CategoryAnimals & Pets
GROOM'D - formerly Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference
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About this event
GROOM’D – formerly Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference (2027)
GROOM’D is a professional pet grooming trade show and conference designed specifically for pet care professionals, bringing together groomers, kennel operators, educators, and pet-industry businesses in one dedicated marketplace. The event connects attendees with grooming trends, practical education, tools of the trade, and competitive grooming events—creating a full professional ecosystem rather than a general consumer pet fair.
When: March 12–14, 2027
Where: Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337, United States
What attendees come for
GROOM’D positions itself as a “one-stop-shop” for professional groomers and pet-care operators at every stage of growth. Attendees can network with more than 4,000 like-minded pet pros, attend expert-led education and interactive sessions, and browse a large exhibitor marketplace featuring grooming supplies, accessories, and technology.
- Connections galore: Groomers and pet-care professionals meet peers through networking events across the show floor, focused on sharing best practices and learning from other operators.
- Top-notch education: Attendees participate in dozens of expert-led seminars and interactive sessions aimed at improving technique and business performance.
- Tools of the trade: The marketplace includes 115+ exhibitors showcasing products, accessories, and technology used to upgrade grooming operations.
- Grooming contests: The event includes grooming competitions with a prize pool highlighted as the largest in the Southeast, featuring $29,000+ in cash and prizes.
Event format and experience
The event runs for three days and combines multiple professional tracks: show floor access, education sessions via onsite seminars, and grooming contests that attract both competitive groomers and spectators. The structure is designed to support both learning and hands-on exposure to new products and industry developments.
Who the event is for
GROOM’D is built for professional pet grooming stakeholders—especially groomers and kennel operators—along with industry participants serving the professional grooming market. It emphasizes business growth, technique improvement, and networking among people who operate in the grooming and pet wellness space.
Attendee and participant policies
The event states that no personal pets are allowed. Only pets used for demos or contests are permitted, which helps keep the environment focused on professional grooming activities and structured demonstrations.
Visitor and pass options
GROOM’D provides multiple show floor access options:
- 3-Day Pass: access to the show floor Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Weekend Pass: access to the show floor Saturday and Sunday.
- Sunday Pass: access to the show floor Sunday only.
Why GROOM’D matters for the grooming industry
GROOM’D is positioned as a central gathering for the professional grooming community—helping participants plug into grooming trends, discover new tools and business insights, and improve performance through education. It also provides a high-intent environment where groomers and pet-care professionals can evaluate products and solutions directly from industry exhibitors while staying engaged through contests and learning sessions.
Quick summary
- Event: Professional pet grooming trade show and conference
- Dates: March 12–14, 2027
- Location: Georgia International Convention Center, College Park, GA, United States
- Networking: More than 4,000 pet pros
- Education: Dozens of expert-led seminars and interactive sessions
- Exhibitors: 115+ marketplace exhibitors
- Contests: Grooming contests with $29,000+ in cash and prizes
Data sheet
GROOM'D - formerly Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: March 12–14, 2027
Location: Georgia International Convention Center, Atlanta / College Park, Georgia, United States
Event Status: Upcoming
Research Date: July 1, 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | GROOM'D - formerly Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference |
| Event Date | March 12–14, 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Georgia International Convention Center |
| City | Atlanta / College Park |
| State / Region | Georgia (GA) |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | World Pet Association |
| Official Event Website | groomd.org |
| Event Type | Trade show, education conference, competition, and networking event for the professional pet grooming community |
| Primary Category | Animals & Pets |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Business Services, Education & Training, Retail, Logistics & Transportation |
| Audience Reach | National with regional Southeast concentration |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | 4,000+ attendees advertised by organizer |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Medium — organizer-promoted estimate on official website; attendance figure not independently audited publicly |
| Main Purpose of Event | To connect professional groomers, kennel operators, and pet care businesses with education, competitive grooming events, products, tools, and business growth opportunities |
About the Event
GROOM'D is a specialized professional pet grooming industry event formerly known as Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference. The official website positions it as a one-stop destination for pet care professionals to discover grooming trends, tools, pet wellness solutions, business insights, education sessions, and competitive artistry. The event is scheduled for March 12–14, 2027 at the Georgia International Convention Center in the Atlanta area.
