Spring Canadian Pet Expo — TruNorth Grooming Show
Competition & Seminars
- Dates
- Friday March 26, 2027 Saturday March 27, 2027 Sunday March 28, 2027
- Times
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Venue
- International Centre — Hall 4
- 6900 Airport Road FREE PARKING
About this event
The flagship East-Coast stop: full grooming-competition rings alongside a packed seminar schedule. Open to professional groomers and apprentices.
Sponsors
2026 Judging Panel — 2027 Lineup Announced Soon
Teri DiMarino
ICMG, NCMG, ISCCMS, CAH, PGC — Grooming Judge
An industry veteran, Teri has owned and operated successful salons and mobiles in Florida and California. An award-winning grooming contest competitor, Teri was a member of three GroomTeam USA Gold Medal teams and held the positions of GroomTeam USA Treasurer and Board Member. She is the recipient of multiple Barkleigh Honors and Cardinal Crystal Awards for Journalism, Judge, Groomer of the Year and Outstanding Contributions to the Industry, as well as the American Kennel Club's Leadership Award. Co-founder and President of the California Professional Pet Groomers Association, Inc., Teri is a popular speaker and judge at seminars and trade shows around the globe.
- ★Three-time GroomTeam USA Gold Medal team member
- ★Multiple Barkleigh Honors & Cardinal Crystal Awards
- ★AKC Leadership Award recipient
- ★Co-founder & President, California Professional Pet Groomers Assn.
Shannon Tupes
Certified Master Groomer — Grooming Judge
Shannon Tupes is a Certified Master Groomer with more than 25 years of active involvement in the pet industry, bringing depth across professional grooming, competitive presentation, education, and leadership. She is a respected member of Groom Team USA, where she currently serves as a Board Member, and is recognized internationally as a judge and speaker within the competitive grooming community. Shannon is also a Global Educator for Andis, sharing advanced techniques and professional standards with groomers around the world. She is known for fair, confident evaluations and her ability to recognize grooming that reflects technical accuracy, thoughtful finishing, and breed-appropriate presentation.
- ★25+ years in the professional pet industry
- ★Groom Team USA Board Member
- ★Global Educator for Andis
- ★International judge & speaker
Anne Francis
Certified Master Dog Groomer — Grooming Judge
Anne Francis is one of the most respected and sought-after grooming judges in the world, renowned for her exceptional skill, depth of knowledge, and influential voice within the global grooming community. An award-winning Certified Master Dog Groomer, Anne brings more than two decades of professional experience to the judging ring. A former member of GroomTeam USA, she is widely recognized as an educator, author, and international speaker. As a Global Educator she is especially known for advancing techniques focused on efficiency, precision, and low-stress handling — always prioritizing the dog's experience while elevating professional standards.
- ★Former GroomTeam USA member
- ★Award-winning Certified Master Dog Groomer
- ★International educator, author & speaker
- ★Global Educator — efficiency & low-stress handling
Marnie Matheson
Featured Judge — Educator & Groom Team Canada Alumna
With over 30 years of experience in the grooming industry, Marnie is a respected educator, mentor, and the driving force behind Pets Beautiful School of Styling — Canada's longest-running grooming school. Throughout her career she has balanced running a nationally recognized school with competing at the highest levels of professional grooming, earning multiple international awards across North America and Europe. Known for her keen eye, thoughtful approach, and deep industry knowledge, Marnie continues to be a trusted leader and influential voice in professional grooming education.
- ★30+ years in the professional grooming industry
- ★Founder & lead educator, Pets Beautiful School of Styling
- ★Three-time member of Groom Team Canada
- ★Multiple international awards across North America & Europe
Lorna Phillips
Grooming Judge — Groom Team Canada Founding Force
With over 36 years of experience, Lorna Phillips is one of Canada's most respected and accomplished professional dog groomers. She is the owner of Saskatoon's premier high-end grooming salon, which she has successfully operated for 25 years. Since 2007, Lorna has competed on the international stage, and in 2017 was a member of Groom Team Canada, competing in Belgium among the world's elite. In 2015, alongside other industry leaders, she helped found the national point system that became Groom Team Canada.
- ★36+ years as a professional dog groomer
- ★Groom Team Canada member, World Championships Belgium 2017
- ★Co-founder of the Groom Team Canada national point system
- ★Owner of Saskatoon's premier high-end grooming salon (25+ years)
Nancy Bryson
Master Groomer · Industry Pioneer · Brand Ambassador
With a career spanning over five decades, Nancy Bryson is a cornerstone of the Canadian grooming industry. Since beginning her journey in 1974, Nancy has been a tireless advocate for professional standards and continuing education, pioneering educational initiatives for groomers across Canada since the mid-1980s. A founding member and three-time past President of the Ontario Dog Groomers Association (ODGA), she also served as former 1st Vice President and 2nd President of Groom Team Canada. Undefeated across Terrier, Sporting, and Creative grooming categories at all competition levels, Nancy has been an esteemed judge since 1993. Today she serves as a Brand Ambassador and product development consultant for Wahl Canada and Opawz.
- ★50+ year grooming career — judging since 1993
- ★Founding member & 3x past President, ODGA
- ★Former 1st VP & 2nd President, Groom Team Canada
- ★Brand Ambassador for Wahl Canada & Opawz
Seminars
2027 seminars will open for booking once all presenters are confirmed. Check back soon!
