Practitioner, continuing his successful professional career in his passion for Aesthetic Medicine and Laser. |
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Julie de la Cruz, MD, FAAD Dr. Julie de la Cruz is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, injectables, and hair restoration. She earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at Rush University Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident of Academics. Dr. de la Cruz has delivered more than 40 presentations at national and international conferences and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters. She has also been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, Women’s Health, and Real Simple. A fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. de la Cruz is committed to providing personalized, patient-centered care using the latest advancements in dermatology. |
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Darcey Howe, BSN, RN, CME With over a decade of experience in medical aesthetics, and 37 years of nursing expertise, Darcey brings a unique blend of knowledge to the industry with her multiple modality, minimal-to-no life interruption approach to meeting her clients' aesthetic expectations. Darcey enjoys working at CMA Medicine under the direction of Dr. Konika Schallen, with an incredible team of like-minded providers who work together to help patients and clients achieve their medical aesthetics goals. |
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Caleb McGrew Caleb McGrew is the owner and founder of Skn Elements, a popular Miami medspa known for clinical, results-oriented treatments in a warm, approachable environment. An esthetician with over 20 years of industry experience, he specializes in advanced skincare, microblading, and promoting "undetectable enhancements" for natural beauty.
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Natalie Suarez, PA-C Natalie Suarez is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology, with over a decade of experience in advanced energy-based and laser treatments. Natalie graduated as valedictorian from Barry University in 2014 and practiced at Sunset Dermatology for 10 years, where she built a strong foundation in medical and aesthetic dermatology. She has extensive expertise in laser technologies and is recognized for developing customized treatment protocols and combination therapies to address melasma, rosacea, acne, photoaging, pigmentation, and scarring, consistently delivering results-driven outcomes with a strong emphasis on safety across diverse skin types. In 2025, she co-founded Covalent Wellness & Aesthetics with her husband, where she integrates cutting-edge technologies with a patient-centered approach to optimize skin health and confidence.
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Vbeam® Pro - The most advanced pulsed-dye laser (PDL) and Nd:YAG system designed for vascular
and dermatologic conditions.
The Power of Pro.
Matrix™ - An all-in-one, non-surgical skin renewal system that naturally stimulates collagen for visible firmness, tone, and
texture.
GentleMax Pro Plus® - Candela’s latest evolution and the #1 dermatologist-recommended brand for laser hair
removal.1 Built on a foundation of over 25 years of clinically proven performance across all skin types, it is designed to exceed your patients’ expectations and your business needs.
Nordlys® - A multi-application platform with SWT IPL®, two non-ablative fractional lasers (1550 and
1940), and a Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser to treat a range of concerns including pigmentation, vascularity, textural irregularities and unwanted hair.
PicoWay® - Intentionally designed picosecond platform for acne scars, wrinkles,
pigmentation (including melasma), and tattoo removal.
Glacē® - The next-level facial system that turns professional skin care into
a ritual.
1. Proprietary Candela survey conducted by Wizer via Nielsen’s online physicians’ panel, among dermatologists, plastic surgeons and Medspas, 2015.