This event matters because it sits at the intersection of grooming education, pet product sourcing, and professional service delivery. It attracts groomers, kennel operators, pet business owners, and suppliers of grooming equipment, accessories, software, and wellness-related products. For B2B sellers, the show is useful for lead generation, distributor outreach, product placement, education-led selling, and relationship building within a concentrated buyer community.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional groomers | Independent grooming salons, mobile groomers, franchise groomers | Primary end-user and product evaluator | Core audience for grooming tools, supplies, software, and education |
| Kennel operators | Boarding kennels, pet resorts, daycare operators | Operational buyer for grooming-related products and services | Relevant for equipment, sanitation, facility tools, and pet care supplies |
| Pet business owners | Salon owners, multi-location pet service operators | Budget owner / purchasing decision-maker | High-value prospects for recurring supply, software, and service contracts |
| Pet product buyers / merchandisers | Retail chains, specialty pet retailers, online pet brands | Assortment and category purchasing influence | Relevant for wholesale grooming products and private-label opportunities |
| Distributors and wholesalers | Pet supply distributors, regional wholesalers, importers | Channel buyer / reseller decision-maker | Important for vendor onboarding and expanded market reach |
| Retail operations leaders | Pet retail, pet wellness chains, feed stores | Influences product selection and service integration | Relevant for shelf-ready grooming merchandise and in-store services |
| Educators and competition judges | Grooming schools, professional associations, contest panels | Influencer and specifier role | Useful for credibility-building, product demonstrations, and sponsorships |
| Industry consultants and coaches | Business coaches, salon growth advisors, pet industry consultants | Advisory influence on client purchasing | Can drive referrals and multi-account introductions |
| Sponsors and brand partners | Pet brands, service vendors, software providers | Commercial decision-maker and budget holder | Relevant for event sponsorship and joint promotional activations |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Atlanta / College Park | Local and metro-area pet businesses | High | Convenient access for regional salons, kennels, and distributors |
| Host state / region: Georgia and Southeast U.S. | Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Carolinas, Mississippi | High | Strong regional draw for the pet services and pet retail ecosystem |
| Nearby business hubs | Atlanta metro, Savannah, Birmingham, Charlotte, Nashville, Jacksonville, Orlando | Medium to High | Likely source markets for multi-site operators and regional distributors |
| National reach | Professional groomers and pet business owners from across the United States | Medium | Education and competition format can attract national attendance |
| International reach | Limited but possible from pet grooming and supply vendors | Low to Medium | Primary draw appears domestic; international trade participation may be supplier-led |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | The official website presents GROOM'D as a major professional gathering for the grooming community, with attendees traveling from multiple U.S. markets. |
| Regional | Secondary reach description | Atlanta is a strong Southeast hub, making the event especially attractive to nearby pet service and retail buyers. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PetSmart | Retail buyer / pet services operator | Large pet retail and grooming services footprint; category and services teams are relevant to grooming supplies and tools | petsmart.com | Category Manager, Merchandising Director, VP Merchandising, Grooming Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Petco | Retail buyer / pet services operator | National pet retail chain with grooming service operations and product assortment needs | petco.com | Category Manager, Director of Grooming Services, Procurement Manager, Merchant | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Chewy | E-commerce buyer / distributor | Major online pet retailer and distributor with assortment and vendor-partnership relevance | chewy.com | Category Manager, Vendor Manager, Merchandising Director, Sourcing Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming | Franchise operator / grooming services buyer | Pet grooming-focused franchise with recurring equipment, supplies, and retail needs | woofgangbakery.com | Franchise Operations Director, Procurement Manager, Owner, Training Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| EarthWise Pet | Franchise operator / specialty retail buyer | Pet retail and grooming network likely to source tools, shampoos, accessories, and service-related products | earthwisepet.com | Owner, Director of Operations, Purchasing Manager, Franchise Development Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Bark Avenue Pet Spa | Independent grooming salon | Representative of mid-sized grooming businesses seeking tools, equipment, and education | barkavenuepetspa.com | Owner, Salon Manager, Lead