For one weekend, the city of Liège will become the beating heart of the grooming world. On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2026, the fourth edition of the Diamex Master Groomer competition will take place.
In the space of three years, this competition has established itself as an unmissable event where groomers and enthusiasts from around the world gather to share their experiences and compete in a friendly yet highly competitive setting.
One of the great strengths of our competition lies in the exceptional opportunities it offers its participants. Each year, we make it a point of honour to invite outstanding international judges, renowned for their expertise and high standards. These encounters represent an invaluable opportunity for all competitors, who can benefit from valuable advice and expand their professional network.
Diamex Master Groomer is a combination of high-level competition, learning and extraordinary encounters.
Practical information:
Date: 18 & 19 April, 2026
Location: "Henriette Brenu" hall, rue Gilles Magnée 123, 4430 Ans Belgium (itinerary)
Category price: 70€*
Entry price: €5 per day
*contestants have automatic access to the event throughout the weekend.
Date: 18 & 19 April, 2026
Location: "Henriette Brenu" hall, rue Gilles Magnée 123, 4430 Ans Belgium (itinerary)
Category price: 70€*
Entry price: €5 per day
*contestants have automatic access to the event throughout the weekend.

Victor Rosado is a global reference in grooming, recognized as one of the best groomers, judges, and trainers. For over ten years, he has served as a judge in beauty and grooming competitions. A multi-award winner, he has received more than 100 distinctions, including numerous "Best in Show" and "All Around" titles. In 2017, he achieved the title of World Grooming Gold Champion and was ranked as the best groomer in the United States. He has also been among the top three nationally for five years. An FCI and AKC judge for all breeds/groups/BIS in beauty competitions, as well as an international grooming judge for the EGA and FCI, he has been named "Best Judge of the Year" in the United States since 2022. He is also doubly certified as a Master Groomer by the NDGAA and IPG. A breeder for over 25 years under the Showstar Kennel prefix, he is a member of the American Spaniel Club and a specialist in American Cockers, boasting numerous champions and "Best in Show" winners to his name.![]()

Chiara Piccionetti began her illustrious career in 1998 and quickly established herself as a key figure in international grooming. Initially recognized for her outstanding work with Poodles, she became a renowned specialist in Terriers. An exceptional competitor, she earned the title of Vice Champion of Europe EGA in 2004 and went on to win the prestigious Oster Tournament of Champions in 2009. A cornerstone of the Italian national team, she successfully led the team to the title of World Vice Champion in 2022 as captain, demonstrating her leadership and dedication. Now a sought-after speaker and EGA judge for all categories, she officiated at the World Championships (2013, 2024) and has been named Best Italian Judge twice (2014 and 2024). Deeply involved in the transmission and evolution of the profession, she is the co-author of the reference manual "Masters of Stripping," a trainer for Studio 4 Webinars, and a founding member of the F.N.T. association. She also co-organizes Romeo Grooming, an international competition whose proceeds are donated to charitable causes.![]()

Michail Premtsis is a certified Professional Master Groomer and a member of the Greek grooming team. Since 2013, he has taken part in numerous international grooming competitions, earning several prestigious distinctions along the way. His achievements include the titles of Best Breed Groomer in 2016 and 2017, as well as Best International Groomer at the World Grooming Conference in the UK in 2019. In the same year, he also triumphed at the Oster European Invitational Tournament of Champions.
Beyond his competitive success, Michail has garnered over 60 Best in Show placements at dog shows, primarily with his beloved Scottish Terriers. As a specialist in the hand stripping technique, Michail has become an undeniable reference in the grooming field, thanks to his expertise, passion, and precision. His commitment to excellence and attention to detail have allowed him to build an enviable reputation among his peers and to become a mentor for many aspiring groomers eager to learn the intricacies of this craft.![]()

Vincent Pastor began his journey in competitive grooming in 1996 at Intergroom in New York, quickly gaining renown by winning numerous medals until 2003. Competing across multiple countries, he became a key and respected figure on the international professional grooming scene.
