The grooming industry is growing fast, and 2026 is packed with events that are pushing the profession forward. Whether you're a groomer looking to sharpen your skills, a salon owner exploring new products, or a pet parent curious about what's happening in the industry — here's what's worth knowing this year.
A brand-new international event that's already generating serious buzz. Grooming Fiesta brings together world-champion groomers for deep-dive masterclasses covering everything from Asian fusion styling to breed-specific hand-stripping techniques. The fact that it's in Lithuania — a country with a rapidly growing grooming scene — signals how global this industry has become.
What makes it different: small class sizes, extended workshop blocks (3–4 hours instead of the usual 90 minutes), and access to groomers who've won at Intergroom and the World Grooming Championships.
One of the most respected trade shows in the U.S., Groom Expo West is known for hands-on education over lecture-style presentations. This year's standout: dedicated sessions on updated insurance needs for grooming businesses, including liability coverage for mobile grooming units and coverage gaps many salon owners don't know they have.
For groomers who work with anxious dogs, the behavioral grooming track is especially worthwhile — it covers de-escalation techniques, reading body language, and when to stop a groom.
SuperZoo is the pet industry's biggest annual event, and this year they're introducing "Groomer Skill Labs" — hands-on training sessions designed for smaller groups with working dogs. Previous years focused more on product demos and lectures. The shift to live, practical training reflects what groomers have been asking for: less theory, more practice.
Expect new product launches in the low-vibration clipper and natural shampoo categories — two of the fastest-growing segments in grooming right now.
The Berufsverband der Groomer (German Professional Groomers Association) launched new, advanced professional training programs in February 2026. These programs focus on breed-specific, high-end, and technical skills that go well beyond basic certification.
Why this matters outside Germany: these certifications are influencing standards globally. More U.S. groomers are pursuing international credentials to differentiate themselves, and clients are starting to ask about them. It's part of a broader trend toward treating grooming as a skilled profession rather than a retail service.
You don't need to attend a grooming expo to benefit from this. Here's what these trends mean for you:
Venus doesn't just groom dogs — she actively stays on top of industry developments. She follows international grooming communities, tests new products before recommending them, and brings techniques she's learned from working in both Colombia and the United States to every appointment at our salon in Lynchburg.
That's part of why she flies 2,500 miles to groom dogs here. This isn't just a job — it's a craft she takes seriously.
Give your pup the grooming experience they deserve.