Groomer, Operations Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Scenthound | Pet care services operator | Pet hygiene and grooming-adjacent service model with multi-location purchasing potential | scenthound.com | Director of Operations, Procurement Lead, Franchise Operations, VP Services | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Ryan's Pet Supplies | Distributor / wholesaler | Wholesale pet supply business relevant for grooming goods sourcing and channel expansion | ryanspet.com | Purchasing Manager, Sourcing Director, Sales Director, Category Buyer | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Pet Edge | Distributor / manufacturer / reseller | Well-known grooming product distributor with direct relevance to show-floor procurement | petedge.com | Buyer, Category Manager, Product Manager, Sales Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Groomers' Choice | Manufacturer / distributor | Professional grooming product supplier; useful for partner, reseller, and competitive positioning research | groomerschoice.com | Brand Manager, Sales Director, Channel Manager, Procurement Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Andis Company | Manufacturer | Grooming clipper and tool manufacturer with direct exhibit and partnership relevance | andis.com | Product Manager, Channel Sales Director, Marketing Director, Partnership Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Owner / Founder | Executive | Owner | Controls purchasing, vendor selection, and business growth strategy |
| 2 | Operations Director | Operations | Director | Evaluates workflow, staffing, equipment, and service efficiency |
| 3 | Procurement Manager | Purchasing | Manager | Directly manages supplier sourcing and purchasing decisions |
| 4 | Category Manager / Merchant | Merchandising | Manager to Director | Influences assortment, pricing, and supplier negotiations |
| 5 | Salon Manager / Lead Groomer | Service Delivery | Manager / Senior IC | Tests and recommends tools, products, and techniques |
| 6 | Franchise Operations Manager | Franchise / Operations | Manager / Director | Useful for multi-site standardization and procurement opportunities |
| 7 | Business Development Director | Commercial | Director | Can drive partnerships, channel expansion, and sponsorships |
| 8 | Training Director / Educator | Education | Director | Influences product training adoption and continuing education |
| 9 | Product Manager | Product / Innovation | Manager / Director | Assesses market feedback and new product opportunities |
| 10 | Supplier / Channel Sales Manager | Sales | Manager | Targets resellers, distributors, and end-user accounts at the show |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consumer Goods | Pet grooming supplies, accessories, and consumables are consumer product categories | Brand, assortment, and retail buyer targeting |
| 2 | Retail | Retail chains and specialty stores buy grooming products and services | Category managers and merchandisers |
| 3 | Wholesale | Distributors and wholesalers are central to the grooming supply chain | Channel sales and distributor recruitment |
| 4 | Import & Export | Many grooming products and tools move through import channels | Sourcing and supply chain outreach |
| 5 | Business Supplies & Equipment | Salon and kennel operators purchase equipment, tools, and operational supplies | Operational procurement |
| 6 | Professional Training & Coaching | Education and skill-building are a major event component | Seminars, certifications, and training services |
| 7 | Events Services | Relevant for sponsors, exhibitors, contest operations, and experiential vendors | Event partnership and sponsorship sales |
| 8 | Health, Wellness & Fitness | Pet wellness is explicitly referenced by the organizer | Wellness product and service marketing |
| 9 | Information Technology & Services | Salon software, booking, CRM, and ecommerce tools support this market | SaaS and software vendors serving pet businesses |
| 10 | Management Consulting | Business improvement and growth advice are relevant to salon owners and franchise operators | Advisory, franchising, and operational improvement offers |
| 11 | Consumer Services | Many attendees operate customer-facing pet service businesses | Service experience, operations, and retention tools |
| 12 | Apparel & Fashion | Relevant for branded retail, uniforms, and lifestyle merchandise tied to pet businesses | Co-branded merchandise and retail add-ons |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | 4,000+ | Estimated / organizer-advertised | Official website promotional copy | Use as a directional estimate rather than a verified audited count |
| Exhibitor count | 115+ | Estimated / organizer-advertised | Official website promotional copy | Indicates a meaningful supplier marketplace for grooming goods and services |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Organizer does not publicly publish a buyer-only count | Likely mixed audience of professionals, owners, and service operators |
| Speaker count | Dozens of expert-led seminars referenced | Estimated | Official website education copy | Exact count not publicly confirmed in the copied website content |
