One of the best parts of working in any industry is the trade shows or expos. It’s an excellent time to network, learn new techniques, or show your stuff at a grooming competition. Many offer educational opportunities to build your craft. You’ll even find certification programs to add to your credentials. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects is talking with those in the business.
Many of this year’s shows are multiple-day events. Of course, there’s always a bit of fun thrown in the mix, too, with dinners and off-site venues. You can even make it a vacation and fill in the gaps with some sightseeing. Listed below are some of the top dog grooming expos that you might want to go to if you work in the pet grooming industry.
The Top 9 Dog Grooming Expos
1. PetQuest
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Wilmington, OH |
| Venue | Roberts Centre |
| Website | https://www.pqgroom.com/ |
PetQuest is a long weekend filled with competitions and fun. It also offers certification opportunities to build your resume. It’s a well-rounded event that covers topics such as first aid/CPR, pet social media marketing, and employee relations. The expo also handles both the canine and feline sides of the business. Of course, the trade show is always a big hit for trying out new grooming techniques.
2. Groom Texas
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Houston, TX |
| Venue | NRG Center |
| Website | https://www.txgroom.com/ |
The Groom Texas works in coordination with the Houston World Series of Dog Shows, making it a grand event for all. It features several learning opportunities, including the AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification Program. It hosts seminars on all aspects of the grooming business, from time management to clipper care.
3. Teton Grooming Expo
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Idaho Falls, ID |
| Venue | Snake River Event Center |
| Website | http://tetongroomingexpo.com/ |
The Teton Grooming Expo is Idaho’s only expo related to grooming. However, it still has much to offer industry professionals. It features several grooming contests, including its Wire Coat Tournament, Salon Freestyle, and Pre-Groomed Creative. It also has the Abstract Runway competition. The jam-packed class schedule covers all aspects of the business, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Idaho Falls.
4. All American Grooming Show
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Schaumburg, IL |
| Venue | Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel |
| Website | https://www.aagroom.com/ |
The All American Grooming Show is one of the favorite events on the grooming expo circuit. The highlight is the World Cup Grooming Games with prizes for professionals in six classes, including the ever-popular creative class. If you’re serious about honing your grooming skills, this is where you want to be.
5. SuperZoo
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Las Vegas, NV |
| Venue | Mandalay Bay |
| Website | https://www.superzoo.org/ |
The SuperZoo expo is appropriately named one of the most well-attended events on the circuit. Over 1,200 vendors participate in the tradeshow. There’s something for everyone with 75 sessions, 40 speakers, and 85 available education hours to hone your skills. It is also a part of the exclusive Trade Show Executive Gold 100 club.
6. Groom Expo
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Hershey, PA |
| Venue | Hershey Lodge and Convention Center |
| Website | https://www.groomexpo.com/ |
The Groom Expo is a professional event for those in the trade. It bills itself as the largest show of its kind, which is hard to dispute with competitions like the Groom Olympics on tap. The Abstract Creative Runway and Barkleigh Honors Awards are must-see events. It also features the time-honored Rescue Round-Up Invitational that successfully finds forever homes for the participating pups.
7. US Pet Pro Classic
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Las Colinas, TX |
| Venue | Irving Convention Center |
| Website | https://uspetproclassic.com/ |
The US Pet Pro Classic is the brainchild of Pam Lauritzen, the industry’s first certified pet stylist. This year marks the expo’s 35th year bringing enthusiasts and professionals together. The weekend features a host of grooming competitions and cash prizes. Educational sessions focus on animal behavior, styling, marketing, and mobile grooming.
8. New England Grooming Show
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Sturbridge, MA |
| Venue | Sturbridge Host Hotel |
| Website | https://www.newenglandgrooms.com/ |
The New England Pet Grooming Professionals sponsors the annual New England Grooming Show. It’s open to anyone involved in the industry, even hobbyists. It hosts its breed class competitions and the World Cup Grooming Games. The weekend includes seminars on various topics for beginners and seasoned professionals. It also offers the AKC S.A.F.E. Grooming Certification Program.
9. NDGAA Annual Fun in the Sun
| Dates | TBA |
| Location | Orlando, FL |
| Venue | The Wyndham Orlando Resort |
| Website | https://nationaldoggroomers.com/fits-main |
The NDGAA Fun in the Sun packs a lot to do in a short weekend. It manages to combine education, skill-building, and entertainment that promises an enjoyable time for all. Interestingly, grooming isn’t even in the name of the event, although it features speakers and a competition. It’s also a trade show that will feature over 75 vendors.
Conclusion
Industry professionals and enthusiasts will find no end to grooming expos to attend. Most include trade shows to explore the latest innovations. Education is a primary focus of many of these expos, including a full range of topics and knowledge for whether you’re starting your own business or working in an established one. Rules, particularly those regarding pets, vary. We suggest contacting the event organizers for additional information.
Featured Image Credit: alektas, Pixabay
