Grooming trade shows and expos are where the industry comes together. They offer education you cannot get anywhere else, product demos you cannot find online, networking that leads to job offers and partnerships, and competitive grooming that pushes your skills to the next level. If you are serious about grooming as a career, attending at least one event per year is one of the best investments you can make.
Major Grooming Events in 2026
SuperZoo — Las Vegas, NV
When: June/July 2026 (dates confirmed annually at superzoo.org)
Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas
Attendance: 10,000+ industry professionals
SuperZoo is the largest pet industry trade show in North America. The grooming competition is world-class, with categories from beginner to master level. The expo floor features every grooming tool, product, and piece of equipment on the market — this is where you can test clippers, shears, and dryers before buying. Education sessions cover everything from breed-specific techniques to salon business management.
Best for: Groomers at any level who want the full industry experience — shopping, learning, competing, and networking all in one event.
Groom Expo — Hershey, PA
When: September 2026 (dates at groomexpo.com)
Where: Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA
Attendance: 5,000+ grooming professionals
Groom Expo is the premier grooming-only event. Unlike SuperZoo, which covers the entire pet industry, Groom Expo is 100% focused on grooming education and competition. The seminars are widely considered the best in the industry, taught by world-champion groomers and industry legends. The competition draws top talent from across the country.
Best for: Groomers who want intensive education and serious competition. This is where you go to get dramatically better at your craft.
Atlanta Pet Fair — Atlanta, GA
When: March 2026 (dates at atlantapetfair.com)
Where: Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
Attendance: 3,000+ professionals
A well-established Southeast event with a strong grooming competition track, educational seminars, and an expo floor. Smaller and more accessible than SuperZoo or Groom Expo, making it a great first event for groomers who have never attended a conference.
Best for: Southeast-based groomers and first-time conference attendees who want a welcoming, less overwhelming experience.
Groom Expo West — Pasadena, CA
When: Typically February (check barkleigh.com)
Where: Pasadena Convention Center, CA
The West Coast counterpart to Groom Expo in Hershey. Same quality of education and competition, closer to home for groomers in California, Arizona, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. Features many of the same instructors and competitors in a more intimate setting.
Best for: West Coast groomers who want Groom Expo-quality education without cross-country travel.
PetQuest — Various Locations
When: Various dates throughout the year
Where: Rotating locations across the US
Barkleigh Productions runs PetQuest events in multiple cities throughout the year. These are smaller, regional events that bring grooming education and competition to areas that do not have a major annual show. They are affordable, typically 1-2 days, and excellent for continuing education credits.
NDGAA Certification Workshops
When: Throughout the year at various events and standalone locations
Where: Various (check nationaldoggroomers.com)
The NDGAA holds certification testing workshops at major events and as standalone programs. Even if you are not ready to test for your NDGAA certification, attending a workshop is excellent education. You get to see what the practical exam looks like, learn from master-certified evaluators, and practice in a supportive environment.
What to Expect at Your First Grooming Trade Show
Education Sessions
Most events offer 20-50+ education sessions across multiple days. Topics include breed-specific grooming (poodles, terriers, sporting breeds), scissoring technique, hand-stripping, creative grooming, Fear Free handling, salon management, pricing strategies, and social media marketing for groomers. Sessions are taught by champion groomers, certified master groomers, and industry experts.
The Expo Floor
The trade show floor is where vendors display grooming tools, products, and equipment. This is your chance to:
- Test clippers, blades, and shears before buying — feel the weight, balance, and cutting action
- Compare dryer power and noise levels side by side
- Discover new products that have not hit retail yet
- Get show-exclusive pricing — many vendors offer 20-40% discounts at events
- Talk directly to manufacturers about warranty, maintenance, and product recommendations
Grooming Competitions
Competition categories typically include:
- Beginner — Your first competition. Judges evaluate basic grooming fundamentals
- Intermediate — For groomers with some competition experience
- Open/Advanced — Experienced competitors. Precise breed profiles and finishing
- Creative — Artistic grooming with color, sculpting, and theatrical themes
- Breed-specific — Poodle, terrier, sporting, all-other-breeds categories
Networking
The connections you make at trade shows often matter more than the sessions you attend. Grooming is a relationship-driven industry. The person you meet at the hotel bar might become your mentor, your future employer, or your first employee when you open your own salon.
How to Get the Most Out of a Grooming Event
- Register early. Early-bird pricing saves 20-30%. Popular sessions fill up.
- Plan your schedule. Review the session catalog in advance and map out which talks you want to attend. Prioritize sessions on skills you are weakest in.
- Bring business cards. You will meet people. Make it easy for them to find you later.
- Set a budget for the expo floor. It is easy to overspend on tools and products. Decide what you need before you arrive.
- Take notes and photos. You will forget 80% of what you learn within a week if you do not document it.
- Enter a competition. Even if you are terrified. The experience of grooming under pressure accelerates your growth more than any seminar.
- Stay for the social events. After-hours mixers, dinners, and parties are where real relationships form.
Can Your Employer Pay for It?
Many grooming employers will cover or subsidize trade show attendance. Companies like Petco, PetSmart, and larger independent salons often have continuing education budgets. Ask your manager — the worst they can say is no. If you are paying out of pocket, remember that trade show expenses (registration, travel, hotel) are tax-deductible as professional development.
Find Your Next Opportunity
Trade shows are one of the best places to discover new employers and career opportunities. But you do not have to wait for a trade show — search grooming jobs now on GroomerJob.com and find your next role from hundreds of companies across all 50 states.
