08/06/2026
To the Teton Grooming Expo Community,
After much thought, reflection and countless conversations, I have made the difficult decision to pause Teton Grooming Expo for 2026.
For those who may not know the history of the event, Teton Grooming Expo was originally founded by Gabby, who brought the first show to life and created the foundation that so many of us came to appreciate. In 2023, I was given the opportunity to take over the event and continue its journey.
Over the last two years, I have poured my heart into Teton. Together, we brought education, competition and community to groomers across the country. We created opportunities to learn, connect and grow, and I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished.
One of the reasons I took on Teton was because I believe regional education matters. Not every groomer can afford to travel across the country multiple times a year for training, networking and competition opportunities.
Over the last several years, the industry has naturally consolidated around a handful of larger national events. While those events provide tremendous value, it has become increasingly challenging for smaller independent shows to secure the attendance, vendor participation and sponsorship support needed to remain sustainable.
I still believe regional events are important. I still believe groomers deserve accessible education close to home. Unfortunately, believing in something and being able to sustainably produce it are not always the same thing.
As I prepared for what would have been Year 5 of the event, I found myself taking a hard look at the reality of what it takes to produce a trade show in today’s environment. The event industry has changed. Costs continue to rise. Attendance patterns have shifted. Vendor participation has become increasingly competitive. The amount of time, energy and financial investment required to produce an event of this size has grown significantly.
For the last two years, I have given Teton everything I had. But there comes a point where you have to honestly evaluate whether something is sustainable. After a great deal of reflection, I realized I could no longer continue producing the event at the level I believe this industry deserves.
I have always believed that if we are going to do something, we should do it well. I never wanted Teton to become an event that was simply put on for the sake of keeping it alive. The industry deserves better than that.
After weighing every option available, I came to the conclusion that pausing the event for 2026 is the most responsible decision. This pause allows space to evaluate what the future of Teton could and should look like while honoring the standards and experience that have always been at the heart of the event.
This decision is not a reflection of our educators, competitors, vendors, sponsors or attendees. In fact, your support is what makes this announcement so difficult.
To everyone who attended a class, entered a competition, walked the trade show floor, sponsored the event, volunteered their time or simply supported Teton along the way, thank you.
It has been an honor to be part of Teton’s story. I am proud of what we built together and grateful for the relationships, memories and community that came from it.
Whether Teton returns in the future remains to be seen, but what was created through this event will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you for your support, your trust and your belief in Teton.
With gratitude,
Quinci Cole 🤎
Show Director
Teton Grooming Expo