Driven by passion, he served as a member of Team France for ten enriching years, contributing to their third-place finish at the World Championships in 2003 and brilliantly leading the team to victory in 2005. Alongside his competitive career, Vincent has judged various grooming competitions in France and abroad, notably as co-organizer of the renowned "Ciseaux d'Or" (Golden Scissors), and even served as a judge at the World Championships in 2007. As an entrepreneur, he founded "Calin Toilettage," establishing three thriving salons in France. With 33 years of experience, he has trained countless talented groomers, cementing his status as an essential and admired figure in international grooming and inspiring the next generation of passionate professionals.![]()
Ilse Frenk Kleton is an NDGAA certified groomer (Non-Sporting) who has been qualified in the Netherlands since 1984, boasting a long career as a groomer, instructor, and examiner in Dutch schools. A recognized EGA All-Around Judge, she has served for decades as both a judge and active practitioner at numerous national and international competitions, frequently giving demonstrations and seminars abroad. The daughter of Poodle breeders ("Van de Amerongsche Berg") and a Poodle enthusiast herself, she later became a breeder/owner of Bichons. She has bred several award-winning dogs, including Tiger Lily (Best Bichon 2022, Best of Group 9 2022) and Sunray (Best Dutch Bichon 2018–2019). Her distinctions include the title of European Champion Poodle Grooming (1993), several major titles at the SNPCC in Reims (2006) and Aubusson (2007), being voted Best Practical Supervisor in the Netherlands (2009), being named Best International Judge (2024), and receiving the Leadership Award at Groomphoria (2025). She is also the author of Het Grote Hondentrimboek (1996).![]()
Diamex Master Groomer is a competition recognised by theEGA (European Grooming Association), whose aim is to promote and develop the grooming profession.
A rich and varied programme featuring the six officialEGAcategories, as well as non-official creative and commercial categories for competitors who want to participate for the fun of the competition.
This competition is a real showcase for talent, offering participants a multitude of opportunities to highlight their skills and creativity in a variety of exciting categories.
OFFICIAL CATEGORIES:
- Beginner .
- Handstripping*
- Intermediate .
- Pure Breed*
- Spaniel & Setter*
- Standard Poodle* .
- Toy & Medium Poodle* .
*Open and Champion classes
OTHER CATEGORIES:
- Asian Style.
- Double Master Groomer (Duo)
- Student class .
- Workshop (Commercial & Doodles)
Saturday, 18 April 2026
- 7:30 - Door opening
- 8:30 - Pre-judging
- 9:00 - Asian Style | Beginner | Handstripping
- 12:00 - Announcement of the Nominees
- 13:30 - Pre-judging
- 14:00 - Double Master Groomer | Intermediate | Pure Breed
- 17:00 - Announcement of the Nominees
- 18:00 - Award ceremony (Asian Style, Beginner, Double Master Groomer ans Intermediate categories)
Dimanche 19 avril 2026 :
- 7:30 - Door opening
- 8:30 - Pre-judging
- 9:00 - Spaniel & Setter | Student Class | Workshop
- 12:00 - Announcement of the Nominees
- 13:30 : Pré-jugement
- 14:00 - Standard Poodle | Toy & Medium Poodle
- 17:00 - Announcement of the Nominees
- 18:00 - Award ceremony (categories of the day + Handstripping and Pure Breed)
- Terms and Regulations
- Programme (coming soon)
- Access map (coming soon)
A bathing area equipped with tubs, grooming tables, dryers (limited quantity, availability not guaranteed), and Diamex products will be at your disposal to help you prepare your dog before the competition. These facilities provide you with a suitable environment to wash your dog under the best possible conditions.
To ensure smooth organization and avoid long queues, access to the bathing area will be by reservation only. You have the option to book multiple time slots
Reservations: send an email to laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com
Location: Rue de la Berwinne 17, 4450 Juprelle Belgique (itinerary)
Schedule for Saturday 12 April: from 6:00 to 17:00
Schedule for Sunday 13 April: from 6:00 to 14:00
How do I register for the competition?
Registration for the competition is done exclusively via the online registration form .
As a visitor, do I need to book my tickets?
→ No, you can buy them directly on site.
Will there be food and drink on site?
