The Annual Conference • October 26–29, 2026 • Chattanooga, TN

The Association is seeking bold, thoughtful, and practical workshop proposals for our 2026 Annual Conference where content is designed for the people leading and transforming today’s animal welfare organizations.

Our audience includes CEOs, directors, supervisors, and department leaders, as well as rising stars and emerging professionals who represent the next generation of changemakers. 

Proposals should align with one of our five learning tracks and be suited for an intermediate (201+) or advanced (301+) audience.

2026 Learning Tracks 

• Visionary Leadership: Big-picture thinking, long-term strategy, cultural change, innovation, emotional intelligence, trust-building, leading during crisis, data-based decision-making, change management.
• Management & Supervision (New for 2026): Foundational management skills for new and aspiring supervisors: planning, delegation, problem-solving, efficiency building, team development.
• Communications & Marketing: Crisis communication, conflict resolution, reputation management, accessible and inclusive digital campaigns, multimedia storytelling, influencing stakeholders across contentious issues, navigating ideological divides.
• Fundraising: Major gifts, donor stewardship, campaigns, data-informed analytics, ethical and inclusive philanthropy, fundraising during uncertainty especially in low-resourced communities, event planning, emerging technology.
• Strategic Workforces: Workplace mental health, engagement, retention, equitable workforce planning, talent development, recognition, compensation & benefits.

We are especially interested in proposals from animal welfare leaders who can illustrate leadership approaches through case studies of real-world shelter challenges (ex. capacity crises, access to care barriers, staffing shortages, rural limitations, population challenges).

Who We’re Looking For

We invite proposals from individuals who:

• Are subject-matter experts in a current leadership, management, or workforce topic
• Work in or consult closely with animal shelters or animal services agencies
• Have experience implementing the practices they teach
• Understand adult learning principles or are willing to incorporate a guide we provide to strengthen interactivity and impact

Need Help Shaping Your Proposal?

Not sure which learning track is the best fit or how to structure your workshop for maximum impact? You can schedule a 20-minute consult with Kelly Cunningham, Vice President of Programs, and Valerie Sheppard, Senior Director of Professional Development & Credentialing. Email learning@theaawa.org to set up a time.

Content Outside the Scope of this Call 

To ensure workshops align with the conference’s leadership focus, the following types of sessions are not part of this year’s programming:

• Keynotes or inspirational talks
• 101-level or introductory sessions
• Technical animal welfare operations topics

Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026

All workshop sessions are 60 minutes and should engage participants through interactive learning. We encourage activities that help learners anchor new concepts, add insight, apply ideas in real time, and identify away actions using the “anchor–add–apply–away” model. Not familiar with the 4A Model? Learn more.

Submit Workshop Proposal

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