“GROOM’D is a celebration of the creativity, dedication and talent that define our industry,” said Mike Karsting, SVP at World Pet Association, organizers of GROOM’D. “This year’s event focuses on innovation and community, bringing together professionals to share insights, develop skills and foster connections that will elevate their craft and careers.”

Education That Inspires Excellence
GROOM’D 2025 delivers a comprehensive education program featuring over 50 sessions, workshops and demonstrations tailored to help grooming and pet care professionals refine their skills, expand their businesses and stay ahead of industry trends.

This year’s lineup introduces dynamic topics and celebrated speakers, including Terrie Hayward (Positive Animal Wellness), Kelsey Sexton (Kelsey Ann Grooming), Jay Scruggs (Here Comes the Groom Mobile) and Sue Zecco (The Pampered Pet Grooming Salon), sharing expertise on technical skills, business growth and wellness.

Highlights from the program include:

• Model Dog Styling Workshop (Special Session): Hands-on practice creating signature head styles, including teddy bear and freestyle designs, with expert guidance.
• CPR-PetTech First Aid and Care for Your Pets (Special Session Friday – Sunday): Essential life-saving skills, including CPR and first aid, with take-home materials and certification.
• Doodlegate: Liability and safety strategies for grooming matted pets, protecting businesses and clients.
• Maximizing Profit : Adding Boarding to Existing Facility:Proven methods to expand services, attract clients and increase revenue.
• How to Make a Business Scalable: Learn how to build a profitable, sustainable business that’s future-proofed for long-term success and retirement.
• Mental Health in the Grooming Salon: Self-care and stress management strategies tailored for grooming professionals.

For the full schedule and speaker list, visit the Education Schedule.

A Marketplace of Innovation
With over 105 exhibitors, GROOM’D 2025 boasts the largest exhibitor presence in its history, showcasing the latest grooming tools, wellness products and technologies. This year will introduce several new exhibitors, including Zora Shears, GroomBox and Mercedes-Benz of Atlanta Northeast, alongside returning favorites. Attendees can explore live demonstrations, exclusive deals and hands-on experiences to elevate their craft and enhance their services.

Competitions Showcasing Grooming Expertise
With over $18,000 in prizes, the grooming competitions at GROOM’D celebrate creativity and skill across various categories. This year, GROOM’D will introduce two new contests — Let the Fur Fly and The Grooming Shop Challenge — that showcase the talent and artistry of groomers. A distinguished panel of judges, including international experts Angela Anderson (Angels Grooming Solutions, New Zealand) and Kitty Dekeersgieter (Transgroom NV, Belgium), will evaluate the competitions. Their expertise and insights will provide valuable feedback and highlight global grooming trends.

Building Powerful Connections Through Networking
GROOM’D 2025 offers attendees the chance to connect with peers, industry leaders and exhibitors in a vibrant community setting. The Friday Networking Reception provides a relaxed space to build relationships, while Saturday’s Abstract Runway Contest inspires collaboration and creativity. These events will foster camaraderie, spark meaningful conversations and create connections that can elevate careers and the grooming industry.

Karsting added, “The connections made at GROOM’D are invaluable, from discovering new product sources to finding mentorship and forging partnerships that shape careers and elevate the grooming industry.”

For more information about GROOM’D, including the full schedule, speaker lineup, exhibitor list and to register, visit the GROOM’D website. Stay connected through Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.

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, USAQUA-USAVIA, 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. For more information about WPA, visit www.worldpetassociation.org.

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