| Sponsor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Sponsors & Partners page referenced, but count not stated in source text | Use the sponsor directory for current-year verification if available |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grooming tools | Reliable, ergonomic, professional-grade tools | Live demos and comparison selling | Clippers, blades, dryers, scissors, tables |
| Education & technique | Skill development and competitive improvement | Seminar sponsorship and workshop partnerships | Training programs, certifications, expert-led content |
| Business growth | More customers, higher ticket size, improved margins | Owner-level ROI messaging | Business coaching, CRM, scheduling, payments |
| Pet wellness | Products that support pet health and care quality | Value-based product positioning | Shampoos, skin-care, hygiene, wellness lines |
| Competition and artistry | Performance tools and visible brand presence | Sponsorships, prize support, and judge engagement | High-performance tools, branded prize packages |
| Retail sourcing | New products and supplier discovery | Category buyer outreach | Wholesale programs, private label, new launches |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | The event is highly focused on professional groomers, kennel operators, and pet business owners who purchase products and services. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Owner/operators and senior business leaders are core participants in this niche show. |
| Data collection potential | High | The event’s focus on attendees, exhibitors, and education suggests useful prospecting and lead-capture opportunities. |
| Apollo targeting potential | High | Strong fit for retail, wholesale, consumer goods, business services, and pet-service profiles. |
| Geographic targeting potential | Medium to High | Best concentration is Southeast U.S., but national targeting is also viable. |
| Best outreach approach | Education-first, product demo-led, and owner-focused | Use value messaging around skill, efficiency, product quality, and profitability rather than generic event promotion. |
| Overall lead quality | High | A focused niche event with clear commercial relevance and buyer-side intent. |
| Best use case | Attendee list building, exhibitor prospecting, sponsorship sales, and distributor outreach | Most effective for pet product vendors, grooming equipment brands, and education-oriented service providers. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Current-year exhibitor and attendee lists are not fully visible in the provided source text, so company-specific attendance cannot be confirmed beyond organizer statements. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Consumer Goods; Retail; Wholesale; Import & Export; Business Supplies & Equipment; Professional Training & Coaching; Health, Wellness & Fitness; Information Technology & Services; Events Services; Management Consulting | Focus on buyer-side organizations most likely to purchase or influence event-relevant products and services |
| Departments | Operations; Purchasing; Merchandising; Sales; Product; Education; Executive | Reach decision-makers and influencers |
| Seniority | Owner; Partner; CXO; VP; Director; Manager | Prioritize senior commercial and operational buyers |
| Job titles | Owner, Founder, Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Category Manager, Merchandising Director, Operations Director, Franchise Operations Manager, Product Manager, Training Director | Capture both direct buyers and commercial influencers |
| Geography | United States; Southeast U.S.; Georgia; Florida; Alabama; Tennessee; North Carolina; South Carolina | Align with the strongest likely attendee draw zone |
| Employee size | 1–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,000+ | Covers independent salons through large retail chains and distributors |
| Keywords | pet grooming, pet salon, grooming supplies, kennel, boarding, pet wellness, pet retail, grooming tools, pet products, franchise operations | Build a high-intent contact list around event themes |
| Company type | Public company; private company; franchise; distributor; retailer; manufacturer | Broaden prospecting while keeping buyer-side relevance |
Suggested Apollo search logic: (pet grooming OR pet salon OR kennel OR pet retail OR grooming supplies) AND (Owner OR Founder OR Director OR Manager OR VP) AND (Retail OR Wholesale OR Consumer Goods OR Business Supplies & Equipment OR Professional Training & Coaching).
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| GROOM'D official website | Official organizer source | Event date, venue, city, organizer, audience type, attendee and exhibitor counts, education and competition focus | High |
| Georgia International Convention Center official venue information | Venue source | Venue identity and location cross-check for the event | High |
| World Pet Association official website | Organizer source | Organizer identity and association context for the event | High |
| GROOM'D FAQ / Attendee / Exhibitor / Education pages referenced on official website | Official event pages | Audience composition, registration timing, and show-floor structure | High |
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Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to GROOM'D - formerly Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
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