GCGA

Barkleigh's Fun in the Sun Grooming Show (F.I.T.S.)

October 16-19, 2025

Prime F Osborn Convention Cente, Jacksonville, FL, USA

Barkleigh's Fun in the Sun (F.I.T.S.) is an annual pet grooming show that features a trade show, educational seminars, and grooming competitions. It is run by Barkleigh Productions, an event company specializing in the pet care industry.

Trade show

Dozens of pet care manufacturers and distributors showcase and sell their products. Attendees can find bargains, special discounts, and product demonstrations.

Educational seminars

Industry professionals lead classes on a wide range of topics to help groomers improve their skills. These cover everything from refining grooming techniques and managing a business to the science of shedding.

Grooming competitions

Highly anticipated events like the World Cup Grooming Games attract top groomers from across the nation to compete for prizes. Contests test skill levels from beginner to expert in various categories, including breed-specific and creative styling.

Networking opportunities

The event provides a space for groomers and other pet care professionals to connect with colleagues and industry vendors.

Other Creative Grooming Events in USA

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Image for Rocky Mountain Groom Expo - Arizona

Rocky Mountain Groom Expo - Arizona

The Rocky Mountain Groom Expo - Arizona (or Groom Expo Phoenix) is an educational and networking event for professional pet groomers held in Mesa, Arizona, featuring seminars on grooming techniques and business practices, a vendor hall with suppliers, and skill-based contests for groomers to showcase their talents. The event brings together industry experts, vendors, and groomers to provide opportunities for skill development, career growth, and community building within the pet grooming profession.

Education:

You can attend classes and seminars led by industry experts on topics such as advanced grooming techniques, skin and coat care, pet nutrition, and business growth.

Vendor Hall:

Over 30 vendors showcase innovative tools, high-quality products, and essential services designed to help groomers thrive.

Contests:

Competitions are held to test and showcase creativity, skill, and artistry, offering chances for participants to win prizes.

Networking:

The expo provides a platform to connect with fellow groomers, industry professionals, and vendors, fostering a supportive community and lasting connections.

Oct. 30 - Nov 2, 2025

Mesa Convention Center

https://rockymountaingroomexpo.com/rmgx-arizona/

Image for Barkleigh's Groom Expo West

Barkleigh's Groom Expo West

Barkleigh's Groom Expo West (GEW) is the premier professional pet grooming conference, tradeshow, and competition on the West Coast, hosted by Barkleigh Productions. It features a large trade show with nearly 100 vendors, educational seminars on grooming techniques and business management, and competitions to test skills. Attendees can shop for the latest grooming tools and supplies, learn from industry experts, and connect with fellow pet professionals.

Trade Show:

A massive marketplace with nearly 100 vendors showcasing grooming tools, supplies, and business solutions.

Educational Seminars:

Numerous sessions led by respected speakers cover topics from advanced grooming techniques to software and social media for businesses.

Competitions:

Attendees can witness or participate in exciting grooming contests.

Networking:

A valuable opportunity to meet and mingle with other pet professionals from across the country.

Industry Leading:

GEW is recognized as the second-largest professional pet grooming conference and trade show in the world.

What to Expect

At Groom Expo West, you can discover new products, try out equipment, and take advantage of exclusive show specials. The event offers educational content, business-focused workshops, and a platform for professional development in the pet care industry.

Pasadena, California

Feb. 25 - 28, 2027

Pasadena Convention Center

https://www.groomexpowest.com

Rocky Mountain Groom Expo

The Rocky Mountain Groom Expo (RMGX) is an educational trade show for professional pet groomers. The event features seminars from industry experts, grooming competitions for all skill levels, and a vendor showcase with grooming products and services.

Educational seminars:

Groomers can attend classes taught by industry leaders on various topics, including coat and skin science, ergonomics to prevent injuries, and animal behavior.

Grooming competitions:

The expo hosts competitions with different skill divisions, allowing both beginners and seasoned pros to compete for prizes. Contests often include categories like breed standard classes, creative grooming, and freestyle.

Trade show floor:

Attendees can shop from and interact with vendors who offer the latest products, tools, and equipment. Vendors often provide product demos and show specials.

Community networking:

The expo provides a space for groomers to connect with peers, share knowledge, and build professional relationships in a friendly environment.

Colorado Springs, CO

July 16-19, 2026

Mesa Convention Center

http://rockymountaingroomexpo.com

Image for WPA's Groom'D

WPA's Groom'D is a premier annual conference and trade show for pet grooming and care professionals, organized by the World Pet Association (WPA). The event features expert-led education and workshops, grooming competitions with prize money, an exhibition of new products and tools, and networking opportunities for industry professionals to share ideas and grow their businesses.