→ Yes, there will be a variety of drinks and snacks available in the bar throughout the day. A food truck will also be on hand for lunch, offering a variety of meal options.
Can I pay by card on site?
→ Yes, a terminal is available for electronic payments. The types of payment accepted are : Visa, V PAY, MasterCard, Maestro, American Express, Discover, Diners Club or Union Pay. Please note that if you make a payment with an international card, your bank may charge you a fee depending on the bank's currency conversion policy.
I'm a student, is this event for me?
→ Yes, our competition is perfectly suited for students! We've even scheduled a dedicated Student Class, which allows you to discover the world of competitive grooming by applying your skills in a competitive setting. Our competition is an excellent opportunity to have your work evaluated by experienced judges, whose advice and experience are an invaluable asset. It's also an exceptional learning opportunity.
I'm a visitor. Can I bring my dog?
→ Yes, of course your dog is welcome at our event, as long as it is kept on a lead and under supervision at all times. This will enable all participants, visitors and their four-legged companions to enjoy the event in the best possible conditions. Don't forget to make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date.
Est-il possible de voir un vétérinaire sur place ?
If you need to see a veterinarian for your dog to be checked before your return, please inform us by email, and we will arrange for one to come. Please note that the costs are the responsibility of the competitor. For more information, please contact us.
Are seminars offered during the competition?
Yes, several exceptional seminars are scheduled. We have the honor of hosting exceptional judges, who are also renowned Master Groomers and trainers. They will share their expertise through advanced technical demonstrations and privileged discussions. These seminars offer an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills through contact with true experts. To consult the list of seminars, click here.
Any other questions?
→ Please send an email to laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com.
During the Diamex Master Groomer competition, exclusive seminars led by exceptional judges will be organised. These internationally renowned speakers will share their methods, tips and feedback on the most advanced grooming techniques through enriching seminars.
These sessions are a valuable opportunity to hone your skills, ask experts questions and enrich your professional practices. Whether you are a competitor, groomer, breeder, trainer or student, you will leave with practical advice and new perspectives to enhance your expertise.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field and benefit from exclusive exchanges with high-level professionals.
Practical information:
Date: 18 & 19 April, 2026
Location: "Henriette Brenu" hall, rue Gilles Magnée 123, 4430 Ans Belgium (itinerary)
Seminar fees: 75€*
*those registered for a seminar automatically have access to the event throughout the weekend.

Come and attend a demonstration dedicated to the commercial grooming of the American Cocker Spaniel. Led by Chiara Piccionetti, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to discover an approach that is both aesthetic, practical, and respectful of the breed’s characteristics. Through a complete and detailed demonstration, Chiara will explain each step of the grooming process, from coat preparation to shaping the cut, selecting the appropriate lengths, sculpting the silhouette, and finishing touches.
L’un des aspects clés abordés est l’optimisation du temps de travail en salon, avec des techniques et astuces permettant de réaliser une coupe élégante rapidement et efficacement, sans sacrifier la qualité ni le confort du chien.
This is the perfect opportunity to refine your skills, improve precision, enhance efficiency, and gain practical insights from an exceptional Master Groomer, enabling you to provide high-quality services while reducing daily grooming time.
Practical information:
Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Start: 15:00
Location: "Henriette Brenu" hall, rue Gilles Magnée 123, 4430 Ans Belgium (itinerary)
Languages: English, translated into French and Dutch
Fees: 75€

The grooming profession is above all a labour of love, where the well-being of the animal is at the heart of everything. We give a great deal of ourselves, our energy and our patience to every dog or cat that passes through our hands. But in the midst of this investment, doubts sometimes arise when it comes to setting prices. We worry that we are too expensive, we are afraid of scaring customers away, and too often we end up forgetting about ourselves.
The aim of this seminar is simple: to help you find your balance by taking the time to calmly consider the true value of your work. To do this, Vincent Pastor will help you analyse the reality of your daily life: your expenses and income, of course, but also your time and expertise. He will show you how to set fair prices for your clients that will allow you to make a comfortable living from your business.
Learn to take care of your business with the same attention you give to animals. You will leave with concrete tips for charging fair prices, feeling lighter, ready to continue your work with a smile and the confidence you deserve.
