Register early and receive special discounts!

Written by Amy Abern, Best Friends writer

You’ve saved the dates; now it’s time to act: Best Friends is pleased to announce online registration will open Tuesday, May 19, for the No More Homeless Pets Conference taking place Oct. 23-25 at the Rio All-Suite Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

This event promises to be as informative, engaging and inspiring as last year’s No More Homeless Pets conference. It’s also longer than last year’s conference—we’ve committed a full three days to present round table discussions with Best Friends founders and staff members, presentations and workshops from experts in a variety of animal welfare-related fields and opportunities to connect with like-minded people joining together to work toward a time when there are No More Homeless Pets.

The conference will host several forums exploring many of the innovative methods and practices dedicated to saving and enriching the lives of animals in communities nationwide. Some of the highlights include presentations on the continuing fight against puppy mills and developing humane pet stores; information on latest programs designed to help community cats, managing community cat colonies and TNR practices and progress reports on changing the image of America’s at-risk dogs. Also included is a variety of platforms to discuss and share marketing ideas easily adaptable to all nonprofit organizations. There will also be ample opportunity for social networking.

For the past 25 years, Best Friends has operated as a grass-roots organization, partnering with other animal welfare organizations throughout the country. In the past decade, we’ve worked together effectively to decrease the number of animals euthanized every year from 15 million to less than five million. Along with our partners, we’ve closed puppy mills, shut down pets stores, increased awareness on the importance of spay/neuter, created new programs and campaigns and influenced various legislative measures supporting animal welfare.

These successes stem from connections, conversations, the sharing of information. By bringing together animal advocates from around the country for the conference, we hope to make No More Homeless Pets a reality sooner than later.

Best Friends writer Cathy Scott attended last year’s event. While there, she observed attendees learning from each other at the workshops as well as during group meals.

But the most important thing she took away from the conference was the enthusiasm. “It was grassroots networking, and people energized each other,” says Scott. “They walked away with solutions plus a network of new friends who have their hearts in the same place.”

And here’s what a few past attendees had to say about last year’s conference:

“If 2009 is anything like last year, then these three days will change your life.”

“Awesome networking—just as valuable as the workshops.”

“Thank you for making the path easier for animals and those of us trying to help them.”

Early registration is recommended as space fills up quickly. Between May 19 and Sept.14, attendees will be able to get in on the early bird discounted fee of $275; good for all three days of the conference. After Sept. 14, the price is $325. To register beginning Tuesday, May 19, visit our web site.

Best Friends is also pleased to offer a sanctuary visit immediately following the conference. For $190, participants will receive transportation from Las Vegas to Best Friends, lunch and dinner on Sunday, a full day of activities on Monday and transportation to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Space is limited; early registration is highly recommended. Hotel accommodations are not included in the Best Friends package; information on obtaining discounted hotel rates will be provided after registering.

For updates on NMHP speakers, presentations and events check this page often!

The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino will be offering special conference rates. To book your room, call toll free 1-888-746-6955 and mention group code SRBEST9.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Shelley Thayer or call 435-644-2001 X 4508.

For exhibition opportunities, email exhibithall@bestfriends.org.

See the No More Homeless Pets National Conference community for articles featuring topics and events from last year’s Conference.

Photos by Clay Myers
Posted by Fran Farrell, Best Friends staff