Competition & Seminars · Sanctioned Event

THE TRU NORTH CUP

Three days, multiple rings and the richest purse on the TRU NORTH Grooming Show circuit — a celebration of skill, creativity and the grooming community inside the Christmas Canadian Pet Expo.

TRU NORTH Grooming Show logo

About this event

THE MARQUEE FINALE OF THE TRU NORTH SERIES

The country's top stylists come together across breed groups and creative disciplines. Novice and Intermediate competitors are front and centre alongside seasoned Open professionals, creating a welcoming, high-energy celebration for grooming fans and curious pet families alike.

Dates

Fri Nov 20 – Sun Nov 22, 2026

Public hours

Fri & Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM\nSun 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Venue

International Centre — Hall 3,  6900 Airport Rd · Free parking

For professional groomers

Competition and participation details

Groomers can find current registration, classes, rules, procedures, pricing and schedule information directly from the TRU NORTH Grooming Show.

GROOMER PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

Official event team

Master of Ceremonies & 2026 Cup Panel

Meet the host and international master groomers guiding the weekend's competition and education.

Jill Pipino — Master of Ceremonies

Jill Pipino

Master of Ceremonies

Jill has been a pet stylist for 27 years in upstate New York, where she owns her own salon. She has attended and led continuing education classes and workshops as both observer and instructor.

  • Former competitive dog groomer
  • Experienced AKC exhibitor
  • Ring announcer for Barkleigh Productions
Irina Pinkusevich — Cup Head Judge · International Master Groomer

Irina Pinkusevich

Cup Head Judge · International Master Groomer

Ukrainian-born and Florida-based, Irina is a Certified Master Groomer, breeder, educator and international judge respected on every continent she works on — known for a fair, precise and encouraging judging style.

  • Certified Master Groomer · International judge
  • Award-winning breeder & handler (Kerry Blue Terrier specialist)
  • Multi-time champion on the U.S. competition circuit
Blake Hernandez — Poodle & Pattern Judge · NCMG · AKC Certifier

Blake Hernandez

Poodle & Pattern Judge · NCMG · AKC Certifier

A Nationally Certified Master Groomer and AKC Certifier whose flashy retro poodle work has earned a global following. Inventor of the MeasureMate and shear designer for Foxy Roxy's Supply Co.

  • Nationally Certified Master Groomer (NCMG)
  • AKC Certifier · judges from Australia to Cyprus
  • 7× Barkleigh Honors winner (30+ nominations)
Nancy Bryson — Master Groomer · Industry Pioneer · Brand Ambassador

Nancy Bryson

Master Groomer · Industry Pioneer · Brand Ambassador

Grooming since 1974 and judging since 1993, Nancy is a cornerstone of the Canadian industry — undefeated across Terrier, Sporting and Creative categories at all competition levels.

  • 50+ year career — judging since 1993
  • Founding member & 3× past President, ODGA
  • Brand Ambassador for Wahl Canada & Opawz
Michell Evans — The Grooming Tutor · Multi-Best in Show Groomer

Michell Evans

The Grooming Tutor · Multi-Best in Show Groomer

Creator of the acclaimed 12 Step Method, a second-generation groomer, former GroomTeam USA member and international hand-stripping medalist who has educated groomers worldwide since 2000.

  • Creator of the 12 Step Method
  • GroomTeam USA 2009–2013 · international medalist
  • 2011 Barkleigh Honors Competitive Groomer of the Year