A national dog grooming expo will return to Owensboro Convention Center later this month, marking its third consecutive year in the city.
RW GroomX is scheduled for May 28-31 and is expected to draw professional groomers, industry leaders, and dog enthusiasts from across the country. Organizers said the event continues to grow in attendance and visibility, earning recognition from Groom Team USA.
The multi-day event will feature national-level grooming competitions, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and an interactive expo floor showcasing grooming products and brands.
“This event keeps growing, and Owensboro has been a big part of that,” said Ralph Whitman, organizer of RW GroomX and owner of Whitman’s Pet Grooming Products. “The community support here makes it a great place to bring people together for something like this.”
In addition to industry-focused programming, the event is open to the public and designed to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the skill and creativity involved in professional dog grooming. Tradeshow admission is $10 per day or $20 for a weekend pass, while an all-access education pass is available for $250.
Local tourism officials said the event provides both economic and entertainment value for the community.
“RW GroomX is a unique event you don’t see in most communities, and it brings real impact to our local businesses,” said Teresa Jones with Visit Owensboro.
Jones said visitors are expected to travel from across the country, filling local hotels and restaurants, while also encouraging residents to attend.
“We’ll have visitors coming in from all over, staying in our hotels and supporting our restaurants, but just as important — I’d strongly encourage our local community to come out and experience it,” she said. “It’s something different, it’s fun to watch, and it’s a chance to see a national-level event right here in Owensboro.”
