Program Guide

PetQuest logo

June 18-21, 2026

Wilmington, OH

Welcome to PetQuest 2026!

PetQuest is the best resource for groomers in the midwest. There are great seminars to further your education, challenging competitions and shopping galore! If you are serious about the pet care industry, you will want to be here!

Location

angled front view of the Roberts Centre with a focus on the building signage
Roberts Centre

Wilmington, Ohio

This isn’t just an average hotel…it’s so much more! Step into the lobby, where four stories of glistening windows trimmed in beautiful cascading velvet draperies provide the area with a natural, warm glow. View the breathtaking and lavish surroundings, paired with an Italian marble entryway and sparkling chandeliers. The elegant and plush, yet cozy and inviting furnishings are fit for a king or queen, and will have you asking for our decorator’s phone number! The setting is surprisingly gorgeous, yet unpretentious, making you feel welcome and right at home.

Room Rate: $155*/NIGHT
Rate Deadline: 5/27/2026
*Tell them you are with PetQuest!

123 Gano Road
Wilmington, OH 45177
(800) 654-7036
www.robertscentre.com

Trade Show & Exhibitors*

PetQuest trade show admission is included with the purchase of any seminar! Trade show admission includes access to all vendors and viewing of grooming contests and demos during trade show hours!

Friday10 AM–6 PM
Saturday10 AM–6 PM
Sunday10 AM – 4 PM

One of the most exciting parts of the weekend is the chance to visit booths from all over the nation! Many vendors will be offering fantastic bargains, show specials, demonstrations and discount pricing. Try on scissors! See state-of-the-art equipment! Talk to movers and shakers in the industry. Bring your whole staff, it’s all here!

  • Electric Cleaner Company
  • Foxy Roxy’s Supply Company
  • Geib Buttercut Shears
  • Groomer’s Mall
  • Hyponic
  • JirPet
  • Joyzze
  • Kenchii
  • PetEdge
  • A Creative Collection
  • Affordable Grooming Shears
  • All for Groomers
  • Animal Photography
  • Aslan’s Accessories, LLC
  • Aussie Dog Products
  • Barkleigh Productions, Inc.
  • bBold Shears
  • Best Shot Pet Products
  • Bluegrass Vibershield
  • Cosmos Bathing Systems
  • DMK Bowtique
  • DNS Supply
  • Dog is Good
  • Elala SDN BHD
  • Envirogroom Professional Pet Products
  • Evolution Shears
  • EZ-Groom
  • Furry & Fabulous Creations
  • Governor Insurance/World Insurance
  • Groom Factory
  • Groomer Girls
  • Groomers Helper
  • Hawiian Moon
  • Hello-Groom by Kennel Connection
  • Intl. Professional Groomers Inc
  • Knightmare Aesthetic
  • Magix Grooming Shears
  • Max & Molly Wear
  • MoeGo
  • Ohio Professional Pet Groomers
  • On Site Grooming Repair
  • Pet Stylist Relief Fund
  • Pet-Agree Grooming Supplies
  • PetBizInsurance.com
  • PetStore.Direct
  • Precision Sharp Co.
  • Pretty Paws Pet Products
  • Retro Stylist Wear
  • RunLoyal
  • Sensei Shear Systems
  • Sharp Edges Sharpening Service
  • Shear of the Month Club – Proline Shears
  • Stypstix
  • Thornell Corporation/Odorcide
  • Vanity Fur Grooming LLC
  • W&B New York LLC
  • Wag’n Tails Conversions
  • Whitman’s
  • *Expected to Attend.

Thursday Seminars

Brusher Bather Certificate Course Teri DiMarino | 12-6 PM

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.

