Competition & Seminars · November 20–22, 2026 · Hall 4
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.
About this event
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 Sun 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue
International Centre — Hall 4 6900 Airport Rd · Free parking
For professional groomers
Registration opens November 4, 2026. Entry (Novice), Intermediate and Open competitors are welcome. Grooming tables are provided on site. Prize amounts and the final panel remain to be confirmed.
GROOMER PARTICIPATION INFORMATIONNovember 20–22, 2026
Grooming begins Friday, one day before the Christmas Canadian Pet Expo opens. Times may be adjusted; follow ring steward announcements. The judging panel is tentative.
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Hall 4
9:00 AM
Check-in: 8:00–8:45 AM · Awards finish: 11:45 AM
Entry: Blake Hernandez · Intermediate: Macie Pisa · Open: Irina ‘Pina’ Pinkusevich
2:00 PM
Check-in: 1:00–1:45 PM · Awards finish: 4:45 PM
Entry: Blake Hernandez · Intermediate: Michell Evans · Open: Irina Pinkusevich
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Hall 4
9:00 AM
Check-in: 8:00–8:45 AM · Awards finish: 11:45 AM
Entry: Macie Pisa · Intermediate: Irina Pinkusevich · Open: Michell Evans
2:00 PM
Check-in: 1:00–1:45 PM · Awards finish: 4:45 PM
Entry: Irina Pinkusevich · Intermediate: Michell Evans · Open: Michell Evans
2:00 PM
Check-in: 1:00–1:45 PM · Awards finish: 4:45 PM
Extreme & Salon Creative: Holly Baker
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Hall 4
10:00 AM
Check-in: 9:00–9:45 AM · Awards finish: 12:45 PM
Entry: Blake Hernandez · Intermediate: Macie Pisa · Open: Irina Pinkusevich
12:45–1:45 PM
Check-in: 12:45 PM · Awards finish: 1:45 PM
Holly Baker & Blake Hernandez
1:45–3:15 PM
Awards finish: 3:15 PM
All judges
Freestyle, AOPB, Wire Coat, Sporting, Extreme / Creative and Poodle include a 10-minute comfort break one hour after the contest begins.
Education · Rooms A & B
Open seminars are included with a 1-, 2- or 3-day grooming event pass. Hands-on workshops are booked separately. Seating is limited and first come, first served.
9:30–10:30 AM
Room A
Blake Hernandez
10:30–11:30 AM
Room B
Irina Pinkusevich
10:45–11:45 AM
Room A
Allison Alexander
12:00–5:00 PM
Room A
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins
12:15–1:15 PM
Room B
Michell Evans
1:30–2:30 PM
Room B
Holly Baker
3:00–4:30 PM
Room B
Macie Pisa
9:30–10:30 AM
Room A
Irina Pinkusevich
10:00–11:00 AM
Room B
Blake Hernandez
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Room A
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins
12:00–1:00 PM
Room A
Wynne Wong
12:30–2:30 PM
Room B
Macie Pisa
1:00–2:00 PM
Room A
Wynne Wong
2:00–3:00 PM
Room B
Michell Evans
9:30–10:30 AM
Room A
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins
10:30–11:30 AM
Room B
Holly Baker
1:00–2:00 PM
Room A
Jennifer Bishop Jenkins
The official site lists spectator seminar add-ons at $65 CAD, while individual seminar buttons show $70 CAD. Confirm the current price when booking. Optional signed PDF certificates are $5 CAD per seminar, per attendee, plus applicable tax. Final seminar details are subject to confirmation.
VIEW SEMINARS & BOOKFor groomers & spectators
These are Tru North grooming passes, separate from Christmas Canadian Pet Expo general admission. All prices are in Canadian dollars; applicable tax is added at booking.
Cup Ring Entry: $150 CAD per competition ring. The Spectator Weekend Pass covers all three days of the grooming show floor; seminars cost extra. Awards include Best in Show and Best All Around Groomer; prize amounts are to be confirmed.
VIEW GROOMING PASSESOfficial event team
The currently published panel includes Irina Pinkusevich, Blake Hernandez, Michell Evans and Macie Pisa. Holly Baker also judges creative and model dog categories. The final panel is subject to confirmation.
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.
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.
International Speaker & Judge · Pooch Perfect USA Champion
A second-generation groomer, professional since 2012 and competitor since 2014, Macie is an NDGAA Master Groomer, Groom Team USA member and winner of ABC's Pooch Perfect USA.
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.
