Grooming Expo Etiquette

[tia2370]

I plan on going to PetQuest this summer. I have never been to an expo, and I was wondering if there were any tips any of you could pass on. As silly as it sounds, I want to know how professional to dress, things that are considered impolite. Can we ask questions during the seminars? I'm hoping to be there for Friday through Saturday, hopefully Sunday as well.

Also, is the location set and are the seminars decided yet? I would like to reserve my hotel in advance. I plan on staying in a hotel in Cincinnati as I have a friend that lives there.

[dgpaw]

I plan on going to PetQuest this summer. I have never been to an expo, and I was wondering if there were any tips any of you could pass on. As silly as it sounds, I want to know how professional to dress, things that are considered impolite. Can we ask questions during the seminars? I'm hoping to be there for Friday through Saturday, hopefully Sunday as well.

Also, is the location set and are the seminars decided yet? I would like to reserve my hotel in advance. I plan on staying in a hotel in Cincinnati as I have a friend that lives there.

Bring a note pad and pen so you can take notes. turn off your cell phone. you can dress casual. MOST seminars they will not let you ask quesitons during their talk they wait until the end. The speaker will tell you differently if they don't mind them during their talk. Bring a camera to take pictures of the dogs being competed (you cannot take pictures though whuie they are competing, but once they are finished you can). Most of all have fun and learn lots!! and find some great stuff to buy!!

[Helly]

Well, let's see. Dress for comfort. It's not formal, most people wear jeans and a shirt. But if your more comfortable in a skirt, go for it. You're going to be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes, too.

As far as other etiquette, good manners are always a relief. We see so many people with poor manners these days. The only thing I can think of that is a big NO is don't touch anyone's dog without permission, and don't make comments about competition groomers loudly enough to be overheard, especially overheard by the groomers.

I don't think anyone objects to questions in seminars. I can't think of any I've attended where it was frowned upon. Often the speaker will periodically ask if anyone has any questions before moving on to the next portion of their instruction.

PetQuest is a smaller show. It's a good place to get your feet wet. But there are plenty of vendors, so bring lots of money. I attended last year, but ran out of money waaaay too fast. I probably would have passed out from hunger if Chuck from Groomer's Helper hadn't bought me a sammich.

Thanks Chuck. You're the best.

I don't think the location, date, or schedule have been announced yet.

[suzy6469]

Pace yourself, I love this show it's close by and smaller so your not overwhelmed. Like was said earlier bring lots of money, I've started my savings account just for the show. They always have great deals and all of the vendors are so happy to help. I received so many free samples and great info on new products. Don't be afraid to ask questions everyone I met there was so helpful. But the most important thing is.... to get your groomertalk name tag so we can find you at the show...... I missed out on meeting so many people because I only know their forum names.....

See ya there this year. If I can get my poodle in order I may even enter a contest. Not sure yet.

[baddog]

I plan on going to PetQuest this summer. I have never been to an expo, and I was wondering if there were any tips any of you could pass on. As silly as it sounds, I want to know how professional to dress, things that are considered impolite. Can we ask questions during the seminars? I'm hoping to be there for Friday through Saturday, hopefully Sunday as well.

Also, is the location set and are the seminars decided yet? I would like to reserve my hotel in advance. I plan on staying in a hotel in Cincinnati as I have a friend that lives there.

I just love midwest manners !

[tia2370]

I just love midwest manners !

Baddog, I got a big laugh out of that!

Thank you all for your responses. I would hate to get there and find that I'm under (or over) dressed. I get so embarrassed! I plan on saving up some money for the trade show. All of my tips for the next five months are going towards it, as is a chunk of my tax money. I'm really hoping to find some good grooming pants and maybe a pair of shears or two. Do the vendors only take cash or will they take credit/debit as well? If they take credit, I may be in trouble! I recently bought 8 #10 blades just so I could have one on each of my Wahl SS combs.

