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Education, Energy Highlight Atlanta Pet Fair

Pet Age Staff//April 15, 2020//

Education, Energy Highlight Atlanta Pet Fair

Pet Age Staff //April 15, 2020//

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Press release: Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference

Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference, the Southeast’s largest competition and trade show for professional pet stylists, rounded out 2020 with an incredible showing of dedication and passion for their industry, despite rising concern over COVID-19. Event attendance totaled at 1,986 with 82 vendors and over 12,440 NSF of show floor exhibits compared with 2207 attendees in 2019.

“The level of commitment to the Atlanta Pet Fair displayed by the grooming community is nothing short of incredible and this year’s event was no exception. We had three days filled with enthusiasm, education and energy from our contestants, attendees and exhibitors and we are looking forward to delivering an even better event for 2021,” said Vic Mason, interim president of World Pet Association.

Groomers were eager to display their expertise at one of North America’s largest grooming competitions – with 47 individual contests in 13 categories, featuring 134 entrants and 339 dogs.

Best in show winners included:

  • Best Pet Stylist in Show – Lindsey Dicken, Fetching Canine, Altamonte Springs, FL
  • Best All Around Pet Stylist in Show – Lindsey Dicken, Fetching Canine, Altamonte Springs, FL
  • Best International Pet Stylist in Show – Jovi Wagner, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
  • Best First Time Competitor in Show – Ryley Beckwith-Kirkland, Topknotch Pet Stylz, Central, SC

Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference 2020 offered 49 seminars – including special seminars – in subjects ranging from mobile grooming and cat grooming to treating skin and coat problems. Sessions also covered new trends in grooming styles to hot button issues like CBD for pets and an informative session on canine respiratory disease.Atlanta Pet Fair 2

“We want to thank our exhibitors for their professionalism and understanding at this year’s event,” Courtney Harold, EVP of the World Pet Association, stated. WPA made the decision not to host classes on Sunday, March 15, due to growing concerns about large gatherings due to COVID-19. “It was an unprecedented situation and our community rallied with encouragement and support, which we are grateful for,” said Harold.

WPA would like to extend appreciation to their 2020 sponsors: 123 PET Software, AKC – American Kennel Club, Andis, Animal Photograpy, Glo-Marr, Groomer to Groomer Magazine, Evolution Shears, Love Groomers, Nature’s Specialties, Oster Professional Care, Pet Ag, Puppy Playground, TropiClean, Wahl Professional, and Wag’n Tails.