Practical information:
Date: Sunday, 19 April 2026
Start: 9:30
Location: salle "Henriette Brenu" rue Gilles Magnée 123, 4430 Ans Belgique (itinéraire)
Languages: French, translate in English and Dutch
Fees: 75€
Laura began her training as a groomer in 2014, entering a field she is passionate about. After graduating, she realised her dream by opening her own salon, EstiDog, on 1 January 2018, a place where she can fully express her love for dogs and grooming.
In 2016, Laura began competing in grooming competitions, an enriching experience that allowed her to perfect her technique and constantly push her limits. Her talent and determination quickly set her apart among professionals in the field.
In October 2023, she joined the Diamex Team, continuing her development while still competing and training. At the same time, she shares her expertise by leading training sessions, where she uses her experience to help everyone progress.
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Place: rue de la Berwinne 17 - 4450 Juprelle, Belgium (itinerary)
Schedule: from 9:00 to 16:00
Languages: French, translated into English and Dutch
Limited number of places.
Throughout the day, Laura will guide you step by step, sharing her techniques, tips and professional insights. She will take the time to observe your movements, correct them and guide you so that you can progress at your own pace.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced groomer, this workshop is designed to suit all levels. The aim is to help you gain confidence, precision and efficiency in commercial cuts that can be easily achieved in the salon.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in ‘observation’ mode, ideal for those who wish to learn without hands-on experience, while still benefiting fully from Laura's explanations and demonstrations.
A day dedicated to kindness, sharing and a passion for dog grooming.
Observation: 100€
Participation: 130€
*Drinks, meals, snacks and certificate included.
Lienke Luthart is a renowned groomer specialising in poodles. After graduating in 2011, she perfected her art with the help of mentors and acquired remarkable expertise through training courses, seminars, workshops and competitions. Since 2013, she has successfully participated in international grooming competitions, where she has won 11 gold medals, several Best in Show titles, and notably distinguished herself by achieving the highest score of all Poodles at the 2017 World Championship.
At the same time, Lienke runs her grooming salon, Trimsalon de Boomgaard, which was founded by her mother and which she took over in 2021. She also breeds Standard Poodles under the Heritage Black Diamond kennel name, with a particular focus on the quality and well-being of her puppies. Passionate and generous, Lienke shares her expertise to train other enthusiasts and enhance the beauty of Poodles, which she also presents with great success at shows.
Dates: Saturday, 21 February 2026 and Sunday, 22 February 2026
Place: rue de la Berwinne 17 - 4450 Juprelle, Belgium (itinerary)
Horaire matinées : from 9:00 to 12:00
Horaire après-midis : from 13:00 to 16:00
Languages: Dutch/English translated into French
Limited number of places.
Both days consist of two three-hour workshop sessions, offering great flexibility: morning sessions will run from 9am to 12pm, and afternoon sessions from 1pm to 4pm. You can choose to participate in one session, both sessions, or observe one while participating in the other, depending on your preferences.
These workshops give you the opportunity to perfect your movements, place your lines with precision, refine your techniques and discover the details that make all the difference in grooming. Each participant will receive personalised support and practical advice that can be put into practice immediately.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced groomer, whether you want to participate or observe, this day will help you gain precision and confidence, while discovering expert tips for enhancing the natural beauty of poodles.
Satuday 21/02/2026
Session 1 - Morning
Observation: 60€
Participation: 90€
Session 2 - Afternoon
Observation: 60€
Participation: 90€
*drinks, snacks and certificate included. Meals are included for those participating in both sessions.
Sunday 22/02/2026
Session 1 - Morning
Observation: 60€
Participation: 90€
Session 2 - Afternoon
Observation: 60€
Participation: 90€
*drinks, snacks and certificate included. Meals are included for those participating in both sessions.
Feryal Labed has been a groomer and grooming salon manager for 24 years. With years of experience and numerous training courses throughout her career, Feryal has acquired unrivalled expertise in the field of dog grooming. Her background includes in-depth training in dog education, canine behavior and pet massage techniques.