Groomers Guide to the 15 Coat Types Certificate Course Jennifer Bishop Jenkins | 12-4 PM
While there has never been an official list of dog coat types for the grooming industry, maybe there ought to be! Jennifer has compiled a list that is helping to change the industry and standardize what specific and separate grooming strategies are required for each of the 15 Coat Types. Each one has “Do’s and Don’ts” based on the scientific, genetic, and physical structure of the hair or fur of that type dog. While individual dogs vary even within breeds, knowing what products, tools, and techniques are appropriate to the coat type in front of you is essential. Combination coats, that have the problems of both fur and hair, will also be addressed. After this seminar, you will be able to set yourself apart as the groomer who is an expert on differentiating coat types and, instead of treating them all the same, the groomer who gives each unique dog’s coat its proper care.
Grooming Business Mastery: Policies, Profit & Perfect Grooms Elli Bultemeier | 12-4 PM
Let’s face it, NO ONE wants to talk about policies and procedures. How boring, right? Well, I disagree! Written policies and procedures aren’t “corporate”—they’re what make your business legitimate. In this four-hour class, Elli will walk you through setting clear expectations for management, employees, and customers, so your business runs like a well-oiled machine. We’ll cover everything from employee handbooks and handling call-offs to no-show/last-minute cancellation policies. But that’s not all! Pricing for profit is essential to running a successful grooming business. Elli will break down the simple numbers that help you stop guessing and start profiting. You’ll learn how to build an amazing work environment for your team and ensure that both you and your staff thrive.

Thursday Evening

Yorkie Fusion Allison Brooks Treil | 7-9 PM

An Asian Fusion Yorkie with beautiful butterfly ears can be a breeze! Come style with Allison as she takes this pet groom to the next level. Struggling with leaving lines in your drop-coat friends? She’s got the tricks to make that coat be oh so smooth!
Barkleigh Pet Professional First Aid & CPR Certificate Course Kelsey Ann Sexton | 7-9 PM

As a pet care professional, you want to be equipped with the skills to handle medical emergencies that arise while a pet is in your care. Whether a pet becomes ill, injured, or needs help in a disaster, this course will teach you how to respond. 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 live 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.

Friday Seminars

Get Product Savvy Series

Deep Dive into Mastering Conditioning Products Dave Campanella | 9-10 AM

Somewhere along our professional journey we’ve been told, “Conditioners are heavy,” “Silicone is bad,” “Apple Cider Vinegar can solve everything,” etc. Knowing what conditioner to select for any given situation is daunting and comprehending ingredient listings are worse. Here Dave will get to the heart of understanding how conditioners work, explaining their differences, and providing helpful resources to identify what conditioners one needs in their salon’s arsenal.

What’s That About? Maintenance Dennis Brooks | 11-12 PM

Do you ever wonder, why is my clipper is loud? What do I need to do to my clippers to maintain them? What is a blade drive and can I change it myself? What edge do my shears have? How do I oil my blades? If so, attend this very informative class as Dennis, a sharpener of 30 years, answers all these questions, plus many more, and shares his extensive knowledge with you. You’ll learn simple maintenance on shears, blades, and clippers, helping you to maintain your grooming equipment for longevity and effectiveness, making your grooms easier, faster, and more economical.
Specifying Pet Shampoo Dan Williams | 2-3 PM
This seminar assists the professional pet groomer to better understand the differences among today’s vast number of liquid grooming products. The audience is introduced to chemical formulas and active shampoo ingredients, with a focus on desired outcomes. Emphasis is placed on proper product selection to meet the needs of the groomer, the client, and the pet. Also included is a look at specialty products such as whitening shampoo, degreasing shampoo, and detangle and dematting shampoos.
Bathing & Grooming Tools: Choosing, Using and Maintaining Your Equipment Myke Ross | 4-5 PM
Not all grooming tools are created equal—and knowing the difference can transform your grooms. In this seminar, Myke will break down the tools we use every day in the salon and explain why selecting the right one makes all the difference in safety, efficiency, and results. On top of that, you’ll gain valuable tips on maintaining your equipment so it performs at peak efficiency and lasts longer. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your toolkit, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to choose the right tools and care for them like a pro.
Get Creative With It Series

Creative Styling and Accessories with a Tropical Twist: Multicolor 3D Creative Designs Angela Kumpe & Adriane Pope | 9-10 AM

In this class Angela and Adriane will show you how to complete a multicolored, dimensional, more complex dye job, with a tropical twist. You will get to see the entire process, from planning to picture-perfect competition.