Education:

Professionals can attend over 100 hours of seminars, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops led by industry experts to improve their skills and earn continuing education credits.

Competitions:

Groomers of all experience levels can compete in various contests, showcasing their talent and artistry for significant prize money.

Trade Show Floor:

A large exhibition space allows attendees to discover the latest tools, fashion, wellness products, and technology from over 100 exhibitors.

Networking:

The event facilitates valuable connections between peers, leaders, and exhibitors through networking receptions and parties, fostering a vibrant community.

Continuing Education:

Specific sessions offer continuing education credits, helping professionals maintain their certifications.

Who Attends GROOM'D

The event attracts thousands of professionals from across the country, including: Pet groomers, Boarding and daycare facility owners and operators, Kennel professionals, and Other pet care professionals.

College Park, GA

March 13-15, 2026

Georgia International Convention Center

https://www.groomd.org

Image for RW GroomX Grooming Competition

RW GroomX Grooming Competition

RW GroomX is an annual dog grooming event featuring a competition, trade show, and educational classes, sanctioned by Groom Team USA. It provides a platform for groomers to network, learn new skills, showcase products, and connect with industry leaders and enthusiasts at the Owensboro Convention Center in Kentucky.

Grooming Competition:

A prestigious event where groomers compete in various categories, judged on balance, symmetry, and finish.

Trade Show:

An opportunity for vendors to connect with professionals, display their products, and for groomers to find new supplies and innovations.

Educational Classes:

Expert-led seminars and workshops covering a wide range of topics to help groomers enhance their skills and knowledge.

Groomers:

Both professionals and enthusiasts attend to learn, compete, and network within the grooming community.

Vendors & Sponsors:

Industry leaders and brands showcase their products and services to a captive audience of groomers.

May 28-31, 2026

Owensboro Convention Center

http://rwgroomx.com

Image for Windy City Grooming Show

Windy City Grooming Show

The Windy City Grooming Show is presented by Groom Factory and is the first GroomTeam USA Sanctioned Event of the year. The show is held in Conjunction with The Great American Dog Show at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Illinois just outside of Chicago.

Presented by Groom Factory, it is a GroomTeam USA-sanctioned event that allows groomers to compete in various classes, including breed-specific grooms and creative sculpting, judged on technical skill, creativity, and presentation.

What you can expect to see:

Grooming competitions: Competitors demonstrate their skills in classes like Wire Coat, Sporting, Poodle, and Freestyle grooming, with judges evaluating technical skill and overall balance.
Extreme Creative grooming: A specialized competition focusing on originality of design, color application, precision, and the amount of work completed during the competition.
Educational elements: Groomers can attend seminars and educational sessions.
Vendor booths: Businesses related to pet grooming can have booths at the expo.

Key Features:

GroomTeam USA Sanctioned: The show follows the rules and standards set by GroomTeam USA.
GroomHaüs Media Sponsor: The event partners with GroomHaüs, providing media coverage and editing content for participants to share on social media.
Uncapped Entries: Registration for competitive classes is uncapped, allowing more participants to enter.
In conjunction with The Great American Dog Show: The show runs alongside another major dog event.

Tinley Park, IL

January 2-4 2027

Tinley Park Convention Center

https://windycitygroomingshow.com

Barkleigh's All American Grooming Show

Barkleigh's All American Grooming Show, run by Barkleigh Productions, is a major annual pet industry event that combines education through seminars, challenging grooming competitions, and a large trade show for pet professionals. As the world's longest-running grooming show, it offers programs on pet handling and care, skill-honing competitions, and a marketplace to purchase supplies and equipment.

Education:

The event features seminars and workshops on various aspects of pet care, animal behavior, and grooming techniques.

Competitions:

Groomers compete in sanctioned events for different skill levels and classes, showcasing their skills in various categories, including Poodles, Terriers, Sporting, and creative styles.

Trade Show:

A significant component is the trade show, where over 80 vendors offer show specials, demonstrations, and discounts on a wide range of products and equipment for the pet care industry.

Industry Networking:

The show provides a platform for professionals to network, learn from industry leaders, and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in pet care.

Tradition:

The event maintains many of the long-standing traditions started by its founder, Jerry Schinberg, while also introducing new educational opportunities.

August 13–16, 2026

Schaumburg Convention Center

http://www.aagroom.com