"Groom Expo is where we gather and speak the language of grooming," says Jayne Gallagher, a celebrated seminar speaker and co-star of the hit series Pooch Perfect. "It’s the heartbeat of our industry!"
In late 2022, that heartbeat was stronger than ever. Over 5,500 pet grooming professionals from every corner of the globe descended upon the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. What started as a niche gathering has evolved into the "Superbowl" of the grooming world—a multi-day immersion into technique, business strategy, emotional wellness, and, perhaps most importantly, professional solidarity.
The Global Gathering: A Melting Pot of Expertise
The scale of the 2022 Groom Expo was, by all accounts, historic. Attendees traveled from as far as Australia and England, underscoring the event’s status as the premier destination for grooming education and networking. For many, the trek to Pennsylvania was not just a business trip, but a pilgrimage to the center of their professional universe.
Sarah Warner, an Australian groomer, made the daunting 30-hour, 10,000-mile journey to Hershey. "This was my first visit to any grooming show outside of Australia," Warner noted. "I heard that Groom Expo was the biggest in the world, and when I found out that I had been nominated for a Barkleigh Honors Award, I knew I had to attend."
Upon arrival, the apprehension of long-distance travel was quickly replaced by a sense of belonging. "The first person to greet me by name was Rebecca Shipman at the registration desk," Warner recalled. "From that moment on, I felt like I was among ‘my people.’ I found the vendors, attendees, and even the grooming competition judges to be the most approachable, kind, supportive, and friendly collection of people."
Chronology of the Expo: From Business Basics to Creative Mastery
The event was structured to provide a comprehensive roadmap for both budding entrepreneurs and seasoned veterans.
Educational Foundations
The weekend began with an intensive focus on the business of grooming. For first-time attendees Jeff and Elizabeth Childers, who traveled from Tennessee to launch a new self-serve dog wash and professional grooming salon, the experience was transformative. "The Expo has provided an enormous amount of valuable information," Elizabeth Childers explained. "Dr. Cliff Faver’s ‘Business 101’ seminar was enough to make the whole trip worthwhile."
The "Superbowl" Experience
For salon owners like Jennie Smith, who brought her entire 13-member staff from Loveland, Colorado, the Expo was an opportunity to foster team growth. Utilizing the VIP package, her team found a sanctuary in the VIP lounge, a dedicated space for networking and quiet reflection between high-octane seminars. "One of my girls got to be Victor Rosado’s assistant for his ‘Supercharge Your Grooming’ seminar," Smith shared. "Let me tell you—she is still on cloud nine!"
Mental Health and Industry Well-being
A standout theme of the 2022 event was the dedicated mental health series. In an industry defined by intense empathy for animals and high-pressure client demands, the speakers addressed the often-overlooked necessity of self-care. Smith, a 37-year industry veteran, found this series to be a turning point. "We are all such empaths for the dogs, our clients, and our staff that we forget to take care of ourselves," she noted. "To hear the speakers open up about their own struggles was powerful. It was impactful to know I wasn’t alone."
Supporting Data: The Anatomy of the Expo
The event was anchored by three primary pillars:
- The Trade Show Floor: A massive exhibition space where vendors showcased the latest in grooming technology, tools, and supplies. Groomers took advantage of exclusive show specials to restock their inventories, with options available for every skill level and budget.
- The Competition Arena: Throughout the weekend, attendees witnessed live grooming competitions. These sessions served as masterclasses, allowing the audience to observe the techniques, tools, and precise movements of the world’s elite groomers in real-time.
- Social Connectivity: Events like the "Groomers of the Galaxy" opening-night party and the Internet Social provided the glue that held the community together. These informal gatherings allowed for the organic exchange of ideas and the strengthening of professional bonds.
Official Recognition: The Barkleigh Honors
The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday evening Barkleigh Honors Awards dinner. The ballroom served as a venue for celebrating excellence, with the crowd erupting in thunderous applause for every nominee.
The emotional zenith of the evening occurred when Delise Knight was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award." The standing ovation that followed served as a testament to the respect the community holds for its pioneers.
Creative Grooming: Art in Motion
Sunday brought the Creative Grooming competition, an arena where groomers display their artistic flair. Competitors like Vikki Pearman, who traveled 3,576 miles from England, described the experience as a "dream come true."
Jolene Siebeneck, an 18-year veteran, experienced a career-defining moment, winning both the "People’s Choice Award" and 1st place in the competition. "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 awards!"
Overcoming Anxiety and Finding Community
Even for those competing at a high level, the environment can be daunting. Andrea Zelinsky, a creative groomer who struggled with pre-competition nerves, found support from her peers. "I opened the bathroom door and saw Stacy Przbylinski, who quickly asked me if I was all right," Zelinsky recounted. "Stacy immediately showed me her love and support and said, ‘Just listen to the music and forget about the crowd.’ And that’s exactly what I did."
Zelinsky’s eventual win as a "Rising Star" served as a powerful reminder of the industry’s collaborative spirit. "I have found my place among a community that strives for personal best but also strives for community success," she added.
Implications for the Future of Grooming
The 2022 Groom Expo was more than a trade show; it was an affirmation of a profession. The recurring sentiment among attendees was one of profound gratitude and renewed purpose.
For individuals like Sarah Lagos, the experience provided a sense of clarity regarding her career path. "I could tell you all the things I bought and what I did every day, but my biggest takeaway was during the Barkleigh Honors Awards," Lagos reflected. "As the awards were presented, speeches given, and tears shed on stage, I felt a sudden and immense gratitude. I realize that this career is the reason I’ve been able to find happiness, hope, and a purpose. I have a future. It’s what I was meant to do."
As the industry continues to evolve, the Groom Expo remains the essential gathering place for professionals to sharpen their skills, address the mental health challenges of the trade, and celebrate the shared bond that makes grooming a unique and vital career. By providing both the technical education needed to thrive and the emotional support needed to endure, the Expo ensures that the heartbeat of the industry will continue to resonate for years to come.
About the Author: Kathy Hosler has been a fixture in the grooming industry since opening her own shop in 1971 at the age of 19. A seasoned professional and dedicated advocate for the craft, Hosler is a frequent contributor to Groomer To Groomer and Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazines. Her expertise has earned her multiple nominations for the Barkleigh Honors Journalist of the Year and the Cardinal Crystal Achievement Award for Grooming Journalism.
