For one weekend, the city of Liège will become the beating heart of the grooming world. On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April 2025, the Diamex Master Groomer competition will be held.
In just two years, this competition has established itself as a not-to-be-missed event where groomers from all over the world come together to share their passion and measure themselves against each other in a setting that is both friendly and highly competitive.
One of the great strengths of our competition lies in the exceptional opportunities it offers its participants. Each year, we make a point of inviting exceptional international judges, renowned for their expertise and high standards. These meetings represent an invaluable opportunity for all contestants, who can benefit from invaluable advice, broaden their professional network and thus advance their career.
Diamex Master Groomer is a combination of high-level competition, learning and extraordinary encounters.
Practical information:
Date: 12 and 13 April 2025
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Contestant rate*: €70 per category
Visitor rate: €5 per day
*contestants have automatic access to the event throughout the weekend.
Our competition is recognised by the EGA (European Grooming Association), whose aim is to promote and develop the grooming profession.
Each year, the six official EGA categories are on the programme for our competition: Beginner, Handstripping, Intermediate, Pure Breed, Spaniel & Setter, and Poodles. We also offer unofficial categories, often referred to as creative or commercial, for contestants who want to take part for competition entertainment. The competition provides a platform for participants to showcase their talent and techniques in a range of categories.
OFFICIAL CATEGORIES:
- Beginner .
- Handstripping*
- Intermediate .
- Pure Breed*
- Spaniel & Setter*
- Standard Poodle* .
- Toy & Medium Poodle* .
*Open and Champion classes
OTHER CATEGORIES:
- Asian Style .
- Doodles .
- Double Master Groomer (Duo)
- Student class .
- Workshop (Commercial)
Toshinori Omura is an internationally renowned breeder, handler, groomer and judge. He began showing Poodles with Florence, who is also the first Poodle from his Smash Poodle kennel, which he created in 1989. Toshinori has been Japan's No. 1 Toy Poodle breeder for 34 years and he is considered one of the best in the world, the Smash prefix has produced over 800 Champions at the JKC. Throughout his impressive career, Toshinori has won countless awards: 108 times Best in Show in the USA, 11 times Best of Variety (including 8 consecutive times) at the PCA, numerous times Best in Show, notably at the World Dog Show and Asia Kennel Union, and several times Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Show.
Today Toshinori is a much sought-after speaker, he still shows dogs at dog shows with whom he wins numerous awards, he judges at dog shows and competitions for the EGA and the FCI organisation, he is president of the Fuji Poodle Club, and he is also a committee member of the Japan Kennel Club.
Olga Zabelinskaya is a self-taught groomer certified as a Master Groomer in the United States and internationally. She is the owner of Elite Pet Spa & Boutique, her grooming salon which won the Cardinal Excellence Award in 2010. She is also an internationally renowned judge and the creator of the Zolitta brand of grooming tools. Thanks to her outstanding work, Olga has groomed dogs for prestigious dog shows such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and is also solicited by celebrities to groom their pets. Olga has participated in numerous grooming competitions and was a member of Groom Team USA from 2008 to 2014. Over the course of her career, she has won many awards, including Best in Show, Best All Around Groomer, and twice Winners Circle Champion.
As a result of her dedication, stunning work and teaching through her enlightening seminars
and magazine Modern Styles Around the World, she has twice been honoured with the Cardinal Crystal American Groomer of the Year Award in 2009 and 2010, as well as the Congeniality Award in 2009.
Magali Delaye, Handstripping expert, is a breeder, groomer, trainer, and international judge. Magali's passion for grooming was passed on to her by her mum, a Terrier breeder. At the age of 15, she began her apprenticeship and discovered her talent for grooming, landing her first job three years later thanks to her expertise in Terriers. This experience enabled her to learn to groom other breeds, while building a reputation in her speciality. At the age of 20, she opened her own salon, then joined forces with her mum to help her run her kennel.
Before becoming a judge, Magali excelled in grooming competitions. She became National and International Champion in all categories, and twice won the prestigious title of Best of the Best at the Ciseaux d'Or in 1999 and 2006. Health problems forced Magali to reduce her grooming activity, but she devoted herself to training future groomers, several of whom went on to become Champions.
