GROOM’D, the grooming-focused conference and trade show produced by World Pet Association (WPA), will kick off March 10 at the Georgia International Conference Center in College Park, Ga. From March 10-12, GROOM’D will bring three days of educational opportunities, networking parties, grooming contests and product sourcing to more than 3,000 grooming and pet care professionals from across the U.S., WPA officials reported.

Formerly known as Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference, the event received a fresh look and name in 2022. GROOM’D 2023 will include all the features and business-enhancing opportunities that Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference participants know and love.

“We can’t wait to meet this year for the first-ever GROOM’D and continue providing pet grooming and services/boarding professionals with everything they need to transform their passion into profitability,” said Vic Mason, president of WPA. “We are excited to debut GROOM’D next month. We wanted our branding to feel modern, fun and represent everything the pet services community brings to our annual event. The new, simplified logo, name and colorful imagery accomplish those objectives and convey the true nature of the show—professional, energetic and exciting.” 

With more than 95 hours of education including 58 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, WPA officials said. The show also offers 10 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, officials added. The education program will take place Friday-Sunday and will feature several new and fan-favorite sessions, including:

GROOM’D will welcome 27 industry experts to lead these sessions at this year’s event, including several participating for the first time as speakers:

Grooming all-stars of all experience levels will have the chance to compete for $15,500 in prize money and showcase their talent in multiple contests. Celebrity judges include:

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 attending groomers and pet care professionals to secure the best new products on the market.

GROOM’D brings together more than 3,000 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 10 from 5-7 p.m. The Paint & Pour Party will be held Saturday, March 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and is a ticketed event with limited spaces.

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