Join creative grooming legends Lori Craig, Adriane Pope, and Angela Kumpe for an immersive salon creative retreat in Fort Smith, Arkansas, August 7-9, 2026. Learn how to offer innovative creative services in your salon from industry experts. This all-inclusive retreat covers everything you need: accommodations, meals, professional color products, and live dogs for hands-on training. Perfect for salon owners and stylists ready to expand their creative offerings and take their business to the next level. PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE PURCHASE. $300 OF EACH REGISTRATION IS NONREFUNDABLE if you choose to cancel for any reason.
Meals are included throughout the retreat. (Friday arrival day not included in meals). Hotel breakfast kicks off each day, followed by sandwich platters and chips for lunch. Enjoy special dinners featuring Blue Ember BBQ and Chuy's Tex-Mex the next. (see more details below) All hotel rooms include a refrigerator, microwave, and Keurig—bring additional snacks if you'd like.
Price is based on two people per room. Each room will have two queen beds. If you are traveling with one or more attendees let Angela know and she will put you in the same room. If you are traveling alone and wish to have a private room, we can do that as well. Select private room ($300 upcharge) Please also note that this IS NOT A 5 Star hotel. I personally went and stayed to check it out and it was clean and comfortable with a very friendly staff. Some noticeable wear on carpets and trim was visible as it is not a new construction or newly renovated. Here is the link if you wish to check it out The Arc Hotel Fort Smith
Ft Smith Regional Airport is minutes away with NW Arkansas Regional 65 miles away and Little Rock National Airport 165 miles away
Want to use your own dog? Contact Angela at 501-607-2645 (text is best) to see if your pup qualifies. Not all dogs will be qualified to use in class. The hotel is pet friendly, but you will have to pay pet fees for dogs in your room. Dogs not being used in class will not be allowed in the work room as space is limited. Please do not bring any disruptive pets that will cause problems with the hotel. Bring crates for when your dog will be left alone.
Please bring a brush, comb, scissors, cordless clipper (if you have one) for the hands-on day. Wear clothing that is suitable for coloring dogs.
$300 is nonrefundable if you choose to cancel for any reason.
Please contact Angela (501-607-2645) if you have dietary restrictions. Blue Ember Smokehouse has typical BBQ with options for chicken, beef, and pork for Chuy's there will be 2 choices: beef tacos or chicken enchiladas with all the extras like queso, jalapeno ranch dip, and salsa. Alcoholic beverages are available at the Korean BBQ but not included in the price of the class.
Retreat Overview
Friday – Arrival Day
Friday will be our arrival day, giving everyone time to travel in, check into their rooms, and get settled. This is a great opportunity to relax and recharge before the weekend begins. While you’re getting comfortable, instructors Lori, Angela, and Adriane will be at the breeder preparing 18 dogs for the upcoming classes.
Saturday – Demonstration Day
We’ll start the morning with breakfast in the hotel lobby before kicking off the day at 10:00 AM. All three instructors will be working simultaneously, each completing creative grooming designs.
With the class limited to just 18 participants, attendees will be divided into small groups. Six people at a time will have the opportunity to get up close, assist, ask questions, and observe each instructor as the designs come to life.
Throughout the day, each instructor will complete three dogs, for a total of nine creative designs. We’ll wrap up around 6:00 PM and then head next door to enjoy a fun group dinner at a BBQ restaurant.
Sunday – Hands-On Day
Sunday will begin again with breakfast in the lobby, followed by the hands-on portion starting at 10:00 AM.
Participants will be paired into teams of two, with one dog assigned per team. Each team will receive a specific design along with all the tools and supplies needed to complete it. Instructors will be available throughout the day to guide and support you in successfully achieving your design.
We’ll finish up around 6:00 PM, followed by a relaxed dinner in the lobby. To close out the retreat, we’ll host a prize drawing featuring several exciting giveaways.
All the color products, supplies, and color tools you need will be included for hands on day. If you would like to go home and start offering these services we will have dye, temporary color products, and starter kits available for purchase.