Passionate about dogs since childhood, Mélanie Schmit has devoted herself to breeding and grooming Pomeranians, becoming a leading figure in the field on an international scale. As handler of her own dogs, she has led her kennel to win prestigious titles such as Belgian Champion, Luxembourg Champion and International Champion.
Recognised for her expertise, she joined the Diamex Team in 2022, further strengthening her presence in the world of competitions. Every year, Mélanie takes part in numerous dog shows and grooming competitions, where she is often rewarded.
Mélanie has also been a member of the Golden Dog Trophy organising committee for the last 8 years, contributing to making this event a must for dog owners from Belgium and beyond.
With his wealth of experience, Jean Vion is a talented groomer renowned for his expertise, a well-known breeder of Standard Poodles, and an exceptional trainer, both for his trainees in his salon and for Diamex Team France, which he trains.
Throughout his career, Jean has also taken part in over 450 dog shows, regularly distinguishing himself by winning numerous prestigious prizes. Among his achievements, he was a finalist in the French Grooming Championship and took 3rd place at Intergroom in 1994 in New York.
Jean has already demonstrated his skills as a speaker, a role he has taken on with brio since the early days of our competition. His mastery of the art of oratory enables him to captivate, inform and entertain his audience throughout the weekend. He creates a friendly and engaging atmosphere.
Our aim is to highlight the work and excellence of the groomers who achieve outstanding performances throughout the competition, starting with the winners of the prestigious All Around and Best in Show Awards, who will see their work rewarded with €500 cash.
Our competition is also an opportunity to celebrate the commitment and talent of the contestants who, through their know-how, passion and creativity, play an active part in the development and wealth of the profession.
To support and encourage them, we will also be awarding the following special prizes:
- Award of the Best Transformation for the Beginner category
- Award of the Best Transformation for the Handstripping category
- Award of the Best Transformation for the Intermediate category
- Award of the Best Transformation for the Poodles categories (Standard and Toy & Medium)
- Award of the Best Transformation for the Pure Breed category
- Award of the Best Transformation for the Spaniel & Setter category
- Award of the Best Newcomer for the Student Class
- Award of the Best Team (teams registration here)
Saturday12 April, 2025
Morning (9:00): Beginner, Handstripping, and Asian Style
Afternoon (14:00): Intermediate, Pure Breed, Doodles et Duo
Sunday 13 April, 2025
Morning (9:00): Spaniel & Setter, Student Class, and Workshop
Afternoon (14:00): Standard Poodle and Toy & Medium Poodle
- Rules and Conditions
- Programme (coming soon)
- Maps and access (coming soon)
- Food and drink prices (coming soon)
Practical information:
Reservations: send an email to laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Schedule for Friday 11 April: from 14:00 to 17:00
Schedule for Saturday 12 April: from 6:00 to 17:00
Schedule for Sunday 13 April: from 6:00 to 15:00
On Saturday, 12 April, starting at 19:30, we are holding a Gala evening including dinner and party. After a busy first day, the Gala is a great opportunity to meet and network with other contestants, judges and the Diamex team outside the competitive environment.
We will start with a toast over a glass of Cava and some zakouskis, then we will continue with a sumptuous barbecue buffet, finishing with a delicious assortment of desserts. After the dinner, the evening will be entertained by a DJ.
The Gala promises to be a memorable night, with guests creating memories in a friendly and festive atmosphere.
Practical information:
Date: 12 April, 2024
Schedule: à partir de 19h30
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Price: €50 per person
Included: 1 glass of Cava, zackouskis, meal, dessert, 2 drinks and 1 coffee or tea.
How do I register for the competition?
→ You can only register for the competition via the online registration form . On this form, you can register not only for one or more categories, but also for the seminars, reserve your seats for the Gala evening and book your visitor tickets.
As a visitor, do I need to book my tickets?
→ Not necessarily, you can reserve your seats in advance using the registration formor 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 to students, and this year we've even programmed the Student Class, which allows you to discover the world of competition by putting your skills into practice in a competitive environment. Competitions are a great opportunity to have your work assessed by experienced judges, whose advice and experience is a real asset, but it's also an exceptional learning opportunity, with seminars given by Master Groomers throughout the weekend.