The Teddy Bear Head
with Wynne Wong · Friday Apr 3 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Bring on the Brachycephalic Breeds
with Teri DiMarino · Friday Apr 3 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Doodle Grooming with Snap-On Combs
with Anne Francis · Friday Apr 3 · 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Abstract Art — Elegant Design Through Form & Line
with Alyssa Kasiba · Friday Apr 3 · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
From Passion to Paycheck: The Business of Grooming
with Marnie Matheson · Friday Apr 3 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Scissoring Foundations: Control, Shape and Finish
with Wynne Wong · Friday Apr 3 · 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Conflict to Connection: Mastering Client Communication
with Shannon Tupes · Friday Apr 3 · 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Pet First Aid Certification
with St. John Ambulance · Friday Apr 3 · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Beyond the Brush — Preventing Burnout in the Grooming Salon
with Mackensie Murphy · Friday Apr 3 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
AI and Grooming Your Business: Tools for the Future
with Jordan Milgrom · Friday Apr 3 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Hand Stripping 101
with Jovi Wagner · Friday Apr 3 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OPAWZ — Introduction to Colour
with OPAWZ · Friday Apr 3 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Contest Prep Seminar
with Nadia Bongelli & Mackensie Murphy · Friday Apr 3 · 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Best in Show Bichons
with Lindsey Dicken · Friday Apr 3 · 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Grooming for Structure
with Jonathan David · Friday Apr 3 · 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
30-Minute Poodle Spray-Up
with Allison Alexander — Leading Edge · Friday Apr 3 · 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Efficient Grooming: Maximize Style, Minimize Time
with Shannon Tupes · Saturday Apr 4 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Schnauzer 101
with Lorna Phillips · Saturday Apr 4 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Standing for Success
with Melissa Abbott · Saturday Apr 4 · 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
It's a Snap! Snap-On Combs to Simplify Your Everyday Grooming
with Anne Francis · Saturday Apr 4 · 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Beautiful Bedlingtons
with Nadia Bongelli · Saturday Apr 4 · 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Mastering the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
with Marnie Matheson · Saturday Apr 4 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Unlocking Excellence in Dog Grooming
with Michelle Skinner · Saturday Apr 4 · 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Skin & Coat Level 1 — Sponsored by UKAL Canada
with Chantel Hunt · Saturday Apr 4 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Creative Approaches to Everyday Grooming
with Victor Rosado · Saturday Apr 4 · 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Flawless Finishes
with Jonathan David · Saturday Apr 4 · 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Asian Fusion
with Wynne Wong · Saturday Apr 4 · 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Creative Finishing Touches for the Holidays
with Nancy Bryson · Saturday Apr 4 · 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Flawless Flow & Silhouette: American Cocker Spaniel Show Trim
with Mackensie Murphy · Saturday Apr 4 · 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Modern Finishes — Master the Modern Trim
with Lindsay Dicken · Saturday Apr 4 · 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Built to Last
with Nancy Bryson · Saturday Apr 4 · 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Grooming the Geriatric Pet
with Teri DiMarino · Sunday Apr 5 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Braiding and More
with Nancy Bryson · Sunday Apr 5 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Wild at Heart — Fast Animal Prints
with Alyssa Kasiba · Sunday Apr 5 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Long-Legged Terrier Trim: The Salon Staple with Style
with Jovi Wagner · Sunday Apr 5 · 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Favourite Things
with Lorna Phillips · Sunday Apr 5 · 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Charge Your Worth
with Tanya Ellis · Sunday Apr 5 · 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Stack It Like It's Hot — Presenting Your Dog to the Judge
with Monica Park · Sunday Apr 5 · 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mastering the Miniature Schnauzer
with Victor Rosado · Sunday Apr 5 · 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Skin & Coat Level 2 — Sponsored by UKAL Canada
with Chantel Hunt · Sunday Apr 5 · 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Faces — Expression, Balance & Detail
with Mackensie Murphy · Sunday Apr 5 · 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Flawless Fusion
with Wynne Wong · Sunday Apr 5 · 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Pet Nutrition: Fueling Health from the Inside Out
with The Kibble Coach · Sunday Apr 5 · 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Seminar Certificates
$5 CAD + 13% HST per seminar — personalized PDF certificate of participation, emailed within two weeks after the event. Pick one certificate per session you attend.
Seminar Attendance Certificate
Electronic PDF Certificate of Participation
Purchase a personalized PDF certificate acknowledging your participation at the seminar of your choice. Each certificate is $5 CAD + 13% HST and will be emailed within two weeks after the event.
To validate your certificate, each groomer must confirm attendance with the TruNorth Grooming Show booth during the show. Buy one certificate per seminar attended — repeat the purchase for each session.
Every certificate order is logged on the Certificates tab of our registration sheet (opens in a new tab) so the TruNorth team can match your attendance check-in to your PDF before it goes out.
Choose one or more seminars
Select the seminars you attended.
$0 CAD + 13% HST
Event Passes
Single-day, multi-day, and spectator passes for the show floor. Check out all items at once with secure Stripe payment.
1 Day Open Unlimited Event Pass
Full single-day access — show floor, competition viewing, and seminar floor.
$185 CAD
2 Day Open Unlimited Event Pass
Both days — full access to the show floor and all open sessions.
$285 CAD
Extra Event Wristband
Additional admission wristband for a guest or support person.
$25 CAD
Spectator Weekend Pass
General-admission entry to the show floor, both days.
$35 CAD
Prizes & Awards
Best in Show
Top overall score across all rings.
$750 CAD + Engraved Plaque
Best Salon Freestyle
Highest-scoring salon-style transformation.
$250 CAD + Tools Package
Apprentice Class Champion
Top score among first-year groomers.
$150 CAD + Scholarship
Seminar Attendance Certificate
Electronic PDF certificate acknowledging your participation at the seminar of your choice. $5 each plus 13% HST. Emailed within two weeks after the event. To validate your certificate, please confirm your attendance with the TruNorth Grooming Show booth at the show.
$5 CAD per certificate · PDF delivery