HMP Global buys Aesthetic Extender Symposium to deepen dermatology push

HMP Global has acquired the Aesthetic Extender Symposium, its third dermatology deal in about 18 months, as it builds a larger platform across medical dermatology, aesthetic medicine and skin health. The move adds nearly two decades of brand equity and a community of advanced aesthetic clinicians ahead of AES’s 20th edition in Boca Raton in 2027.

Why it matters: - HMP Global is trying to become a category leader across medical dermatology, aesthetic medicine, skin health and longevity. - The acquisition adds a well-known educational brand and a large clinician audience to a fast-growing portfolio. - The U.S. medical aesthetics market now exceeds $17 billion in annual revenue and is growing by more than $1 billion a year, according to the American Med Spa Association.

What happened: - HMP Global acquired the Aesthetic Extender Symposium, or AES, on Sept. 24, 2026. - The transaction terms were not disclosed. - AES was founded by dermatologist David J. Goldberg, MD, JD, and aesthetic physician associate Krystie Lennox, PA. - Lennox and Goldberg will continue to lead AES as co-directors. - AES is built for advanced aesthetic clinicians, including physician associates, nurse practitioners, nurses and aestheticians. - Nearly 1,000 professionals attend the annual meeting.

The details: - AES focuses on practical, evidence-based education and hands-on training. - Core topics include injectables, energy-based devices and other fast-changing areas of aesthetic medicine. - AES will hold its 20th edition Aug. 12-15, 2027, at The Boca Raton in Boca Raton, Florida. - HMP Global completed two earlier dermatology deals: Masterclasses in Dermatology in April 2025 and Music City SCALE in November 2025. - Those acquisitions gave HMP Global three clinical communities spanning medical dermatology and aesthetic medicine. - HMP Global also reaches clinicians through HMP Collective, its omnichannel agency, and through content brands The Dermatologist and The Derm NP/PA. - HMP Global says its portfolio includes 27 brands and 83 events that connect more than 2 million healthcare professionals with more than 6,000 experts.

Between the lines: - HMP Global is not just buying events; it is assembling a connected education and engagement platform. - The company is leaning into the overlap between medical dermatology, aesthetic medicine, regenerative medicine and longevity, where clinician demand appears to be converging. - AES brings nearly 20 years of trust and a niche audience that can deepen HMP Global’s reach in aesthetic care. - The strategy depends on scaling established brands instead of building new ones from scratch.

What's next: - AES organizers will keep building toward the meeting’s 20th edition in Boca Raton next August. - HMP Global is likely to continue using its live events, content brands and digital channels to expand the AES audience. - The company signaled that it sees further room for growth in dermatology and related specialties.

The bottom line: - HMP Global is moving quickly to own more of the dermatology education market, and AES gives it another respected platform with a loyal clinician base.