Groom Expo Events
Best In Show Awards
Saturday Evening
First, it’s an elegant dinner and overall a grand occasion with some of the finest cuisine that the Hershey Lodge chefs can offer.
After dinner, the GroomOlympics Best in Show awards will take center stage. The big bucks will be given away as 5 groomers, from the five classes who competed on Friday and Saturday, strut their stuff. The winners will be chosen by the judging panel, and one GroomOlympics World Champion will be crowned.
Groom Expo Opening Night Party
Friday Night 9:00pm
in the Nigerian Room
Join us for an unforgettable "Night Under the Stars" themed networking party! Step into an enchanting evening where you'll have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals against a backdrop of twinkling lights and celestial décor. Capture the magic in our themed photobooth, dance the night away to the sounds from your favorite artists, enjoy a cash bar and much more. This event is free to all attendees, and is the perfect opportunity to mix, mingle, and make lasting connections. Don't miss out on an evening that promises to be as bright and brilliant as the stars above!
Slipper Saturday
Abstract Creative Runway
Saturday Evening
Following the Best in Show awards at Groom Expo, groomers will have the opportunity to showcase the beauty in simplicity by entering Saturday evening’s abstract runway competition. Taking place between Saturday’s dinner and the Barkleigh Honors Awards, the competition features beautifully sculpted, simple abstract designs that use minimal color, if any. These designs should be doable in one day and be appropriate for a client’s dog or cat. Without any elaborate scenery or costumes, contestants will rely on their designs and complementary stylist’s attire as they compete for prizes of $1000, $500, and $250.
Sponsored by
Saturday Night - Aztec Room
Barkleigh Honors After Party
Saturday Night 9:30pm - 12:00am
in the Cocoa Terrace Room
It’s time to bring your singing from the shower to the stage! Join us after the Barkleigh Honors Awards on Saturday night in the Cocoa Terrace for One Hit Wonder Karaoke. Grab a drink and a friend and stop by to show off those vocal cords! Doors open at 9:30pm.
Playnight at the Puppy Playground
Friday Evening 7:00pm
More than 80,000 dogs have participated on the Playground. The systems that have evolved are focused on safety and promote owner responsibility. We invite you to come see what we do. Learn why we do it, and how you can too!
Internet Mingle
Hosts: Jameson & Milena Kon
Thursday Evening 7 - 10pm
It’s great that everyone gets to know each other on social media, but this is a great opportunity to get to meet them in person!
Come check it out, and invite all your groomer friends to come along. Those that have attended our mingles before, knows how much fun they are! There will be food, drinks, and plenty of raffles and interactive games. Hope to see you guys there! Let’s mingle and let’s have fun!!!
Rescue Round-Up Invitational
The Rescue Round-Up Invitational the culmination of a year’s worth of rescue competitions at shows all over the country. The top three placements from Groom Expo, Groom Expo West, Groom'd, Northwest Grooming Show, PetQuest, All American and SuperZoo are invited to compete.
But, the real winner in this event are the dogs that are in need of a home. Nearly every dog used in the competitions over the past few years has been adopted.
Sponsored by
Creative Styling Contest
Creative Styling Contest at Groom Expo, with $5,500 in prize money and trophies.
This is the highlight of the Expo, with the winner taking home great prize money. This contest will offer first, second and third placements with $2,500, $1,500 and $1,000 to each winner, respectively. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will win $500 and will be seen on the cover of Groomer to Groomer magazine.
The contest is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, and viewing is FREE to all seminar and trade show attendees.
Luncheons
Luncheons have always been great fun at Groom Expo — a really nice time to get to know pet professionals from another state or even another country. Plus you will be served a tasty meal… without eating it on the run or at your grooming table! Now there is a plus.
Be sure and get the VIP or Deluxe admission so you can enjoy these great Expo meal events in between your seminars. Expo Meals can also be purchased separately.
