(PRESS RELEASE) COLLEGE PARK, GA — GROOM’D 2026 concluded March 15 at the Georgia International Convention Center, closing three days of competition, education and product discovery with a 17 percent rise in education participation and the largest contest prize pool in event history.
From first-time competitors to seasoned salon owners, thousands of grooming professionals gathered to test their skills, build their knowledge and take home tools to grow their businesses. Organized by the World Pet Association, the event drew more than 4,000 attendees and 115 exhibiting companies. This year, one in four exhibitors was new to the show, expanding the range of products and services available on the floor.
“GROOM’D 2026 exceeded our expectations across the board,” said Mike Karsting, senior vice president of World Pet Association. “The grooming profession is raising its own bar, and this event exists to support that momentum. The groomers who come here are serious about their craft. They compete at a high level, they push themselves to learn and they go home better prepared to serve their clients and grow their businesses.”
Education was the defining story of 2026, with participation rising 17 percent over last year as grooming professionals filled more than 60 sessions. The increase signals that the industry is actively seeking formal pathways to sharpen skills and raise professional standards.
The program covered technique, breed-specific styling, business operations and safety standards, led by nationally recognized groomers, competition winners and educators who set the benchmarks for the profession. For the first time, Live Expert Demos ran across all three days directly on the show floor, bringing applied instruction into the same space where attendees could immediately evaluate the tools being demonstrated.
“All our workers have really loved the quality and the depth of all the classes. It wasn’t just a corporate slide show. They’re coming out of their classes really excited,” said Adam Rossow, owner of Bark Avenue Paw Spa LLC in Safford, Arizona.
GROOM’D draws professionals who want to measure their skills against a national standard. In 2026, 205 competitors entered nine contests and vied for a combined prize pool of $29,975, the largest in event history and roughly 60 percent higher than last year.
The 2026 first-place contest winners are:
INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
- Best Pet Stylist in Show: Lis Johnston | Madison, Wisconsin
- Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show: Ramie Burgess | Randleman, North Carolina
- Best First Time Competitor in Show: Stevie Jo Elliot | Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
- Clipper Classic: Caitlyn Pesetsky | Queen Creek, Arizona
- Abstract Design: Patty Lee | Mooresville, North Carolina
- Extreme Duo: Lori Craig & Angela Kumpe | Moore, Oklahoma
GROUP WINNERS
Other Purebreds
- Group: Sophia Staples | Reston, Virginia
- Open: Sophia Staples | Reston, Virginia
- Intermediate: ShaRae Diggs | Houston, Texas
- Entry: Katie Kanapsky | Waxhaw, North Carolina
Wire Coats (Handstripping)
- Group: Lis Johnston | Madison, Wisconsin
- Open: Lis Johnston | Madison, Wisconsin
- Intermediate: Courtney VanCamp | Cape Coral, Florida
- Entry: Scarlett Lemons | Randleman, North Carolina
Sporting Spaniels & Setters
- Group: Sommer Ferguson | Edgerton, Wisconsin
- Open: Sommer Ferguson | Edgerton, Wisconsin
- Intermediate: Allie Uncapher | Derby, New York
- Entry: Sara Hawkins | Morrison, Tennessee
Poodles
- Group: Ramie Burgess | Randleman, North Carolina
- Open: Ramie Burgess | Randleman, North Carolina
- Intermediate: Kimberly Levesque | Derry, New Hampshire
- Entry: Amber Sellers | Needville, Texas
Mixed Salon/Freestyle
- Open: Lis Johnston | Madison, Wisconsin
- Intermediate: Melanie Charland | Apex, North Carolina
- Entry: April Bower | Crozet, Virginia
Creative Dog & Cat Styling
- Open: Alicia Mulac | Romeoville, Illinois
- Entry: Caroline Couture | Culleoka, Tennessee
See the full list of contest winners here.
The success of GROOM’D 2026 reflects the continued growth and dedication of the professional grooming community, made possible with support from the following organizations:
- Animal Photography: Grooming Contest Photographer
- Foxy Roxy’s Supply Co.: Best First Time Competitor in Show
- Wahl Clipper: The Clipper Classic
- Geib Buttercut: Poodle Contest
- earthbath: Sporting (Spaniels & Setters) Contest
- The Funky Poodle Brand: Show Lanyards and Attendee Badges
- Zymox & Oratene by Pet King Brands: Best Pet Stylist in Show
- Gingr: Creative Dog & Cat Styling Contest
- Aeolus International Pet Products: Expert Demos Room
- PetStore Direct: Attendee E-Registration
Planning is already underway for GROOM’D 2027, which will take place March 12–14, 2027. For more information, visit groomd.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, including World Alliance of Grooming Associations, National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), USARK FL, USARK, HABRI, Pet Advocacy Network, Pet Sustainability Coalition, BEAK, Pet Care Trust/Pets in the Classroom, Project Piaba, and USAQUA, 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; leading efforts in the public sector to inform consumers and ensure safe, healthy lifestyles for all animals; and providing business resources, education, content and services to ensure pet product retailers have the support they need to be competitive. WPA is proud to partner with Pets+, the official GROOM’D media partner, to further support and elevate the pet retail community. For more information about WPA, visit www.worldpetassociation.org.
