Christies Groom Pro Ireland 2016

Some words from IPDGA members after a great day out 

Michelle of Goodness Gracious Grooming

Heather of Heathers Dog Grooming Palour 

Groom pro 2016 was my first time to attend a Christies Direct Seminar. The guest line-up was impressive on paper, and definitely didn't disappoint!
The set up allowed people to come & go as they pleased ,meaning you could watch as much or as little of each seminar as you wish. This also meant you were never hanging around waiting for something of particular interest to start.
I really enjoyed what the speakers had to offer. I loved Jonathan David's Yorkie demo, but the highlight for me was the groom off between Jonathan & Sue. It was lighthearted, great fun and the dogs used were brilliant - realistic pet dogs put into realistic pet trims! Colin Taylor definitely spreads a bit of magic wherever he goes & the beautiful tribute to Mary Toland was very fitting.
As for the shopping, it was lovely to actually stand in front of the products for once, as like most I buy online. I got some great recommendations off other groomers regarding products they use too.
Over all, I throughly enjoyed the event. It was really well organised, great venue, great catering, great entertainment.......... And great goodie bag!! Definitely wouldn't miss the next one!

I had a brilliant day at Groom Pro Ireland. The goodie bags we received on registration were great, loads of lovely stuff. The room where the main seminars were held had two big screens and a camera man on stage with the speakers so you didn't miss a thing. First up was Sue Zecco who did a demo on a poodle. In the room next door were the trade stands, and an area in the corner where the speakers could finish off their grooming and you could ask questions. After tea break (lovely scones with jam and cream)Jonathon David took to the stage and demonstrated his comb and scissor technique he does on a drop coat instead of using a clippers. Colin Taylor was up next, he talked about getting the best out of your business and importance of pricing properly while doing a demo on a Lakeland. After a lovely buffet lunch Colin Christie gave a tribute to Mary, and Karina Kerrigan spoke of the founding of the IPDGA and the new Spirit of Mary award. There was also pod seminars going on in a smaller room at the same time so you were spoilt for choice of who to watch.
The first speaker up in the afternoon was Julie Harris, she did an excellent demonstration on a schnauzer, and explained why knowing the breed standard is so important.
For the afternoon tea break there was freshly baked chocolate cookies! The finale was a groom off between Sue Zecco and Jonathon David which was great craic because Colin Taylor was MC, the audience had to vote at the end for their favourite. Sue won by a narrow margin. All in all it was a great day, really well organised and well run. Its always great to get to seminars and meet up with other groomers and have a chat and a laugh, makes you feel energised and enthusiastic to get back to work and try out new techniques.  The End