BIGA Launches the New Grooming Hub at PATS 2026
- Polly Shears
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 28
Three Days of Live Dog Grooming Demonstrations, Business Education and Industry Insight
The British Isles Grooming Association (BIGA) is proud to announce its partnership with PATS 2026 as the official Supporting Partner of the new Grooming Hub, bringing an exciting new educational experience to the UK's leading pet and aquatics trade exhibition.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 27–29 September 2026, the Grooming Hub has been created to do much more than showcase grooming demonstrations. It has been designed as a dedicated learning space where groomers, pet retailers, manufacturers, distributors, training providers and pet business owners can come together to develop their knowledge, improve customer confidence and raise standards across the pet care industry.
A New Vision for Grooming Education at PATS 2026
For many years, grooming demonstrations have been a popular feature at PATS. This year, BIGA is taking that concept a step further.
Every session has been built around the real questions pet owners ask every day, helping visitors understand not only how professional groomers work, but why they make the decisions they do.
Using live dogs and practical demonstrations, BIGA's team of experienced educators will explore topics including:
Understanding coat types and preventing matting.
Managing double coats and seasonal shedding.
Recognising healthy skin and coat conditions.
Supporting puppies through positive grooming experiences.
Building customer confidence through better advice.
Raising professional standards.
Developing successful grooming businesses.
Career pathways into professional dog grooming.
Each presentation has been designed to benefit the whole pet industry, whether you're a professional groomer, pet retailer, supplier or manufacturer.
The New Grooming Hub at PATS 2026
The Grooming Hub isn't simply about watching a dog being groomed.
Every demonstration links practical grooming techniques with:
Animal welfare.
Customer education.
Product selection.
Professional standards.
Business growth.
Customer communication.
Visitors will leave with practical knowledge they can apply immediately, whether that's recommending the correct brush for a Cockapoo, understanding why a Labrador sheds so heavily or helping first-time puppy owners create positive grooming experiences.
Three Days. Three Themes.
The programme has been carefully designed to tell a story across the three-day event.
Sunday – Grow Your Business
Helping pet professionals become trusted advisers through better knowledge, stronger customer communication and practical business ideas.
Monday – Lead the Profession
Exploring professionalism, education, career pathways, collaboration and the future of the grooming industry.
Tuesday – Understand the Dog
Focusing on coat types, skin health, behaviour and welfare to help businesses give pet owners confident, evidence-based advice.
Whether you attend one session or all three days, each presentation has been created to provide practical value and support professional development.
Supporting the Entire Pet Care Industry
One of the unique aspects of the Grooming Hub is its broad appeal.
While professional groomers will gain valuable practical and business insights, the programme has also been developed for:
Pet retailers wanting greater confidence in recommending grooming products.
Manufacturers looking to better understand customer needs.
Distributors and wholesalers supporting the grooming sector.
Training providers and students.
Anyone considering a career in professional dog grooming.
This collaborative approach reflects BIGA's mission to raise standards and improve animal welfare across the industry.
Join BIGA at PATS 2026
PATS continues to grow as the UK's leading pet trade event, bringing together thousands of retailers, distributors, suppliers and industry professionals to discover new products, build relationships and develop their businesses. The addition of the BIGA Grooming Hub strengthens the educational programme with a dedicated focus on grooming knowledge and professional development.
If you're planning to visit PATS this September, make sure the BIGA Grooming Hub is on your itinerary.
Whether you're looking to improve your grooming knowledge, strengthen your business, discover the latest techniques or simply be inspired by some of the industry's leading professionals, there's something for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you to the BIGA Grooming Hub at PATS 2026.
Click this link to Register
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