The American Humane Association’s Annual Conference To Feature Workshops, National Leadership Forum And A 130th Anniversary Celebration

Denver (July 30, 2007)

Hundreds of professionals in the fields of animal welfare, animal protection and humane education will gather in Alexandria, Va., Sept. 27-29 for the American Humane Association’s 2007 Annual Conference. During this three-day event, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on advances in animal sheltering, gain insights from notable animal welfare experts and network with other professionals from across the country.

A wide variety of workshops in six tracks will provide excellent learning and professional development opportunities for attendees. With 40 professional presenters, topics will include effective shelter management, emergency field services, humane education and The Link® between violence to people and animals. Among the scheduled presenters are industry leaders Frank Ascione, Ph.D. adjunct faculty for American Humane, Jane Deming, American Humane’s director of humane education, and Karen Halligan, D.V.M., director of veterinary services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).

“I think the workshops are the best tools we offer at the conference. The topics are pertinent and applicable to everyone in the animal welfare profession,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, interim vice president of Animal Protective Services for American Humane. “They give people a great chance to learn new skills and hear the newest ideas in animal welfare work, and talk about those ideas with their peers in a constructive way.”

The workshops will be preceded by a national leadership forum entitled “The Time Machine: A Futuristic View of Animal Sheltering” on Sept. 27. The forum will explore the possible impacts of societal trends in animal welfare and sheltering on an organization’s objectives and offer participants views of the future that can support the long-term success of their organization.

As an added bonus, American Humane will celebrate its 130th anniversary with a special “birthday bash” on the night of Friday, Sept. 28. The celebration will feature karaoke for everyone at the event.

American Humane encourages professionals from all areas of the animal protection field to attend its landmark conference. There are also opportunities available for sponsors and exhibitors wishing to gain valuable exposure and support one of animal welfare’s premier events. Registration will be open through the time of the conference, with on-site registration available. American Humane’s website, www.americanhumane.org/conference, provides a more detailed conference schedule and instructions on how to register as an attendee, sponsor or exhibitor.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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