Accessories: Will They Make or Break You? Milena Kon | 11-12 PM

Join Milena as she dives into all the accessories that are out there and when they should be used. She will go over how to use them and why it should increase your revenue. She will also talk about whether accessories are worth the investment and which ones will work in your salon to help you and not be a wasted expense. From big and blingy to tiny and cute, let Milena help you choose which is right for you!

Creative Styling and Accessories with a Tropical Twist: Quick and Creative Finishes Angela Kumpe & Adriane Pope | 2-3 PM

In this session, Angela and Adriane will show you how quick and easy simple creative finishes can be. They will walk you through temporary color products and accessories, explaining how to use them, where to get them, and give you the pros and cons to each of them. They will do multiple live demonstrations with a tropical theme as well as a PowerPoint full of examples to help get your creativity flowing.
Creative Consultation with Alyssa Kasiba Alyssa Kasiba | 4-5 PM
Do you want to do more creative in your salon but are afraid that the picture in your head may not be the same as your clients’? Take the stress and guess out of the picture with a Creative Consultation! In this class, Alyssa will explain how to discuss a creative project with the client. She will go over getting from the client’s idea to what is actually possible, using color swatches of like coats to prevent color confusion, how to set reasonable expectations, and explain how long the design will last. This class will help you work with the client to make creative designs that drop jaws in a good way!

Well Rounded Groomer Series Series

Everyday 9-5 Grooming Kelsey Ann Sexton | 9-10 AM
Let’s get in the flow and enjoy the workday! Join Kelsey Ann Sexton as she shares and demonstrates some quick tips to zhuzh up your everyday dog grooming routines. You will learn tips for home-grooming fixes that took out hair in all the wrong places and leaving hair in certain areas to give owners the fluffy illusion without sending home higher-maintenance grooms. She will also discuss tactics for strategic mat removal that keeps the dog comfortable and how to make even a shave-down look cute!
Drop Coat of the Day Elli Bultemeier | 11-12 PM
Join Elli as she guides you through essential clipper and scissor techniques designed to save time while making your drop-coat grooms look fabulous. In this class, she will show you how to turn dull, lifeless cuts into adorable styles that leave pet parents amazed. You’ll also learn how to create those perfectly round, irresistible faces that are trending all over the internet. Let’s elevate your grooming game and ensure that your clients leave happy and always wanting more!
Find Your Stripping Groove! Misty Giezys | 2-3 PM
Do you want to add hand stripping as a service to your grooming salon? Join Misty as she teaches the basics on how to strip terriers and other breeds to get that leg up. Learn how to bring that color and shine back to the coat, not to mention more green in your pocket.
Here Kitty Kitty! Jessica Uzzetta | 4-5 PM
Join Jessica to unravel the myths about cats and learn tips, tricks, and safety techniques you can apply when grooming your feline clientele. She will walk you through creating a relaxing experience and navigating the best possible outcome for you and your clients.
Friday Evening

Handling Cats Safely in the Grooming Salon: TICA & IPG Cat Safety 101 Certificate Course Linda Easton | 6-8 PM

Cats are a great source of additional revenue, or as your only clients! This session will give you tips and tricks to bathe cats safely and stress free and to keep the cat happy and healthy during the process. Learn how cat skin and hair are unique and gain an understanding of how skin structure will help you decide on the correct groom, and even better handling techniques. Also discussed will be handling and grooming techniques for special needs cats, including kittens and senior cats, when cats can be groomed, and when to have the owners stay. Most importantly, learn how cats should be handled to keep them and YOU safe. Completion of this course will earn attendees an IPG certificate and patch from TICA.