Her passion for animal welfare and her dedication to excellence naturally led her to pass on her knowledge. Today, Feryal Labed trains future groomers, sharing her experience with pedagogy and kindness. Her educational approach, combining practical know-how and theory, enables her students to develop solid skills and prepare for a successful career in animal grooming.
Place: rue de la Berwinne 17 - 4450 Juprelle, Belgium (itinerary)
Languages: French, Dutch and English
Day classes: lundi et vendredi (de 9h30 à 14h30)
Evening classes: Wednesday and Thursday (from 17:45 to 20:15)
Inscription: laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com
During her coaching sessions, Feryal covers not only cutting, but also care, bathing and the efficient running of a grooming salon. Feryal's courses focus on commercial grooming and are exclusively participative. What's more, there's no minimum level required, so whether you want to start or improve, Feryal will adapt to your level and your needs.
Daily classes are held on Mondays and Fridays (see #4 Dates), starting at 9.30 and finishing at 15:30. You can bring one or more models as you wish.
Evening classes are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting at 17:45 and finishing at 20:15. Only one model is accepted for these classes.
Day classes:
- Friday, 13 February
- Monday, 23 February
- Monday, 9 March
- Friday, 13 March
- Monday, 23 March
- Friday, 3 April
- Monday, 27 April
- Monday, 4 May
- Friday, 22 May
- Monday, 15 June
- Friday, 19 June
- Monday, 29 June
- Friday, 3 July
- Monday, 13 July
Evening classes:
- Wednesday, 25 February
- Wednesday, 18 March
- Wednesday, 22 April
- Wednesday, 20 May
- Wednesday, 17 June
- Wednesday, 8 July
Day classes: 75€
Evening classes: 60€
Françoise Janssens is a practitioner passionate about the overall well-being of humans and animals, with over 25 years of experience. She supports her clients through a holistic approach combining energy healing, dynamic sophrology, EFT-IFS and Bach flower remedies, while also incorporating intuitive animal communication, shiatsu, and behavioural support for animals.
Her unusual career began in dog grooming, which she practised and taught for over 30 years. Since 1999, she has specialised in inner well-being and coaching, enriching her skills through numerous recognised training courses: sophrology, reiki (master teacher), canine shiatsu, behavioural coaching, kinesiology, Akashic numerology, hypnosis and feng shui.
Françoise offers personalised sessions, adapting her tools to each individual's pace and needs, in a respectful and caring approach, guided by deep listening and authenticity.
Dates :
Workshop 1: Sunday, 7 September 2025
Workshop 2: Sunday, 2 November 2025
Workshop 3: Sunday, 14 December 2025
Workshop 4: Sunday, 1st February 2026
Workshop 5: Sunday, 22 March 2026
Workshop 6: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Workshop 7: Sunday, 28 June 2026
Place: rue de la Berwinne 17 - 4450 Juprelle, Belgium (itinerary)
Schedule: from 10:00 to 16:00
Language: French
Limited number of places.
→ This workshop has already ended. If you are interested, please visit Françoise Janssens' website to find out about upcoming dates at other training locations.
Throughout the day, the focus is on relaxation and letting go through relaxation sessions inspired by dynamic sophrology. These simple practices are designed to be easily replicated in a personal or professional setting.
Practical tools and subtle gestures are also discussed. Suitable for all situations, whether dealing with a customer, in a work environment or in everyday life, they allow you to release pressure in a matter of moments or, conversely, to regain energy and concentration when feeling tired. These techniques are derived from Do-In (traditional Chinese medicine), kinesiology and sophrology.
The day concludes with learning a complete self-shiatsu protocol for the head, as well as the basics for practising it on another person. This acupressure method promotes deep relaxation and provides a real sense of well-being, beneficial both for oneself and for loved ones or animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.).
→ This workshop has already ended. If you are interested, please visit Françoise Janssens' website to find out about upcoming dates at other training locations.
This introductory workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore and deepen their relationship and communication with animals, using an approach that respects their emotions, needs and individuality. The aim is to gain a better understanding of their subtle language in order to foster a harmonious relationship based on listening, respect and kindness. Animal communication is about establishing a deep connection from heart to heart, soul to soul.
