FAAWO State Leadership Conference

CONFERENCE POSTPONED!

Due to the impending hurricane and the safety concerns it presents to our attendees and speakers, we regret to inform you that the FAAWO State Leadership Conference originally scheduled for Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27, will be postponed.

The decision to postpone was made by the FAAWO Board of Directors so that we can prepare for boots-on-the-ground disaster assistance and coordination for Florida shelters in the storm’s path. We have already received several requests for help from shelters trying to get their animals to safety. Being a resource for shelters in need is FAAWO’s top priority. We understand that this news is disappointing, and we appreciate your understanding in these challenging circumstances.

We are actively working on selecting new dates (probably in early spring 2025) and will notify you as soon as they are confirmed. Our priority is to reschedule the conference in a way that allows everyone to participate without concerns for safety. The Springhill Suites Marriot Flamingo Crossing in Orlando has agreed to cancel all room reservations and refund the deposits. If you made your reservation using the FAAWO Group Discount link, there is no need for you to contact the hotel as they are taking care of it on their end. If you didn’t make your reservation through FAAWO, then please contact the hotel directly to cancel your reservation so you do not get charged: 407-507-1300. We will use the Springhill Marriott Flamingo Crossing for the rescheduled conference.

We apologize for any inconvenience and will be in touch soon with further updates. In the meantime, please contact us with any questions: admin@faawo.org.

Stay safe!

DESCRIPTION:

Hosted by FAAWO and Orlando Cat Cafe

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.

Centrally located in Orlando at the Springhill Suites Marriot Flamingo Crossing*, conference attendees will enjoy Orlando Cat Cafe tours, a cocktail hour, breakfast and lunch, sponsor exhibits and more than 10 presentations from Florida experts and leaders in animal welfare. Presentations will be concise and digestible (15 to 45 minutes) while offering resources and takeaways. 

*There are 40 King Suite rooms available at a group rate of $99, first-come, first-served (MUST BOOK BY AUGUST 26 FOR DISCOUNTED RATE).  Click HERE to book your room at the FAAWO Conference group rate. 

TICKETS:

Each attendee must have a ticket. Tickets include: 

• Tour of Orlando Cat Cafe, September 26
• Cocktail Hour (sodas and appetizers included, cash bar), September 26
• Continental Breakfast on Friday, September 27
• Access to all conference sessions on Friday, September 27
• Boxed lunch on Friday, September 27
• Attendees from non-member organizations receive a 1-year membership to FAAWO
  
  
• FAAWO Member Organizations: FREE
• Non-Member Organizations: $99/person

AGENDA: Thursday, September 26, 2024 

(Thursday activities are optional)

Tour of Orlando Cat Cafe
4:00pm – 6:00pm | 532 Cagan Park Avenue, Clermont

Conference Kick-Off Cocktail Hour Sponsored by Orlando Cat Cafe
5:00pm – 7:00pm | Flamingo’s Bar & Grille, 13279 Hartzog Rd., Winter Garden
Meet and mingle with FAAWO members and leadership executives from Florida shelters.

AGENDA: Friday, September 27, 2024

Friday breakfast, lunch and presentations will be held at the Springhill Suites

Registration and Continental Breakfast Sponsored by Orlando Cat Cafe
8:00am – 8:30am

Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:30am – 9:00am
FAAWO Board President: Sherry Silk, Humane Society Tampa Bay

Disaster Response: Coordinating Emergency Services and Transport on State and National Levels 
9:00am – 10:00am
Diedre Franklin, ASPCA
Clint Ganus, Manager, Disaster Response National Field Response, ASPCA 
Tim Rickey, Vice President Field Response Policy, Response and Engagement, ASPCA

Humane Legislation – Highlights
10:00am – 10:45am
Representative Sam Killebrew
Jen Hobgood, Ph.D.,  Senior Director, State Legislation & Government Relations, Southern Division, ASPCA
Kate MacFall, Florida Senior State Director, HSUS

Speed Intro – The Zoomies
10:45am – 11:00am
Interactive session

Get Funded: Resources, Grants, Development, and Direct Mail
11:00am – 11:30am
Melissa Braillard, Chairman and Board Member of Central Florida Association of Fundraising Professionals & Director of Community Support and WUCF TV and Radio

Reuniting Lost Pets
11:30am – 12:15pm
Abbie Moore, COO Petco Love Lost
Aaron Klein, Head of Product, Petco Love 
Brian Lloyd, Operations Manager, Animal Control Division, Port St. Lucie Police Department
Corey Price, Managing Director of Client Services, 24Pet

Sponsor Exhibits and Lunch
12:15pm – 1:00pm

The First 90 Days – How to Hook, Reel In, and Keep Employees Thriving and Surviving
1:00pm – 1:45pm
Sandy Edelson, HR Account Manager, AlphaStaff
Michelle Turman, Catalyst

State of the State, How are Animals doing in Florida?
1:45pm – 2:15pm
Cameron Moore, Maddie’s Shelter Strategy and Operations Consultant, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida

Collaboration for Success
2:15pm – 2:30pm
Sandra Cagan, Owner, Orlando Cat Cafe
Shelley Thayer – Executive Director, SPCA, Florida

Tiking, Toking, and Keepin’ it On Brand
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Regan Blessinger, Marketing Manager, Humane Society of Tampa Bay
Nash McCutchen, Design & Brand Manager, Humane Society of Tampa Bay; FAAWO Administrative Director

Q&A, Closing Remarks, and Group Photos
3:00pm – 3:20pm
All presenters will be available to answer questions

Sponsor Exhibits and Optional Tour of Orlando Cat Cafe
3:20pm – 4:00pm
Please Note: Orlando Cat Cafe is a 15-minute drive from the conference site. Tour attendees are responsible for their own transportation.