(PRESS RELEASE) MONROVIA, CA — Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference welcomed professional pet stylists and service professionals to the Southeast’s largest trade show, conference and competition from March 7-10 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event kicked off four days filled with live grooming competitions, product discovery, education on trending and innovative topics, networking and more. Produced by World Pet Association (WPA), this specialty event saw a 4% increase in attendance demonstrating the strength and growth of the global pet grooming market which was valued at 2130 million in 2018 and is estimated to reach 3580 million by the end of 2025, demonstrating a CAGR of 6.7% during 2019-2025.
“Pet service professionals come to Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference to bolster their skills, learn new techniques and advance their careers—they realize that their experience is amplified by the opportunity to connect with peers and develop a network for support,” said Jacinthe Moreau, WPA president. “Our event features acclaimed and renown subject matter experts but everyone has a transferable commodity of experience to share. This unique event provides a platform for the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to strengthen our already powerful community. The industry grows and we grow personally by sharing our expertise with others. This exchange fosters a legacy of collaboration, innovation and connection.”
New this year, Paint and Sip Party, provided a fun, engaging and relaxed atmosphere for attendees to network and showcase their artistic talents by painting with Heather Carter from Tickled Pink Pet Designs. Over an evening of art and wine, pet pro tips were shared that strengthened the ability of the pet community to stay current on business best practices, grooming trends and product offerings.
The largest grooming competition in the nation happens at Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference. Groomers and stylists from around the world come to this event to showcase their talent. Contestants double down for bragging rights and the chance to win nearly $30,000 in cash and other prizes. Congratulations to this year’s winners:
- Best First Time Competitor Contest Winner: Courtney Crowley, Two Mutts and a Poodle Pet Salon, St. Petersburg, FL
- (NEW!) Best International Stylist in Show: Jackie Boulton, Jackie Boulton, Calgary, AB
- Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show: Lindsey Dicken, Fetching Canine, Altamonte Springs, FL
- Best Pet Stylist in Show: Mackensie Murphy, Groomington Coat Factory, Sparta, NJ
- Poodle Finals: Veronica Frosch, Veronica Frosch, Coon Rapids, MN
- Mixed Salon Styling Contest Winner (Open Level): Ashley Pacini, Pash the Canine Boudoir, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Kenchii Cup Contest Winner: Ashley Waters, Fancy That Grooming, Claypool, IN
- Runway Abstract Contest Winner: Leslie Waldrep, Leslie Waldrep, Tuscumbia, AL
- Creative Styling Contest Winner: Milena Kon, DMK, Laurence Harbor, NJ
- Rescue Rodeo Contest Winner: Izaiah Pheasant, Two Mutts and a Poodle, St. Petersburg, FL
Check out the full winners list at www.atlantapetfair.org/2019-winners
With more than 70 seminars, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, in-depth presentations and onsite certification opportunities, every attendee had the opportunity to expand their repertoire and learn new skills. Top trends were also on full display on the exhibit floor where attendees were able to view and source thousands of products from national brands and emerging companies. From pet accessories to professional shears to ergonomically-correct grooming equipment, businesses found the most sought-after products to keep their stores performing at the highest level.
Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference is the premier show for pet service professionals in the Southeastern region of the U.S. Visit Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference for more highlights from this year’s show and to get the inside scoop on next year’s event, March 12-15, 2020 in Atlanta.
To join the industry for the largest international gathering of groomers, grooming competitions and industry related product discovery, plan to attend SuperZoo 2019 in Las Vegas, NV, August 20-22. Click here to register today.