The first Intergroom conference was held in 1981; since that time, the
event has become the largest international conference of its kind in
the world. Over 2,000 dog and cat groomers from over20 different
countries attend Intergroom yearly.
1997 marked the first year Intergroom was held both in the United
States and in Europe.
Intergroom was founded by Shirlee Kalstone. Meeting groomers here and
abroad was the inspiration for Mrs. Kalstone to begin organizing
Intergroom. It was conceived as a forum for professionals from
different nations to meet and exchange ideas, to improve skills and
education, to encourage competition, and to raise the standards of the
profession.Beginning in 1996
many changes have taken place. Christine DeFilippo, who had served as
Intergroom Program Coordinator became a full partner. The success of
the international event in the United States, coupled with requests
from groomers abroad who were unable to come to this country, led to
the decision to expand and include a European Conference as well.
As of the 1999 show, the American
Conference is totally in the hands of Christine DeFilippo, leaving
Shirlee Kalstone free to expand the European Conference plus other
important special projects.
At the conference held in the United
States each year, Intergroom always begins with an international
grooming competition that leads to the title of "Intergroom
International Groomer of the Year" - one of the most prestigious
awards in the the world of grooming. The quality of grooming is
extremely high and the competition is keen as top groomers from the
United States, Canada, England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands,
Germany, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and
Singapore, compete for over $20,000.00 in cash, trophies, rosettes and
prizes.
Groomers can compete in six different
classes: (1) Poodles, (2) Terriers, (3) Handstripping, (4) Spaniels
and Other Sporting Dogs, (5) All Other Purebreds, and (6)
Mixed-Breed/Miscellaneous (this includes dogs of mixed-breed parentage
plus any purebreds that will be trimmed in styles other than
"standard").
Competitors are judged by a panel of
international experts. Each year, in addition to the well-known
Americans, several judges from other countries are invited to be a
part of the jury.
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