Animal Experts Unite:

Know Your Value, Share Your Knowledge

Venue: Sandman Signature Plano-Frisco Hotel (Dallas Suburb) Plano, Texas / October 19-20, 2024

A weekend of expert speakers, empowering workshops, and fascinating, leading-edge topics in animal care and husbandry. Explore the latest innovations and learn the difference between hype and effective solutions. Arm yourself with tools that will help cultivate and preserve your hobby, profession or field. And most importantly, learn your value, and how to share your knowledge and passion for animals!

Topics, Themes, and Panels:

Citizen Science: A venture made for breed enthusiasts
Mastering the ancient art of husbandry in the 21^st century
Stepping up to leadership
Influencing public opinion
What’s new in legislation
Getting on the same page
Recruiting the next generation

VENUE: Sandman Signature Hotel, Plano-Frisco Hotel (Dallas Suburb) Texas

SPEAKERS: Nationally renowned experts in animal science, genetics, conservation, husbandry, veterinary medicine, and advocacy

Vicki Abbott, AKC multi-group judge, top breeder and handler of BIS dogs
Wendy Davis, NAIA Director, serves on multiple boards overseeing racehorse welfare, safety and management, taught these subjects at the University level and continues to compete in the hunter/jumper discipline
Mark Dunn, Mark Dunn, AKC Executive VP, Managing Director of AKC Reunite, Vice Chair AKC Purebred Preservation Bank, oversees AKC’s relationships with dog breeders
Steven Feldman, President, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
Emily Fish, AKC group judge, breeder of AKC BIS dogs, 4-H leader and founder of successful
program for juniors
David Fitzpatrick, AKC Group Judge and Breeder of the Year, renowned dog handler and BIS breeder
Arnold Goldman, DVM, MPH, NAIA Director, president of the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association and AVMA delegate to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Phil Goss, President, USA Reptile Keepers (USARK)
Anthony Hutcherson, Board member, the International Cat Association and EveryCat Health Foundation; authority on Bengal cats and other highly patterned cats
Colton Johnson, Top dog handler, trainer and breeder of BIS dogs; Owner-founder of Under the Sun dog event center
Michelle Kutzler, MBA, DVM, PhD (Diplomate American College of Theriogenologists)
Emily Pieracci, DVM, Zoonoses Prevention and Import Regulations Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Patti Strand, NAIA President and co-founder, BIS Dalmatian breeder

Check back for a more complete list of speakers and full speaker bios

Please note: In addition to the excellent speakers and constructive workshops, the registration fee includes the reception on Friday night with appetizers, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner with live music on Saturday night. Stay Tuned for more information in the coming days…