Inside look: Nail Beauty Congress & Championship 2025, Belgrade, Serbia

The landmark event highlighted industry advancements, expertise and hosted the first Serbian nail competition in nine years, while raising the region’s industry profile and standards, writes Alex Fox…

The Nail Beauty Congress & Championship, held in Belgrade, Serbia, in April, was a historic event that brought together nail professionals and educators from around the globe to celebrate nails. Organised by Ivana Todorović and Ivana Janjić Djukić, this ground-breaking event aimed to raise the bar for the nail industry in the Balkans, providing a platform for learning, growth and connection.

Ivana Todorović and Ivana Janjić Djukić

The event featured a series of educational presentations and world-class competition. The congress was designed not only to showcase the latest trends and techniques in the nail industry, but foster collaboration among professionals and enthusiasts. At the heart of this vision was the belief that by bringing together talented individuals from across the globe, the industry could be elevated to new heights, with professionalism, education and quality always at the forefront. Both the congress and the championship were sponsored and supported by dust collector brand, Vortex, alongside Jana Nails, Truscada, O’2 Nails, 4Nails and RNK Beauty.

The congress featured a full agenda with 17 separate presentations covering a wide range of topics, from podology, allergies and nail conditions to ingredients, techniques, advanced nail styling, as well as confidence-building and business-boosting ideas. I delivered an empowered presentation on the value of competing, emphasising how it can help nail professionals grow their businesses and develop their skills. I also played a vital role in the championship itself, serving as a judge in various turn-in categories, evaluating the work of competitors based on global standards. As a consultant to the Nail Beauty Championship, I offered my expertise to help refine the competition’s processes and ensure it was aligned with the highest international standards.

Ivana Todorović, event organiser, expressed her pride and gratitude for the success of the congress and championship. In her heartfelt message, she shared the inspiration behind the event: “We organised the Nail Beauty Congress & Championship out of a deep, heartfelt desire to elevate our industry, profession and community. Our wish was to bring together professionals, enthusiasts and talents from the world of manicure and pedicure in one place – to learn, grow, share knowledge and inspiration, while raising awareness about the importance of our craft. Our goal was to create an event that would leave a lasting mark, motivate, connect people and open a space for dialogue and progress.

“We wanted to show that in Serbia, we can create a world-class event, where professionalism, education, quality and human connection come first.”

The Nail Beauty Championship was a testament to this vision. For the first time in Serbia, a competition was held according to global rules and standards, allowing local technicians to express their creativity, compete and develop their skills for the international stage. The event featured a range of categories, including Gel Polish Manicure, Men’s Manicure, Pink & White, Stiletto Nails and more. Competitors had the chance to showcase their talents, and international judges such as Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha, Elena Popova, Sergey Lavrukhin and Oana Flutur ensured that the standards were set to a global scale.

“The competition is a step that contributes not only to the professional growth of individuals, but to the strengthening of our entire industry in the region,” enthuses Ivana Todorović. “We believe that by offering this opportunity, we’re laying the groundwork for future international success for Serbian nail techs.”

The event was also made possible by the support of educators and sponsors from all over the world, who generously shared their knowledge and helped shape the success of the congress and championship. Ivana’s gratitude towards these contributors was clear: “You all inspired us, gave us strength and showed how powerful our community becomes when united.”

Now that the excitement has settled, Ivana and her team are left with immense pride, gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. “We are more determined than ever to move forward, braver and with more inspiration than before,” she concludes. For myself, it was a true privilege to be invited to speak, judge and consult at the NBC Congress & Championship. Education, innovation and technology move so fast, and not everyone is kept in the loop with the advances that the nail industry enjoys.

It was brilliant to see such esteemed presenters sharing their knowledge and skills for the betterment of the delegates. A lot was learned by us all. It was a well-organised and superb event fuelled by love and passion for the industry.

The Nail Beauty Congress & Championship has set a new benchmark for the nail industry in Serbia and beyond, providing an unforgettable experience for all involved. As the event continues to grow in the coming years, it is clear that it will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nail artistry across the Balkans.

www.nailbeautycongress-championship.com

Follow the Nail Beauty Congress & Championship on Instagram: @nbc.congress.championship