2026 FAAWO State Leadership Conference

SAVE THE DATE – JUNE 3-4, 2026

DESCRIPTION:

Hosted by FAAWO

Join FAAWO for a mini conference open to Member Organizations as well as executive and leadership staff from non-member private shelters, municipal shelters, and rescue organizations in Florida.

Located in Lakeland, Florida at the Springhill Suites by Marriott, conference attendees will enjoy a cocktail hour, breakfast and lunch, sponsor exhibits and presentations from Florida experts and leaders in animal welfare. Presentations will be concise and digestible (45 to 60 minutes) while offering resources and takeaways. 

TICKETS:
Get Your Online Ticket NOW
Each attendee must have a ticket. Tickets include: 

• Cocktail Hour (sodas and appetizers included, cash bar), Wednesday, June 3, 2026
• Continental Breakfast on Thursday June 4, 2026
• Access to all conference sessions on Thursday, June 4, 2026
• Boxed lunch on Thursday, June 4, 2026
• Attendees from non-member organizations receive a 1-year membership to FAAWO
• FAAWO Member Organizations: FREE
• Non-Member Organizations: FREE (this does not include hotel room for overnight guests. See below for link to book your room.)

VENUE & LODGING:

• Reservations are first-come, first-served at the conference venue Springhill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
• Special room rate $165 for 1 to 6 guests
• Free parking
• Amenities include a pool, gym, and close to downtown 

Book your group rate for FAAWO Annual Conference 2026

Start Date: Wednesday, June 03, 2026

End Date: Thursday, June 04, 2026

Last Day to Book:  Monday, May 4, 2026

Location:
Springhill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
511 W Lime St.
Lakeland, FL 33815 

Speakers & Topics:

The Future of Animal Welfare in Florida:  2026-2030 – Gina Botticello, Community Partnerships & Programs Manager, Pasco County Animal Services

The Way Home:  Reconnecting Pets and Their People – Bryan Lloyd, Operations Manager, Animal Control Division, Port St. Lucie Police Department

The Road Ahead: Shaping the Future of Animal Welfare Policy – Kate McFall, Florida Senior State Director, Humane World for Animals, Jennifer Hobgood, Senior Director, Access to Care Policy, ASPCA Government Relations, Diana Ferguson, Rutledge Ecenia

Overview of Disaster/Blue Sky Areas/Grants/Emergency Transportation – Laura Littlebear, Vice President, Field Operations, Greater Good Charities, FAAWO Advisory Committee

Building a Shelter Culture that Attracts Talent – Spencer Conover, Chief Operating Officer, National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA)

Disaster Readiness for Animal Welfare: Making the Right Decisions Before It’s Too Late – Clint Ganus, Senior Manager, Disaster Response, ASPCA; Keegan Spera, Data Specialist, UF Shelter Medicine Program and Independent Consultant