(PRESS RELEASE) RIVERSIDE, CA — GROOM’D, the grooming-focused conference and trade show for the pet care community, reached unprecedented heights at its highly anticipated 2024 gathering, held from March 8-10 at the Georgia International Conference Center in College Park, Georgia. This year’s event saw an impressive 15% increase in attendance compared to 2023, with nearly 4,000 pet care professionals from across the nation converging for an unforgettable experience. Hosted by the World Pet Association (WPA), GROOM’D delivered three exhilarating days filled with all-star grooming competitions, insightful education sessions led by industry experts, invaluable networking opportunities and a dynamic show floor showcasing the latest tools and products.
Reflecting on the remarkable achievement of GROOM’D 2024, Mike Karsting, Senior Vice President of WPA, stated: “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming success of GROOM’D 2024. This year’s event exceeded all expectations, bringing together a diverse and passionate community of pet care professionals. The record-breaking attendance is a testament to the growing importance of GROOM’D in our industry, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and innovation. We’re proud to continue serving as a hub for excellence in pet grooming and care, and we look forward to building on this success for future events.”
The show floor at GROOM’D 2024 was a hub of activity, spanning 18,290 nsf of space and hosting 105 exhibitors from various sectors of the pet care industry. Attendees had the opportunity to explore an extensive range of grooming tools, accessories, and wellness products while networking with industry leaders.
The event featured over 55 education sessions, totaling over 100 hours of live demos, hands-on workshops, and business seminars. Led by 28 industry experts, these sessions covered a diverse range of topics including grooming techniques, business management strategies, and pet care best practices. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about mastering drop coat techniques, ensuring canine comfort in boarding and daycare settings, achieving success in feline grooming, and understanding the intricacies of coat types, among other valuable insights and knowledge to enhance their skills and expertise. Among these sessions, five courses (including three CPR classes) were designated as Professional Grooming Credential (PGC) courses, providing continuing education credits for professionals maintaining their certification.
Groomers of all experience levels took center stage at GROOM’D 2024, showcasing their talent and creativity at Atlanta’s biggest pet grooming competitions. Judged by a panel of celebrity groomers, more than 180 pet services professionals competed in various competitions for a prize pool exceeding $18,000. The event saw an impressive showcase of skill and dedication as groomers vied for top honors in categories ranging from mixed salon to abstract design challenge. The 2024 first-place contest winners are:
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Best in Show
- Best First-Time Competitor in Show: Jo Mitchel, Nomadic-Tails (Spring, Texas)
- Best International Pet Stylist in Show: Jovi Wagner, Churchill Dog Groomers (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)
- Best All-Around Pet Stylist in Show: Lis Johnston, Serenity Pet Spa (Madison, Wisconsin)
- Best Pet Stylist in Show: Veronica Frosch, The Paw Shoppe (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
Mixed Salon/Freestyle
- Entry: Andrea Diamantidis (Shamong, New Jersey)
- Intermediate: Charlene Spencer (East Bethel, Minnesota)
- Open: Veronica Frosch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
- Best International Competitor in Class: Wynne Wong (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada)
- Best First-Time Competitor in Class: Kayla Marion (Robertsdale, Alabama)
Other Purebreds
- Entry: Paige Yancey (Goodlettsville, Tennessee)
- Intermediate: Madeline Brown (Wytheville, Virginia)
- Open: Jessica Daltrey (Thorndale, Ontario, Canada)
- Group: Jessica Daltrey (Thorndale, Ontario, Canada)
- Best International Competitor in Class: Jessica Daltrey (Thorndale, Ontario, Canada)
- Best First-Time Competitor in Class: Sarah Miller (Brookhaven, Georgia)
The Extreme Duo
- First Place: Mackensie Murphy & Angela Kumpe (Cicero, New York)
The Clipper Class (sponsored by Wahl)
- First Place: Madeline Rothwell (Mesa, Arizona)
Wire Coats (Hand Strip) (sponsored by PetEdge)
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- Entry: Allison Miller (Columbus, Wisconsin)
- Intermediate: Stephanie Wilson (Cincinnati, Ohio)
- Open: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
- Group: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
- Best International Competitor in Class: Jovi Wagner (Saskatoon, Canada)
- Best First-Time Competitor in Class (Sponsored by Andis): Jo Mitchell (Carrollton, Georgia)
Abstract Design Challenge
- Ethan Parsons (Quebeck, Tennessee)
Sporting (Spaniels & Setters) (sponsored by Earthbath)
- Entry: Jessica Ogle (Chandler, Texas)
- Intermediate: Amy Gillespie (Upper Darby, Pennsylvania)
- Open: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
- Group: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
- Best International Competitor in Class: Nadia Bongelli (Brampton, Ontario, Canada)
Poodles (Sponsored by GEIB Buttercut)
- Entry: Nanci Cardenas (Leander, Texas)
- Intermediate: Janna DeBey (Lilburn, Georgia)
- Open: Veronica Frosch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
- Group: Veronica Frosch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
- Best International Competitor in Class: Melissa Abbott (Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada)
- Best First-Time Competitor in Class: Kaitlyn Burfield (Blue Ridge, Georgia)
Creative Dog & Cat Styling (Sponsored by Wag ‘n Tails Mobile Conversions)
- Entry: Heather Kelly (Shreveport, Louisiana)
- Open: Jordan Peterson (Ooltewah, Tennessee)
Organizers of GROOM’D extend their gratitude to the generous sponsors whose invaluable support made this event possible. Their commitment to excellence and dedication to the pet care community has significantly contributed to the success of GROOM’D, ensuring an unparalleled experience for all attendees. The GROOM’D 2024 sponsors are:
- Andis Company: Best First-Time Competitor In Show, Best Pet Stylist in Show
- Animal Photography: Grooming Contest Photographer
- Artero USA: Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show
- EARTHBATH: Sporting (Spaniels & Setters) Contest
- GEIB Buttercut Handmade Shears: Poodle Contest
- MoeGo Inc.: Show Bags
- PETEDGE/Bardel Bows: Wire Coats Contest
- PetStore.Direct: E-Registration
- Puppy Playground: Doggy Play/Relief Area
- Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions LLC: Creative Styling Contest
- Wahl Clipper: The Clipper Classic
PETS+ served as the media partner for GROOM’D and covered the event live over the weekend. See full coverage at petsplusmag.com/events/groomd.
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Planning for GROOM’D 2025 is already underway and will take place March 7-9, 2025. Those interested in additional opportunities can join the pet care community at SUPERZOO, August 14-16, 2024, in Las Vegas and access curated grooming education and explore a comprehensive product showcase. Learn more at www.superzoo.org.
About World Pet Association
Founded in 1950, World Pet Association (WPA) is the pet industry’s oldest nonprofit organization. WPA connects and informs pet professionals through industry-defining trade shows SUPERZOO and GROOM’D (formerly Atlanta Pet Fair and Conference). Through WPA’s Good Works program, proceeds from these events are funneled back into key industry organizations and nonprofits with the goal of making it easier for pet industry professionals to do business. WPA’s mission is to support the business needs of pet retailers and to promote responsible growth and development of the pet industry by providing thought leadership on consumer and legislative issues; lead efforts in the public sector to inform consumers and ensure safe, healthy lifestyles for all animals; and provide business resources, education, content and services to ensure pet product retailers have the support they need to be competitive. For more information about WPA, visit www.worldpetassociation.org.