Everything Doodle with the Doodle Queen Anna Stowell | 6-8 PM

Join Anna, known as the “Doodle Queen” on Instagram, as she shares all the things she’s learned over the years building up a beautiful and well-maintained clientele of doodles. Learn how to communicate with doodle owners, in addition to training them to be a wonderful client. She will go over pricing as well, because no groomer should sell themselves short! You won’t want to miss all her tips in tricks to becoming the doodle expert in your area.
Saturday Seminars

Schnauzer Freestyle to Salon Jay Batista | 9-10 AM

Join Jay for this live grooming demo of a Schnauzer, where he will share his tricks on a Creative Fusion style, and then transform it into a salon-style classic trim. Attendees will leave with the knowledge needed to execute either style, guaranteed to appease a wide range of clients.
Tech-Savvy Grooming: Leveraging Software, AI & Social Media for Business Growth Denise Heroux | 9-10 AM
This seminar explores how grooming businesses can harness the power of technology, AI, and social media to drive growth and efficiency. Discover how grooming software can streamline operations, manage appointments, and enhance customer experience. Learn how AI tools can optimize scheduling, marketing, and client interactions, while social media strategies help build your brand and engage with your community. Join Denise to unlock the potential of these technologies and elevate your grooming business to new heights.
Marketing Your Grooming Salon with Community Events Amanda McGrath | 9-10 AM
Word of mouth is still the best way to advertise a business, and what better way to get the word out about your grooming salon than connecting with the public? In this session, attendees will learn about fresh new ways to get involved with your local community, how to market these events, and a full breakdown of the planning process.
Cash Flow Clarity: Make Your Salon Work for You Elli Bultemeier | 11-12 PM
Take a step back and look at your salon from a 30,000-foot view—are you really profiting, or just scraping by? Do you know your numbers, and have you set a clear budget? Join Elli in this class as she teaches you how to efficiently examine your business from top to bottom. Learn how to make your business truly profitable because, guess what? It’s okay to make money! More profit means more opportunities for your groomers, and that’s a win for everyone. Let’s dive into the numbers and get your salon thriving!
Bath, Brush & Beyond Blake Hernandez | 11-12 PM
Most of us have taken a bather course, and they are a great foundation for sure. However, in this class, Blake will take a deep dive into the techniques and physical goings on to create a squeaky clean and pristine prep just begging for the perfect finish. Sure you can ask about products and even hear recommendations, but this class is more about the motion of the ocean and less about the brand of sail!

Outline Trim Simplified Arielle Scavnicky | 11-12 PM

After winning multiple first place and best in show awards with “Furry and Fabulous” through the IJA’s “Rescue Me,” Arielle is equipped with the knowledge and experience to give you tips and tricks to master the outline trim. This live demo will show you, step-by-step, how easy it is to execute an award-winning trim at your own salon.

Poodle in a Pet Trim Allison Brooks Treil | 2-3 PM

Join Allison in this live demo, where she shares her best-kept secrets to poodle coat prep and pet trims. Giving a poodle structure and focusing on the breed standard can be an elegant balance when putting poodles in low-maintenance pet styles, but she will show you how to achieve it!

The Kons, the Pros, and the Mobile Grooming Life Jameson Kon | 2-3 PM

What can someone expect when they are making the decision to go mobile for the first time? Take this crash course from Jameson who 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 continue education and building your career model, so you can live your dream. Join this motivational seminar to learn the ups and downs of the mobile grooming life and prepare yourself to think outside the box.

Staff Appreciation That Matters Melinda Stanford | 2-3 PM
Go beyond pizza parties. In this seminar, learn meaningful, budget-friendly ways to show your staff they are valued. From daily wins to annual recognition, Melinda shares what truly motivates teams and fosters loyalty.
The Famous Spiral Milena Kon | 4-5 PM
Let’s dive into this creative classic twist! Spiral body or spiral leg, there is nothing quite like this stunning design. Milena will go over what tools and techniques she uses to make this design easy and practical so that anyone can achieve this look.
From Good to Unforgettable: Exceptional Customer Service for Groomers Amanda McGrath | 4-5 PM

In a competitive grooming industry, good customer service is no longer enough—groomers need to deliver exceptional, unforgettable experiences that keep clients coming back. This seminar will teach grooming professionals how to go above and beyond in every client interaction, turning routine appointments into memorable moments. Come learn some “out of the box” ways you can wow your grooming clients.