The day is punctuated by two guided relaxation sessions, designed to facilitate refocusing, grounding and letting go of the mind. These breaks allow you to enter into a more sensitive and receptive state of presence, in resonance with the living world. Simple, accessible and fun exercises will then be offered to explore the natural capacities of intuition and openness to subtle communication, often referred to as ‘telepathy’. These practices aim to refine inner listening and develop the ability to perceive the bond between humans and animals in a different way.
The day will end with practical exercises using photographs of living and deceased animals, allowing participants to deepen and refine their feelings in a calm and supportive environment.
→ This workshop has already ended. If you are interested, please visit Françoise Janssens' website to find out about upcoming dates at other training locations.
Allowing animals to benefit from Bach Flowers is like building a subtle bridge between their world and ours. It is also a way to deepen the quality of the relationship, refine our understanding of their emotions, and enrich the sensitive communication we share with them.
The day will begin with a presentation on Bach Flowers, their origins, principles and specific applications in the animal kingdom. We will explore everything they can offer to help animals achieve greater serenity, ease periods of transition or stress, and support their emotional balance. The limitations of these elixirs will also be clarified so that they can be used respectfully and appropriately.
The workshop will conclude with a practical exercise that will allow everyone to discover Bach Flowers through the creation of a personalised synergy, tailored to the needs of their pet. This approach will provide an opportunity to experience subtle listening to animals while leaving with a concrete tool to integrate into everyday life.
Animal massage is above all an act of affection, respect and kindness towards our companions (dogs, cats, horses, goats, etc.). It contributes to their physical and emotional well-being while strengthening the bond between us and them.
This workshop will teach you how to perform a full or abbreviated massage tailored to healthy dogs (and other animals), whether they are athletic, ageing, or simply seeking relaxation.
The day will begin with a relaxation session to ensure we are fully available for our animals. We will then discuss the essential elements for preparing and conducting a session: favourable conditions, precautions and restrictions.
A review of the basic anatomy of dogs, cats and horses will complement these contributions before moving on to the practical learning of different massage techniques and manoeuvres.
Shiatsu energy massage for relaxation takes classic massage to the next level by incorporating acupressure points along the meridians, based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is intended exclusively for healthy animals. This workshop offers an introduction to this approach, providing an initial overview of shiatsu and TCM. To become a practitioner and perform complete sessions including energy assessment and rebalancing, three years of in-depth training is required at one of the specialised centres in Belgium or France.
The day will begin with an introduction to traditional Chinese medicine to provide a better understanding of what shiatsu is and the benefits it can bring.
We will continue with practical training in acupressure lines that can be incorporated into massage, as well as specific techniques for applying them gently and respectfully.
Unlike humans, our animal companions do not set barriers for themselves and remain very receptive to various energy healing techniques, such as Bach Flower Remedies, shiatsu, or massage. However, they retain their free will and can choose whether or not to accept these treatments. Respect for them means, above all, accepting this choice, while remaining attentive to their needs and consent.
During this day, we will discuss how to prepare to offer this care with kindness, as well as various simple and accessible techniques that can be used even without prior training in energy healing.
We will explore energy and vibrational healing methods adapted to animals, whether they are present or at a distance: magnetism, reiki, pendulum use, chakra rebalancing, and other complementary approaches.
This workshop, which follows on from the introductory workshop on energy healing, will focus exclusively on the use of the pendulum, whether in the context of energy healing or to facilitate the search for missing animals. This subtle technique allows you to refine your perception and guide your interventions with precision.
We will also cover the essential basics of giving a magnetism session in order to best support our companions towards physical, emotional and energetic well-being. For those who have completed the entire training course, practical advice will be offered on how to conduct complete energy sessions, both in person and remotely, in accordance with the appropriate protocols.
Each workshop is a valuable and complementary tool that enriches everyday care practices, but it cannot replace veterinary medicine, professional diagnosis, or medical treatments necessary for the health of our animals.
Complete Training
€700, or €100 per workshop
*It is possible to join the full training course at any time, as long as there is space available.
*payable in 7 instalments
Workshop "customizable"
€120 per workshop