The Best Friends National Conference is the place to learn the latest in lifesaving, connect with people who share your interests, and so much more!

As an attendee, you can choose from over 135 inspiring and informative sessions to learn the latest innovative and thought-provoking strategies to save more lives. 

You’ll also enjoy invaluable in-person networking opportunities, engagement events, and a complimentary continental breakfast and hot lunch each day of the conference. Plus, you can party it up at our closing celebration.

Meet people and make connections that matter

From veterinary clinic managers to behavior specialists to transport volunteers to shelter leaders, you can expand your lifesaving circle and learn from people who work in all aspects of animal welfare.

Two people shaking hands at a conference

Meet the innovators

You’ll mingle and chat with Best Friends Animal Society leaders ready to share resources and best practices to help you save more lives in your community. 

Talk shop with leading researchers

New this year at the conference, you can mingle one-on-one with our industry’s expert researchers as you browse their latest information in poster-based presentations.

Data-heavy presentations can be tough to consume. But during the poster sessions, you’ll have the chance to talk with our nation’s leading animal welfare researchers about their latest discoveries and how you can take that knowledge back to your community to save more lives. 

Interested in participating in the poster sessions to present your research? Email learning@bestfriends.org for more information.

Breakfast and lunch are included!

Not only are the complimentary vegan meals delicious, but they’re another great place to connect with fellow attendees and make new friends.

Whether you’re fueling up for the day, filling up your coffee mug for the morning ahead, or taking a midday lunch break to reflect on all the amazing sessions you attended that morning, the complimentary vegan meal breaks are a special part of the conference experience. 

They’re a great time to meet even more leading innovators, network with other attendees, and make meaningful connections with fellow animal advocates to save more lives.

You’ll have access to selected session recordings

As a conference attendee, you’ll automatically have access to recordings of all three general sessions, along with 25+ breakout sessions.

The session recordings will be available on demand in the conference app several weeks after the event. The app can be downloaded to your mobile phone or tablet and/or opened as a webpage in an internet browser. 

Separate recordings won't be available for purchase.

You can find an inspiring read

You’ll have access to an on-site bookstore, with selections thoughtfully chosen for those of us in animal welfare.

We'll be offering a bookstore on-site where attendees can thumb through a variety of books related to topics covered in our sessions. The books can be purchased through our online bookstore, and we'll ship your purchase directly to your home. 

All books are part of a carefully curated collection and support independent booksellers.

Add to your wardrobe at the swag swap

Want to go home with some new merch that shows your support for shelters and rescue groups saving lives around the country?

Bring branded apparel from your organization, and swap it for apparel from someone else’s! It's a great way to freshen up that animal welfare wardrobe, spread the word about your organization, and see what kind of swag other people are coming up with.

Get face time with companies passionate about animal welfare

You can visit the Hub and meet a wide variety of sponsors and exhibitors who are eager to show you their latest products and services to benefit the animals in your care.

Exhibitors represent companies and organizations from around the country that offer the best resources, products, and supplies for all levels of animal welfare professionals. 

Finish your experience with an epic party

You won't want to miss the closing party on Saturday night!

Enjoy an awesome evening with delicious appetizers, drinks, music, dancing, games, and the chance to network one more time with all your new friends in animal welfare.