(PRESS RELEASE) RIVERSIDE, CA — World Pet Association (WPA) announces that GROOM’D 2024, the grooming-focused conference and trade show for the pet care community, will take place March 8-10 at the Georgia International Conference Center in College Park, Georgia. Over three days, GROOM’D is set to deliver cutting-edge education, engaging networking opportunities, thrilling grooming competitions, and exclusive product showcases. Positioned for substantial growth, GROOM’D expects more than 3,500 grooming, boarding, daycare, kennel, and pet care professionals nationwide to attend the 2024 event, solidifying its reputation as the must-attend event for the flourishing pet services industry.
Mike Karsting, senior vice president of WPA, expressed his excitement for the upcoming event: “We’re eagerly counting down to GROOM’D 2024, where pet care professionals unite for an immersive experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned or novice groomer, a boarding facility owner, a daycare or kennel operator, or a dedicated pet care professional, there is something for everyone. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic showcase of interactive demos and expert-led seminars, along with the latest tools and products. GROOM’D promises to elevate our industry and unveil new strategies for success, while offering invaluable opportunities to connect with peers, share insights, and explore cutting-edge advancements in pet care practices.”
GROOM’D 2024 will feature:
Top-Notch Education Led by Industry Experts
With more than 100 hours of education including 55+ seminars, live demos and hands-on workshops led by industry experts, GROOM’D provides unmatched opportunities for pet styling professionals of all experience levels to perfect their craft and grow their businesses. The show also offers five courses (including three CPR classes) that provide continuing education credits for professionals maintaining their Professional Grooming Credential (PGC). Non-PCG groomers also benefit from these sessions by updating their foundational knowledge, safety and technical skills. The comprehensive education program will take place
Friday-Sunday and will feature several new and fan-favorite sessions, including:
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- Determine Your Own Salary for Business Owners – Michell Evans
- Drop Coat Demo – Jonathan David
- Ensuring Canine Comfort: Safety Practices for Dog Boarding and Daycare – Amy Hillis
- Feline Grooming for Success – Dana Chavez-Rey
- Getting Back to Basics – Markie James
- JRenerG: How to Connect with Dogs Through Energy and Touch – Jess Rona
- Ready-Set, Go – Bathe, Prep, Dry! – Teri DiMarino (PGC course)
- Talk Dirty to Me: Sanitation in the Pet Care Industry – Chris Quinlan
- The Fifteen Coat Types – Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins (PGC course)
GROOM’D will welcome 28 industry experts to lead these sessions at this year’s event, including five participating for the first time as speakers and many returning, to share their expertise:
- Dana Chavez-Rey: Owner, A Purrfect Groomer Mobile Pet Salon *NEW*
- Amy Hillis: Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Social Pet Hotel & Daycare *NEW*
- Markie James: Owner, Bark Side Pet Grooming *NEW*
- Jess Rona: Owner, Jess Rona Grooming *NEW*
- Jennifer Wolf-Pierson: General Manager, ABC Pet Resort & Spa *NEW*
Grooming Competitions
Grooming all-stars of all experience levels will have the chance to compete for $18,000+ in prize money and showcase their talent in multiple contests. Celebrity judges include:
- Jonathan David (Owner, That Groomer Guy Mobile Pet Grooming): Featured expert for Animal Planet and ABC’s “The View;” award-winning competitor, journalist, and judge; GroomTeam USA member 2008–2009
- Teri DiMarino (President, DiMarino & Associates and Co-founder and President, California Pet Professional Pet Groomers Association): Cardinal Crystal Groom Awards, including American Groomer of the Year and Judge of the Year; three-time GroomTeam USA Gold Medal winner; featured in Animal Planet’s “Groomer Has It”
- Adriane Pope (Owner, Adriane’s Groom & Go Mobile Grooming): Cardinal Crystal Award, Mobile Groomer of the Year and Creative Groomer of the Year nominee; Dog World, World Champion Creative Groomer, 2017; featured in “Well Groomed” HBO documentary, 2019
Innovative Pet Care Products
More than 100 exhibitors will showcase the latest in shears and tools, fashion and accessories, wellness products, technology and more at GROOM’D. Attendees will receive exclusive show deals and discounts from many of the industry’s top suppliers, providing an affordable way for pet care professionals—including groomers, boarders, and daycare and kennel operators—to secure the best new products on the market.
In-Person Networking and Connections
GROOM’D brings together more than 3,500 grooming and pet care professionals for industry networking events that facilitate idea sharing and collaboration. This year’s networking reception will be held Friday, March 8 from 5-7 p.m. The Paint & Pour Party will be held Saturday, March 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is a ticketed event with limited spaces.
For more information about GROOM’D and to register, visit groomd.org. Connect with GROOM’D online on Facebook and Instagram.
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.
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