In the world of professional pet styling, there is one annual pilgrimage that stands above all others. For the 5,500 professionals who converged on the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the 2022 Groom Expo was far more than a trade show; it was a global reunion, an educational powerhouse, and a definitive celebration of an industry that treats its members like family.
Described by Pooch Perfect co-star and seminar speaker Jayne Gallagher as "the heartbeat of our industry," the 2022 Expo proved that the grooming community is not only thriving but evolving into a more supportive and mentally conscious collective. From international competitors traveling thousands of miles to local business owners looking to sharpen their skills, the event served as a testament to the passion that drives the modern pet care sector.
A Global Gathering of Talent
The sheer scale of the 2022 Groom Expo was staggering. Groomers arrived from across the globe, turning the Hershey Lodge into a melting pot of techniques, trends, and shared experiences.
For many, the trek to Pennsylvania was a monumental undertaking. Sarah Warner, a first-time attendee from Australia, noted the gravity of the event. "I heard that Groom Expo was the biggest in the world," Warner shared. "When I found out I had been nominated for a Barkleigh Honors Award, I knew I had to attend." After a grueling 30-hour journey covering over 10,000 miles, Warner’s initial anxieties were immediately quelled by the warmth of the reception. "From the moment I checked in, I felt like I was among ‘my people.’ The vendors, attendees, and even the competition judges were the most approachable and supportive collection of people I’ve ever met."
This sentiment was echoed by attendees from closer to home. Jeff and Elizabeth Childers, who traveled from Tennessee to prepare for the launch of a new self-serve dog wash and professional grooming facility, found the trip transformative. "The Expo has provided an enormous amount of valuable information," Elizabeth explained. "Dr. Cliff Faver’s ‘Business 101’ seminar alone was enough to make the whole trip worthwhile."
The "Superbowl" of Grooming: A Chronology of the Expo
The event was structured to provide a comprehensive experience, balancing high-stakes competition with deep-dive educational opportunities.
The Educational Foundation
The seminar schedule functioned as the intellectual core of the Expo. Jennie Smith, owner of a grooming salon and school in Loveland, Colorado, brought her entire 13-member staff to the event. For Smith, the Expo is the "Superbowl" of the industry. Her team utilized the VIP package to maximize their learning, taking advantage of the lounge to process the wealth of information gathered from sessions.
One of the most significant shifts in the 2022 agenda was the introduction of a dedicated mental health series. "We are all such empaths for the dogs, our clients, and our staff, that we often forget to take care of ourselves," Smith noted. For a 37-year veteran of the industry, the candid, vulnerable discussions provided by speakers served as a powerful reminder that no professional, regardless of their tenure, has to struggle alone.
The Competitive Arena
Throughout the weekend, the grooming competitions took center stage. The atmosphere in the main hall was electric, as spectators watched world-class stylists work from start to finish. The techniques on display—ranging from precision scissoring to complex color theory in the creative categories—offered a masterclass in skill acquisition.
The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the Barkleigh Honors Awards and dinner on Saturday evening. The ballroom was filled with a sense of collective accomplishment. The "Abstract Runway" competition, featuring 26 contestants, pushed the boundaries of wearable art, while the awards ceremony itself saw attendees rise in a standing ovation for Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Delise Knight. The emotional weight of the moment underscored the deep bonds of the grooming community.
Creative Triumphs
Sunday’s Creative Grooming competition drew participants from as far as England. Vikki Pearman, who traveled 3,576 miles to compete, described the experience as a "dream come true." Similarly, Jolene Siebeneck, an 18-year veteran, experienced a career-defining moment when she secured both the "People’s Choice Award" and 1st Place in her category. "Every competitor works so hard and puts in countless hours for this moment," Siebeneck said. "I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that I won both."
Supporting Data and Industry Insights
The 2022 Groom Expo was not merely a social event; it was a vital economic and educational engine for the pet grooming industry. With over 5,500 attendees, the trade show floor became a hub of commerce. Vendors reported high levels of engagement, as groomers took advantage of show specials to upgrade their equipment, test new shampoos, and invest in the ergonomic tools necessary to sustain long-term careers.
The data suggests that the industry is moving toward a more professionalized model. By integrating business management courses, such as those led by Dr. Cliff Faver, with artistic training, the Expo is helping to reduce the high turnover rates often seen in the grooming sector. The emphasis on mental health and peer-to-peer support systems has become a hallmark of this professional growth, creating a culture where success is defined not just by the quality of a haircut, but by the sustainability of the groomer’s lifestyle.
Official Voices and Personal Testimonies
The success of the Expo is best understood through the stories of those who experienced it. The "Groomers of the Galaxy" opening-night party and the Internet Social provided the necessary downtime for professionals to network and decompress.
Andrea Zelinsky’s experience in the Creative competition offers a poignant look at the supportive nature of the event. Overwhelmed by nerves, Zelinsky was comforted by fellow groomer Stacy Przbylinski, who reminded her to "just listen to the music and forget about the crowd." Zelinsky went on to win the "Rising Star" award, but her most lasting impression was the camaraderie of her peers. "I have found my place among a community that strives for personal best but also strives for community success," she said.
Implications for the Future of Grooming
As the 2022 Groom Expo concluded, the implications for the future of the industry were clear. The grooming profession is shifting from a fragmented collection of independent stylists toward a unified, global professional community.
The emphasis on education—specifically in business acumen and mental health—indicates that the next generation of groomers will be better equipped to manage the rigors of their profession. Furthermore, the global participation, exemplified by attendees from Australia and the UK, proves that the techniques and standards set in Hershey have a ripple effect that touches salons worldwide.
For participants like Sarah Lagos, who traveled alone but left with a renewed sense of purpose, the Expo provided more than just a certificate of attendance. "I realized that this career is the reason I’ve been able to find happiness, hope, and a purpose," Lagos reflected. "I have a future. It’s what I was meant to do."
As the industry looks toward future iterations of the Groom Expo, the message remains constant: the heartbeat of the grooming world is strong, resilient, and ready to welcome anyone with a pair of shears and a passion for animals into the fold. The Expo has cemented its status as the industry’s essential gathering place, ensuring that the art of grooming continues to be a respected, vibrant, and deeply human-centric profession for years to come.