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.
Will there be a vet at the event?
→ Yes, we have planned for a veterinarian to come and see contestants' dog(s) who need to be checked before the return. Please note that the cost of this service will be borne by the contestant. For more information, please contact us.
Any other questions?
→ Please send an email to laboratoire.diamex@gmail.com.
Practical information
Date: Saturday 12 April, 2025
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Start: 10:00
Price: 75€
Languages: English, translated into French and Dutch
Description
The Continental clip is one of the most sophisticated Poodle clips, and to demonstrate it, we are honoured to welcome Toshinori Omura, THE best Poodle breeder, renowned in the world for the perfection of his dogs and his scissor skills. During this seminar, Toshinori will teach his techniques for shaping the coat with precision and symmetry, whether for show or at the grooming salon. Toshinori's presence is a unique opportunity for each participant to rise to a higher level.
Practical information
Date: Saturday 12 April, 2025
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Start: 15:00
Price: 75€
Languages: English, translated into French and Dutch
Description
The Asian style is the art of freeing oneself from the constraints and rules imposed by traditional grooming techniques, bringing an artistic vision that combines creativity, elegance and sophistication. This particular style makes it possible to create original, accessorised hairstyles. As a specialist in the Asian Style, it is the excellent Olga Zabelinskaya who will be demonstrating it. She will be revealing her secrets for creating an original grooming style, and her techniques for sculpting the coat in a harmonious and creative way.
Practical information
Date: Sunday 13 April, 2025
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Start: 10:00
Price: 75€
Languages: English, translated into French and Dutch
Description
The Puppy clip, popular in grooming salons, is highly appreciated by Poodle owners thanks to its soft look, that reminds the appearance of a puppy. As a Poodle expert, Toshinori Omura will once again be demonstrating this clip. He will reveal his techniques, which combine dexterity and finesse, that enable him to groom to perfection, creating an elegant grooming style that enhances the dog's natural beauty.
Practical information
Date: Sunday 13 April, 2025
Location: Liège, Belgium (full address coming soon)
Directions: coming soon
Start: 14:30
Price: 75€
Languages: français, traduit en anglais et néerlandais
Description
The key to successfully grooming a Fox Terrier is first and foremost knowing how to recognise the dog's morphology and then using the appropriate technique. The demonstration will be given by Magali Delaye, THE Terrier specialist. She will be revealing her secrets and grooming techniques, as well as tips to select the right strippers according to different coat qualities. Her expertise is a real asset to learn how to groom a Fox Terrier to the highest standards in record time.
Monika is a passionate and creative groomer who is making a name for herself in the grooming world by specialising in Asian Style. Her passion for animals and her love for this unique style are reflected in each of her works. Monika has been fascinated by dogs from an early age, and decided to undertake training after which she opened her own grooming salon.
What sets her apart is her ability to draw inspiration from Asian style, incorporating elements of this elegant and refined aesthetic to create her own signature. Monika regularly takes part in grooming competitions, where she showcases her talent and creativity. For her, these competitions are the perfect opportunity to showcase her innovative creations, which captivate judges and spectators alike.
Location: Location: 17 Rue de la Berwinne, 4450 Juprelle, Belgium
Schedule: From 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Languages: Dutch, translated into English, French and Polish
Options: observation or participation
Limited number of places.
During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to break away from the constraints and rules imposed by traditional grooming techniques and explore the more artistic side of your passion. The Asian Style combines creativity, elegance and sophistication, allowing you to create original cuts. With this technique, you can create 3D cuts, braids and use accessories.
The perfect breeds for this type of grooming are Yorkies, Shihtzu, Maltese, etc. Dogs with dense, curly coats lend themselves well to the teddy bear look and candyfloss style, while those with long, silky hair can opt for smooth, side-brushed looks.
Monika will help you create the round head of a Shitzu or Maltese, the butterfly head of a Yorkie and grooming worthy of a work of art.
Observation : 70€*
Participation : 110€*
*prices excl. VAT
Inclus Includes: certificate, sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Jean Vion began his career as a groomer in 1986. Shortly after his training, he became a breeder and handler of Poodles in dog shows. Owner of his own franchise of grooming salons in the north of France, Jean was also manager of a grooming training unit for 10 years, then director of a training centre for 7 years.
