Exhibitor FAQ
Q: HOW IS GROOM’D DIFFERENT FROM ATLANTA PET FAIR & CONFERENCE?
A: GROOM’D, formerly Atlanta Pet Fair & Conference, is the same gathering you know and love — and still the largest event for groomers and pet care professionals in the Southeast.
Q: WHERE IS THE EVENT LOCATED?
A: GROOM’D will be held at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337. The trade show floor is in Exhibit Hall A.
Q: WHAT ARE THE SHOW HOURS AND MOVE IN/OUT TIMES?
A: The exhibitor show hours can be found on the Exhibitor Show Schedule page.
Q: IS CASH ACCEPTED AT THE EVENT?
A: No, cash is not accepted at registration or parking. The Registration Desk only accepts major credit cards for registration payments and the Convention Center only accepts major credit cards (except for the Discover Card) for parking, concessions, etc. However, many exhibitors accept cash for product sales.
Q: HOW CAN I ACCESS MY EXHIBITOR PORTAL DASHBOARD?
A: Please click here for access to the Exhibitor Portal Dashboard and follow the log on instructions. For assistance with your password please email confirmation@groomd.org.
Q: HOW CAN I ACCESS THE SERVICE KIT?
A: GES is the official General Service Contractor and provides all labor, equipment, material handling, decorating, and cleaning items and services.
GES Exhibitor Service Kit website
The kit includes:
- A List of Booth Package Items
- Important Dates & Deadlines
- Booth Furnishing Rental Items & Order Forms
- Shipping, Drayage & Material Handling Information & Order Forms
- Privately Operated Vehicle/Self-Unloading Instructions
- Additional Show Services
- Regulations & Guidelines
Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH MY BOOTH?
A: Each booth package includes:
- 8ft high backwall drape (white)*
- 3ft high sidewall drapes (white)*
- 1x – 6ft skirted table on 3 sides (white)
- 2x black plastic chairs
- 1x wastebasket
- 1x booth ID sign*
*Not available for island booths
Q: WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED WITH MY BOOTH?
A: Carpet is not included in the booth package. The flooring is cement, and the aisles will not be carpeted. It is optional for you to cover your floor. Carpet is available to rent from GES.
Electrical outlets are also not included in the booth package and can be ordered from the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC).
In addition, trash service/cleaning is not included with your booth package. GES offers cleaning equipment as well as porter services. Exhibitors are not permitted to place empty boxes in the aisles or common areas. Empty exhibitor boxes must be placed in the dumpsters located outside, in the back of the Exhibit Hall.
Please visit the Exhibitor Services Kit for pricing and ordering information.
Q: CAN I SET UP MY OWN BOOTH?
A: Yes, however, all sign hanging and rigging from the ceiling must be performed by GES.
Q: CAN I SELF-UNLOAD MY ITEMS USING MOVING EQUIPMENT?
A: Yes, exhibitors may hand carry/self-unload items at the GICC dock area. Only GES can use a forklift, manual or electric pallet jack or any motorized equipment. If you need a pallet jack or moving equipment, please order equipment or material handling services through GES. GES also offers a cartload service for $55.00 per load. Exhibitors may also park in the Convention Center parking lots and hand carry items through the Hall A Exhibit Hall Main Entrance. Please use the designated door where the security guard is located.
Q: WHEN CAN I TEAR DOWN MY BOOTH?
A: Dismantling is on Sunday at 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Early dismantling (including packing-up of any part of your exhibit) violates Show Rules and Guidelines and more importantly, detracts from the professional appearance of GROOM’D. Please note that early dismantling will not be tolerated. Move-out of exhibit materials or dismantling prior to the 4 p.m. closing of the show Sunday will result in a $500.00 fine that will be due and payable prior to inclusion in any other WPA event.
Q: WHERE CAN I FIND BOOTH DESIGN AND DISPLAY RULES?
A: Click here to download the 2023 Exhibit Rules & Regulations.
Q: CAN I DRIVE MY CAR INTO THE BUILDING FOR SET-UP AND BREAK DOWN?
A: Cars are not permitted on the show floor; however, you can bring your own dolly/hand truck.
Q: CAN I BRING MY PET?
A: Only pets utilized for demos or contests are allowed at the show, they must be kept in the booth.
Q: WILL I RECEIVE MY BADGES BEFORE THE SHOW?
A: Badges will not be mailed prior to the event. Barcodes will be emailed to registered booth staff before the show. Simply bring your barcode to the Registration Desk located in the Lobby in front of the Exhibit Hall to receive a badge. The Registration Desk will open starting Wednesday, March 6, at 2:00 pm. Prior to registration opening, exhibitors who wish to move in on Wednesday, March 6, may enter the Exhibit Hall by providing security with your company name and booth number. You will receive a wristband from security to enter the Hall. Security will be located at the Exhibit Hall entrances (front entrance and back dock entrance). Once the Registration Desk is open you will need a badge in order to access the Exhibit Hall.
Q: ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED ON THE SHOW FLOOR?
A: Children are permitted at GROOM’D. Children of walking age must be registered and wear a badge while on show site. Children 15 and under must always be under adult supervision and will not be permitted on the Exhibit Hall show floor during exhibitor move-in or move-out hours.
Q: ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED IN SEMINARS?
A: Children must be 16 or older, registered and have a badge to attend the seminars. Lost children announcements will not be made.
Q: CAN I BRING IN BEVERAGES AND/OR FOOD INTO THE VENUE?
A: Unfortunately, no outside food and drinks are permitted in the venue. Concessions will be open during show days for food and beverage selections.
Q: WHERE CAN I PARK?
A: Parking is available at the Georgia International Convention Center at the below rates. The automated payment system accepts only major credit cards and debit cards (Discover and cash are NOT accepted). Parking fees do not include in and out privileges. Parking rates are subject to change.
DAILY PARKING RATES:
- Vehicle: $10
- Vehicle with a trailer: $20
- RV 20’ or less: $20
- RV 21’ or more: $35
OVERNIGHT PARKING*:
- Vehicle/truck/trailer: $35
- RV: $50
*Overnight parking must be prepaid. Fees for overnight parking are based on the number of nights per stay. Large trucks and RV’s enter through Parking Lot E’s side locking gate. Please note there are no RV hookups. To prepay for parking or for questions regarding parking, please contact Diane Walcott, GICC Parking Manager, at 404-791-4236 or by email at dwalcott@gicc.com. Click here to link to GICC parking information.
Q: IS WIFI AVAILABLE?
A: WIFI is available for purchase through the Georgia International Convention Center. The advance fee is $50 per user if order by Thursday, February 23. After February 23 2023, the fee is $60 per user, per day. Rates are subject to change. Click here for the Telecommunications Services Order Form.
Q: WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR OTHER QUESTIONS?
A: For general questions about GROOM’D, please call 1.800.999.7295 or email confirmation@groomd.org.