WPA Reports GROOM’D 2024 Set New Attendance Records, Announces Grooming Competition Winners

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GROOM’D, the grooming-focused conference and trade show for the pet care community, recently concluded its 2024 gathering, drawing nearly 4,000 industry professionals to the Georgia International Conference Center from March 8 to 10 in College Park, Georgia.

This year’s event saw a notable 15 percent increase in attendance compared to 2023, attracting nearly 4,000 pet care professionals from across the nation. Hosted by the World Pet Association (WPA), GROOM’D provided three days filled with grooming competitions, education sessions, networking opportunities, and a show floor featuring the latest tools and products.

Mike Karsting, senior vice president of WPA said they were “thrilled with the overwhelming success of GROOM’D 2024. This year’s event exceeded all expectations, bringing together a diverse and passionate community of pet care professionals.”

The record-breaking attendance is a testament to the growing importance of GROOM’D in our industry, providing unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and innovation. We’re proud to continue serving as a hub for excellence in pet grooming and care, and we look forward to building on this success for future events,” Karsting added.

The show floor covered 18,290 square feet of space hosting 105 exhibitors from various sectors of the pet care industry. Attendees had the chance to explore grooming tools, accessories, and wellness products while engaging with industry leaders.

Over 55 education sessions were conducted, totaling over 100 hours of live demos, hands-on workshops, and business seminars. Led by 28 industry experts, these sessions covered grooming techniques, business management strategies, and pet care best practices. Attendees gained valuable insights to enhance their skills and expertise, including mastering grooming techniques, ensuring animal comfort in boarding and daycare settings, and understanding coat types.

GROOM’D 2024 featured pet grooming competitions where groomers of all experience levels showcased their talent and creativity. Judged by celebrity groomers, over 180 professionals competed in various categories for a prize pool exceeding $18,000.

The 2024 first-place contest winners are:

Best in Show

• Best First-Time Competitor in Show: Jo Mitchel, Nomadic-Tails (Spring, Texas)
• Best International Pet Stylist in Show: Jovi Wagner, Churchill Dog Groomers (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)
• Best All-Around Pet Stylist in Show: Lis Johnston, Serenity Pet Spa (Madison, Wisconsin)
• Best Pet Stylist in Show: Veronica Frosch, The Paw Shoppe (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)

Mixed Salon/Freestyle

• Entry: Andrea Diamantidis (Shamong, New Jersey)
• Intermediate: Charlene Spencer (East Bethel, Minnesota)
• Open: Veronica Frosch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
• Best International Competitor in Class: Wynne Wong (Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada)
• Best First-Time Competitor in Class: Kayla Marion (Robertsdale, Alabama)

Other Purebreds

• Entry: Paige Yancey (Goodlettsville, Tennessee)
• Intermediate: Madeline Brown (Wytheville, Virginia)
• Open: Jessica Daltrey (Thorndale, Ontario, Canada)
• Group: Jessica Daltrey (Thorndale, Ontario, Canada)
• Best International Competitor in Class: Jessica Daltrey (Thorndale, Ontario, Canada)
• Best First-Time Competitor in Class: Sarah Miller (Brookhaven, Georgia)

The Extreme Duo

• First Place: Mackensie Murphy & Angela Kumpe (Cicero, New York)

The Clipper Class (sponsored by Wahl)

• First Place: Madeline Rothwell (Mesa, Arizona)

Wire Coats (Hand Strip) (sponsored by PetEdge)

• Entry: Allison Miller (Columbus, Wisconsin)
• Intermediate: Stephanie Wilson (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• Open: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
• Group: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
• Best International Competitor in Class: Jovi Wagner (Saskatoon, Canada)
• Best First-Time Competitor in Class (Sponsored by Andis): Jo Mitchell (Carrollton, Georgia)

Abstract Design Challenge

• Ethan Parsons (Quebeck, Tennessee)

Sporting (Spaniels & Setters) (sponsored by earthbath)

• Entry: Jessica Ogle (Chandler, Texas)
• Intermediate: Amy Gillespie (Upper Darby, Pennsylvania)
• Open: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
• Group: Lis Johnston (Madison, Wisconsin)
• Best International Competitor in Class: Nadia Bongelli (Brampton, Ontario, Canada)

Poodles (Sponsored by GEIB Buttercut)

• Entry: Nanci Cardenas (Leander, Texas)
• Intermediate: Janna DeBey (Lilburn, Georgia)
• Open: Veronica Frosch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
• Group: Veronica Frosch (Coon Rapids, Minnesota)
• Best International Competitor in Class: Melissa Abbott (Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada)
• Best First-Time Competitor in Class: Kaitlyn Burfield (Blue Ridge, Georgia)

Creative Dog & Cat Styling (Sponsored by Wag ‘n Tails Mobile Conversions)

• Entry: Heather Kelly (Shreveport, Louisiana)
• Open: Jordan Peterson (Ooltewah, Tennessee)