How do I get a groomertalk nametag? Do I just add my groomertalk name below my actual name? That brings up another dilemma... My real name and my groomer name are not the same. Another groomer and I have the same first name so I go by my middle name. Which would you guys go by at the expo?

Oh, another question (sorry!). Are we allowed to bring food into the expo? I have a high metabolism and can sometimes get a bit hypoglycemic so I like to carry a granola bar or two just in case.

I thought I saw a thing online saying that PetQuest will be from July 22-25. I went by that and requested time off from work, so I hope that's when it is!

Thanks everyone for putting up with my plethora of questions. I'm super excited about going to an expo! Next year I might compete if I can find a dog to use.

[tia2370]

Anyone?

[Briarpatch]

I've seen people bring in snacks and it's never been a problem. I like to print off sticky address labels with my name/address/phone/email info so I don't have to fill out all the info at the booths (to be put on mailing lists, or for receipts). Makes it easier for the vendors who are trying to answer questions and write up sales at the same time. Most of the vendors will let you keep your paid for stuff at their booth until you're ready to go to your car which makes it much easier to buy lots of gallons of shampoo.

[petpalswi]

yes. bring a snack and water. Ive never been to petquest, just all american, but I think there similar. there is a thread here, 'who's going to' , you might be able to hook up with someone for lunch or something. have fun.

[Helly]

If you couldn't bring food and beverages in, most of the vendors would starve, LOL. Sure, bring whatever you need.

For your name tag, just use whatever name you prefer. It's not like it's being used as legal I.D.

I don't know about all the vendors, but I think most take credit cards, some will take checks too.

[dirty hairy]

credit cards

Every booth I have been to takes plastic. Dangerous!
Your enthusiasm is contagious! I just finished with Groom Expo/Pasadena and already can't wait for the next conference (Intergroom for me).
Nametags: You will get something from the conference that will identify you and let the security folks know what sessions you have paid for so they know whether or not to let you in. This is usually a piece of paper in a clear envelop-y thing that you wear on a plastic chain around your neck that irritates your skin and gets caught on everything. Good part of these is that there is a pocket on the backside too that fits your business cards nicely.
I believe Admin/Stephen said that they were making pg.com nametags. These would be separate things you pin to your shirt and will be VERY helpful for us to recognize each other!
Have a great time!

[keyray]

I have only been to a handful of shows and it is very casual. US Pet Pro Classic did have a nicer dinner that I wore a dress to. But as for the classes and vendors I generally wore shorts and t-shirt. I always had snack food in my purse. I even ate during the classes, but I was careful to not be distracting to anyone else.

If you are taking pictures of the competitors make sure your flash is off.

On the whole I think you will find that everyone is very helpful and kind. I even meet up with other board members at the shows. That is the best part.

[snickerpoodles]

I recently bought 8 #10 blades just so I could have one on each of my Wahl SS combs.

I thought you were only supposed to use 30s under the wahls.

[dgpaw]

Nope Snicker, I use a 8.5, 10, 15, and a 30 depending on my coat type. On "poodley" type coats that I am giving a round head to I may use a 8.5 under my snap on. It leaves it a nice soft look. Tat is just one example play around with them. I have a shih that has really ****** coat I use an 8.5 under my tan comb as well.

[tia2370]

Thanks, everyone. I wish July would get here faster! Well, maybe not... I need to save up some money first! I'm excited and worried that they take plastic. I think I'm going to be in debt rather quickly. The Kenchii shears look very nice and I saw they were on sale at the Pasedena expo. Hopefully they will be at PetQuest as well! Our salon mostly uses Roseline or PawBrothers shears. I thought you could only really order from Ryan's Pet or PetEdge. The idea of being able to hold and try a pair of shears before I buy them is pretty cool. I have small hands and I'm always afraid the shears will be too big for me to handle properly.

Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you guys and talk for a bit. My nights are already taken, but I'd love to get advice and chatter with you all during the expo!

Oh, one last question... Dirty Hairy mentioned bringing business cards. Is that something I should do? I work for a box store, so it'd just be their card with my name stamped on it. Do you hand those out to vendors?