Customer Intake: Setting the Right Expectations Myke Ross | 4-5 PM
The check-in process sets the tone for the entire grooming experience, and in this class, Myke will walk you through the steps of a professional customer intake, ensuring you and the pet parent are on the same page about the desired results. You’ll learn how to quickly yet thoroughly assess a pet’s condition, discuss realistic grooming options, and explain the costs and timing involved in a way that builds trust. By the end of this session, you’ll have the tools to confidently manage client conversations, set realistic expectations, and create a smoother, more satisfying grooming experience for everyone.
Sunday Seminars
Let’s Build That Confidence Arielle Scavnicky | 9-10 AM
As a new groomer, we all know how intimidating it can be to make decisions on your own, deal with difficult clients, and start to feel confident on your new career path. In this seminar, Arielle will give you tips and tricks to help build your confidence, increase your speed, and overcome common fears as a new groomer.
The Long-Legged Terrier Trim: A Salon Staple with Style Jovi Wagner | 9-10 AM
In the salon, the long-legged terrier trim is more than just a cut—it’s a statement. This popular style emphasizes the terrier’s signature long, lean legs, creating an elegant silhouette that’s both chic and practical for any breed of dog. Whether it’s for show, comfort, or simply to keep your dog looking fresh, this trim strikes the perfect balance of functionality and flair.
Perfect Pricing Joe Zuccarello | 9-10 AM
Do you struggle to define the perfect pricing for your grooming services? Do you question how to set prices, raise prices, and make big corrections? Techniques to determine your very best pricing and how to communicate pricing changes with your clientele will be shared during this session. Learn how to address the growing world of designer and doodle pricing and how your prices reflect your position in your market without leaving money on the (grooming) table.

Bathing Safety Certification Myke Ross | 11-12 PM

Keeping pets safe during the bathing process is one of the most important responsibilities of a professional groomer. This course will cover the fundamentals of bathing safety, including proper pet handling; the safe use of equipment; how to select and use safe, effective bathing products; step-by-step guidelines for safely drying dogs of all coat types; and best practices to ensure both groomer and pet remain stress-free and injury-free. At the conclusion of the seminar, attendees will complete a written test. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Bathing Safety Certification, demonstrating their knowledge and commitment to safe, professional grooming practices.
From Chaos to Clarity: Implementing Handbooks in Your Pet Business Melinda Stanford | 11-12 PM
Tired of repeating the same policies? It’s time for a handbook that empowers your team and protects your business! Join Melinda as she guides you through creating and implementing a handbook that your staff will actually use.

Marketing Yourself Through Photos Anna Stowell | 11-2 PM

Want to learn how to build a portfolio of your work through photos? Let Anna show you how to brand yourself, track progress, and market yourself to potential employers or employees! You can target your ideal clientele by showcasing your work. The “Doodle Queen” herself has done all this to build up her 42k plus followers! She is excited to also share her best tips and tricks for angles, lighting, cameras, backgrounds, and more!
Extreme Dog Makeover Misty Gieczys | 2-3 PM
Let’s figure out how to find the dog under all that hair! Misty will start by setting in the shape with snap-on combs, then she will go through her process of where to start and how to plan a haircut that’s extreme makeover material. You will never again be intimidated by the overgrown client!
10 Steps to Start Up Your Business Denise Heroux | 2-3 PM
Every new business needs to have a sound start-up process to help ensure that the business has a good chance of sustaining longevity and growth. This seminar will go over the first 10 steps as outlined by the Small Business Association in detail to help start you on your entrepreneur path. As a bonus, Denise will also include how to figure out proper pricing to set you up for success.
Don’t Lose Your Noodle to the Doodle Craze Jessica Uzzetta | 2-3 PM
Join Jessica as she shares her secrets to navigating, pricing, scheduling, and not losing money or your sanity to this popular designer dog.
Sponsors
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Sponsors!
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PetQuest 2026