Atlanta Pet Fair Opens 2017 Registration

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Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference—the Southeast’s largest trade show, conference and competition for professional pet stylists and service professionals—has launched online attendee registration for its 2017 event, being held March 9-12 at the Georgia International Convention Center. The show is produced by World Pet Association (WPA).

This year marks the second at the Georgia International Convention Center, allowing attendees to enjoy North America’s largest grooming competitions—with 10 contests spread over three days—right on the larger show floor, while browsing more than 100 of the top product, tool and equipment suppliers in the industry. Show hours for 2017 have been tweaked to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference will offer more than 70 seminars geared toward groomers and the pet services industry in subjects ranging from mobile grooming and cat grooming to treating skin and coat problems to marketing and social media. Sessions will also cover new trends with new speakers, including Dr. Michah Kohles, Jennifer Lee, Mario DiFante, Olga Zabelinskaya and Lynn Switanowski, who will present a complimentary 90-minute session spotlighting social media and how it can improve your business on Friday, March 10.

“It’s important for World Pet Association to offer our attendees a fun and professional setting to further their grooming education as well as offering products and services that will boost their business,” WPA President Doug Poindexter said. “We take pride in providing groomers and pet professionals the knowledge and resources they need to be successful.”

Crowd favorites, including Rescue Rodeo, will take place along with popular competitions such as Creative Styling and First Timers. New for 2017 is the Kenchii Kup, which will award $5,000 to the first-place winner. The deadline to enter any of the contests is Friday, February 24 at 5 p.m. Pacific.

Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference is the first show to adopt new rules spelled out by GroomTeam, with the organization’s Sanctioned Classes for competitions in the Open Division: Wire Coat Handstripped, Other Purebred Scissoring, Sporting Spaniels and Setters, Poodles. The Intermediate and Entry competitions will still take place, but no longer count toward GroomTeam points.

“The change in GroomTeam rules will allow contestants to abide by widely accepted international rules,” said Judy Breton, CMG, CKO director of Grooming & Special Services for WPA. “This ensures everyone is on a level playing field and GroomTeam will award points to the very best in their field.”

This year’s sponsors include: Andis Company, Electric Cleaner Company, Espree Animal Products, Evolution Shears, Fresh ‘n Clean Products, Kenchii Professional Grooming, Learn2GroomDogs.com, Nature’s Specialties, Oster Professional Products, ShowSeason Animals Products, Wag’n Tails Mobile Conversions and Wahl Clipper Corporation.

In addition, Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference will host a Cartoon Party where attendees are encouraged to dress as their favorite cartoon characters. Complimentary food and fun will be served along with music.

For more information or to register online: www.atlantapetfair.org.