Today, Jean continues to run his grooming salon and practise his passion alongside his wife, while training future grooming stars. He is also the coach emeritus of the Diamex Pro Team's French centre.
Location: 17 Rue de la Berwinne, 4450 Juprelle, Belgium
Schedule: from 9:30 to 16:00
Languages: French translated into English and Dutch
Options: observation or participation
Limited number of places.
Reserved for experienced professionals, this workshop aims to deepen your knowledge and strengthen your skills in poodle grooming in your daily practice.
This one-day course will help you learn more about the body structure of the poodle, and refine your understanding of anatomical landmarks for precise and harmonious grooming. Whether you want to achieve a Continental, Teddy, Puppy Clip or other cut, Jean will teach you to master the techniques for clean finishes and perfect lines.
Observation : 70€*
Participation : 110€*
*prices excl. VAT
Inclus Includes: certificate, sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Mélanie Schmit is a multi award-winning groomer and breeder of Pomeranians (Belgian, Luxembourg, International Champion, etc.). Her passion for this breed began in 2006 when she acquired her first Spitz by chance.
She then began breeding and grooming Pomeranians. Passionate about dog shows, Mélanie learns how to groom her adorable fur balls from the breed's greatest specialists.
During her apprenticeship, Mélanie gathered together her favourite techniques to create her own style. Now a world expert in Pomeranian grooming, Mélanie is totally dedicated to the breed. As well as being an extraordinary Spitz breeder and groomer, Mélanie has also become a well-known speaker.
Dates : Sunday 20 and Monday 21 October 2024
Location: 17 Rue de la Berwinne, 4450 Juprelle, Belgium
Schedule: from 9:00 to 17:00
Languages: French translated into English and Dutch
Packages: observation or participation
Limited number of places.
*the "Participation" option for the workshop on Sunday 20/10 is fully booked.
Mélanie always starts her workshops with a theoretical part to teach participants good practice when grooming a Spitz. Topics such as skin diseases and the Pomeranian's particular coat will be covered. Mélanie will also explain the important steps that are often overlooked when grooming this breed.
During the practical part, Mélanie demonstrates each stage of the grooming process, explaining in detail the lines to be followed and the correct gestures, so that participants can reproduce the same gestures on their own model.
Observation : 100€*
Participation : 150€*
*prices excl. VAT
Includes: certificate, sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
Allison Cabibbo is a groomer specialising in the grooming of Bedlingtons, Poodles and Bichons. She regularly displays her talents at international grooming competitions, where she has won numerous titles, including Champion of France 2023. She has also been nominated for the Stars Grooming Award in the ‘Best International Groomer’ category and has been selected as one of the 24 Champions in the Diamex Tournament of Champions for her extraordinary prowess in the 2022-2023 season.
Her techniques and attention to detail make her a formidable competitor and an exceptional teacher. Already recognised around the world, she is a rising star who promises to shine with the biggest names.
Location: rue de la Berwinne 17, 4450 Juprelle, Belgique
Languages: français, traduit en anglais et néerlandais
Schedule: de 9h00 à 17h00
Formule : participation uniquement
Nombre de places TRÈS limité.
During the Workshop dedicated to the grooming of Bedlingtons, Poodles and Bichons, you will have the opportunity to learn specific cutting and styling techniques adapted to the particularities of each breed, in a friendly atmosphere. Throughout the day, Allison will be on hand to give you personalised tips and advice to help you achieve elegant, harmonious grooming that complies with the standards of the breed you have chosen to work with. You'll learn the techniques and gestures to apply to achieve a perfect result.
Participation : 120€*
*prices excl. VAT
Includes: certificate, sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
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.
Location: rue de la Berwinne 17, 4450 Juprelle, Belgique
Languages: French, Dutch and English
Day classes: Monday and Friday
Evening classes: Wednesday and Thursday
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 18 October
- Friday 22 November
- Monday 25 November
- Friday 29 November
Evening classes:
- Wednesday 23 October
- Wednesday 13 November
Day classes: 70€
Evening classes: 60€