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

2026 Learning Tracks

• Visionary Leadership Big-picture thinking, long-term strategy, cultural change, innovation, emotional intelligence, trust-building.
• Management & Supervision (New for 2026) Foundational management skills for new and aspiring supervisors: planning, delegation, problem-solving, operations, efficiency, team development.
• Communications & Marketing Crisis communication, conflict resolution, reputation management, accessible and inclusive digital campaigns, multimedia storytelling.
• Fundraising Major gifts, donor stewardship, campaigns, analytics, ethical philanthropy, fundraising during uncertainty.
• Strategic Workforces Workplace mental health, engagement, retention, workforce planning, talent development, recognition, compensation & benefits.

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

What We Do Not Accept

• Keynotes or inspirational talks
• 101-level or introductory sessions
• Technical animal welfare operations topics (not intended for this conference)

Deadline: January 12, 2026

All sessions are 60 minutes and must incorporate interactive learning components that help participants anchor new concepts, add knowledge, apply learning, and identify takeaway actions (“anchor–add–apply–away”). Not familiar with the 4A Model? Learn more.

Submit Workshop Proposal

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