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.

Hair and Skin 101 Certification Course

Dr. Cliff Faver

Learn the science, techniques, and product types to successfully put the “why” in what you do. This course is a must for groomers, bathers, and office personnel in the grooming shop and veterinary clinic alike. Come see what some say can’t be done! Real-time cases done by groomers will be shared.

1) Understanding Hair and Skin

Learn the basic anatomy and function of the skin and hair. This is a critical foundation for this class and everything a groomer or bather does. This hour will explain a lot of the science about how nutrition, sebum, and basic anatomy work so you can understand the “why” in what you do.

2) Understanding the Difference in Coat Types and The Protocols to Use

In this class you will learn the needs of the different coat types so you can make better decisions in the product types you pick for maximum results.

3) Understanding Common Things That Go Wrong and That Lead To Skin issues

Always wonder why these skin conditions occur and reoccur? Does technique play a factor? Could I have caused that issue? When the client or veterinarian accused me of causing the issue, is that true?

4) The Science to Follow in Treating Skin Issues

Learn methods, techniques, and types of products to fix the skin problems when they occur. Learn principles that will lead to success when treating skin issues, how to grow hair back on those shaved-down dogs, and why steroids and antibiotics and the typical therapies for skin don’t always work.

Come learn how as a groomer you can make a difference and save lives.

Terrier Tips from Mr. Terrier

Scott Wasserman

This seminar will focus on the history of terriers and their use, tools and techniques of hand-stripping and preparation of soft-coated terriers. The course is designed to give groomers an in-depth understanding of terrier grooming. Scott will discuss how to choose the right tools and proper techniques, bathing and conditioning, as well as how to start puppies and grooming the geriatric dog for wire-coated dogs. He will be teaching the ways of staging a coat, rolling a coat, trimming flatwork as well as how to establish quality furnishings. Proper bathing and conditioning per breed standard of soft-coated terriers will also be discussed. The seminar will culminate with a demo of hand-stripping a wire coat and the trimming of a soft-coated terrier.

Super Styling Everyday Dogs

Sue Zecco & Jay Scruggs

Sue and Jay have collaborated for many years teaching seminars all over the world, and now virtually with their Super Styling Sessions app. Spend the day with this dynamic duo as they give valuable tips for prepping, grooming, and finishing those everyday shop dogs. They will demonstrate achievable pet trims on several different common breeds (and mixed breeds) during this four-hour seminar.

Sue and Jay will use several tools in their grooming toolbox to highlight breed profiles and simple pet trims that will keep your clientele in easy-to-maintain trims with some flair. “This seminar will focus on adding personality to an average-looking dog,” says Jay. “We will show how to balance the head in with the rest of the body and how to set the length with clippers to cut out a lot of scissoring. This will help save time with the finishing process.”

Keeping breed profile on pet trims is all about achieving a natural finish with snap-on combs and finishing with thinning shears. Blending the body and not leaving defined lines in the coat is easy to achieve when you use the right techniques. Some coat types that come in the shop everyday can be unforgiving, but Sue and Jay will share their secrets and tips to get a nice, stylish finish every time. Your clients will never be happier once you implement these Super Styling secrets to your everyday trims!

Mobile Grooming Certificate Course: Soup to Nuts

Mary Oquendo

So you want to go mobile, but not quite sure where to start? This four-hour workshop will get you started on your journey to becoming that successful mobile groomer. Mary will begin with getting your business started: choosing a type of vehicle, setting up a compliant business with a structure that works for you, and developing your plan for success. She will then move on to clients: setting those boundaries, being safe, routing and scheduling, pricing, and adding in extra services and retail. Next she will cover maintenance, sanitation, and safety. Then it will finish off with creating the documentation, such as business plans, SOP Manuals, and all the important marketing that creates your path to success.

Thursday Evening

Quick and Easy Dye Work Pattern for the Salon

Angela Kumpe & Adrian Pope

Creative color can be fun, safe, and easy if you know the proper techniques and products—or quite the opposite if you do not. In this fun and exciting class, creative groomers Angela Kumpe and Adriane Pope will show you how to complete amazing, quick creative grooms for your clients. You will be shown several different designs that are easy to do in everyday situations. PowerPoint step-by-step examples as well as live demos.

Bich What!

Macie Pisa

Join a GroomTeam USA Team member as she maps out grooming on one of the most beautiful breeds—the Bichon! Learn to turn those "little white crusty" dogs to puffy perfection. In this one-hour demo Macie will teach you to round up those heads and give the perfect Bichon butt lift.

Proper Blade Maintenance and Clipper Care

Nick Sklar

In this seminar, Nick Sklar of Whitman’s Sharpening will go in depth describing the differences in the variety of blades, attachments, and clippers available, as well as how to take care of them. Discover the ways clippers can make your work easier and how you can take care of your blades so that they take care of you. Understand the nuances of proper blade care and what it does to extend the life of your equipment from attending this seminar. Advance your clipper work from basic to expert with the knowledge you gain from the class.

Barkleigh Pet Professional First Aid & CPR Certificate Course (Repeated Friday)

Kelsey Ann Sexton

Kelsey Ann Sexton is an award winning Nationally Certified Groomer with almost two decades of Professional Pet Grooming experience. She owns an award winning salon outside of Nashville, TN that focuses on customer relationships for routine grooming services. She's also a member of Foxy Roxy Supply Company's Pro Team. Kelsey was nominated for Barkleigh Honors Speaker of the Year in 2022 and has a passion for continued education in the Pet Grooming Industry.

In this two hour course, you will learn how to stock a first aid kit, perform CPR, respond to breathing and heart emergencies (including choking), and disaster procedures, with some of these exercises being demonstrated on a demo dog. This unique course is customized for pet care professionals and you will learn how to respond to emergencies specific to your industry. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a frameable certificate stating that you are certified in Pet Professional First Aid & CPR.