Groom Expo West information coming soon!
*Last year's info below

Thursday Programs

Brusher Bather Certificate Program

Teri DiMarino

Your ability to do your job, and do it right, separates you from being "just a bather" to a position that contributes to the finished product in the salon. Teri believes that a good bath, brush and dry is 50% of a great groom. The bathing room is where most stylists started. Before future groomers begin to think of clipping coat, they must first know what to expect from the hair, and how to treat it to obtain desired results. Surprisingly, many great B/Bs remain in the bathing room, preferring the security of knowing there will always be a need for their expert services. Bathers-in-training, "groomer wannabes", seasoned groomer techs and salon owners will benefit from this day-long program with tips on equipment and products to make the job easier. From getting the dog ready for the tub, to finding the right shampoo through proper bathing and blow-drying techniques, Teri will cover the B/B fundamentals. Safety issues and handling will be stressed.

Tools of the Trade and How to Use Them

From brushes and nail clippers, muzzles to grooming loops, Teri covers equipment basics, highlighting correct uses, in an effort to make the work easier and more comfortable for pet and bather. "These techniques and tools will make the finished groom a true work of art," says Teri. Anals and ears will be also discussed.

Dematting… It’s Not What It Used To Be

Everyone has a technique for dematting a neglected pet. For some, it’s a shave-down and then entering the pelt in a Mat Contest. For others, it’s a time-consuming, hair-splitting experience, destined to take its toll on the pet, the B/B or both. Teri examines the most common and effective products, tools and techniques for the demat dilemma without getting all tangled up.

What’s In Those Bubbles??? Shampoos, Conditioners & Spray

Tocopherol, Ergocalciferol, Sodium Chloride. Teri takes a "groomers-eye" view of the stuff we use every day in language we can understand. Shampoos, sprays and conditioners are our most expendable items but what do we really know to select the right product for our situation? (Those scary words are techno-speak for vitamin E, vitamin D and simple table salt, often found in many grooming products.)

Getting the Most Out of Your Bathing and Drying Time

Bathing and drying are the most underestimated aspects of our jobs. Techniques can make or break a groom. The ability to properly apply products, thoroughly clean and then dry the pet will have a direct influence on the finish. You will hear about time-saving equipment and techniques.

This program is six hours long and is included in the Do-It-All admission or can be purchased separately. See Schedule and Registration for starting times and fees. Program includes Trade show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Feline Safe Handling Certificate Course

Dana Chavez-Rey

Join cat expert Dana Chavez-Rey in this four-hour, interactive certificate course where you will learn how to safely handle a cat, including identifying aggression, how to safely and effectively evaluate a feline, safely remove a feline from a carrier, and gently restrain a feline. A frameable certificate will be issued upon completion of this course.

Safe Handling Difficult Dog Certificate Course

Melissa Jepson

In today's increasingly litigious society, it's more important than ever to understand how to safely handle as many different types of dogs as possible. So what do we do when we feel our safety is compromised? In this comprehensive four-hour class, Melissa will show you in real time how to quickly, compassionately, and efficiently handle the difficult behavioral problems we face every day.

Doodle Days with Super Styling Sessions

Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs

Join Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs as they host an all-doodle seminar with live demos! Three different doodles will be groomed, all having different coat types and trims. Learn how to properly prep these coats to get a great finish. They will also demonstrate how to choose the correct trim for each individual dog, as they are all built differently. Let them explain how to choose what trims are best for the clients to maintain. This jam-packed seminar will go over tools, products, timesaving tips, scheduling, and so much more!

The Kons, the Pros, and the Mobile Grooming Life

Milena Kon & Jameson Kon

What can someone expect when they are making the decision to go mobile for the first time? Take this crash course from someone that came from the corporate world, jumped right into the grooming world, and now operates two grooming vans. Hear what worked and what didn't; from advertising and marketing, to routing and scheduling, to continuing education and building your career model, so you can live your dream. Join this motivational seminar to learn the ups and down of the mobile grooming life and prepare yourself to think outside the box.

Thursday Evening

The Many Faces of JRG

Jess Rona

Ever wonder why some dogs look old and sad and other dogs look like cute young puppies? Do you ever look at a dog’s face and feel unsure of the best way to shape the ears, balance the chin, or how much length to take off? Grooming the whole face of a dog can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start, so Jess developed an easy-to-follow, step-by-step blueprint that takes the big picture and cuts it down into small concepts so you can create a gorgeous, youthful, adorable expression on any face type.

Stop Letting Your Company Run You, Run Your Company!

Elli Bultemeier

Let’s face it, no one wants to talk about policies and procedures. How boring!?! Well I disagree! Having written policies and procedures does not make you “corporate,” it makes you a legitimate business. Let your business run on autopilot by setting expectations with management, employees, customers, and everything in between. We will unpack everything from employee handbooks, call-offs, no-show/last-minute cancellation policies, and much more!

Diving into the Contest Ring

Mackensie Murphy

Have you ever wondered if grooming competitions are for you? How do you even get started? Mackensie has 12 years of experience in the contest ring as one of the USA’s top competitors, and in this seminar, will dish out all of her secrets! From how to get started, finding dogs and packing for shows to advanced open-level tricks and insight. Let's not even get started about getting registered! This class will be sure to prepare you for your next competition, fine-tune your attention to detail, and help set you up for success!

Salon Sanitation Certificate Course Post COVID

Corina Stammworthy

Learn how to clean like a microbiologist! Corina will teach you sanitation techniques used in the laboratory that she has incorporated into her regular salon practices. This class will cover how to disinfect everything in your salon using both chemical and mechanical methods, as well as an overview of the common pathogens that cause problems in the industry. A certificate will be mailed after completion of this two-hour course.