What to Look Forward to at The Assistance Dogs International 2022 Conference!
Invest in Yourself, Invest in Your Program
Whether you are new to the assistance dog world or have been working in the industry for 20 years, there is always something new to learn! Take in the sessions in-person or virtually during the conference week, and then enjoy access to recorded sessions on your own time after the live event.
Investing time into growing your knowledge and skills not only benefits you, but also benefits the dogs you train, the people you manage, the donors you communicate with and the organization you work with overall. Attending the ADI conference invests in your future and the future of your program. Trainer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for those holding outside certifications and those who are working to meet the trainer standards through ADI.
Five Keynote Speakers
Assistance Dogs International has secured some ground-breaking keynote speakers for this year's conference.
Ken Ramirez will lead a keynote on the challenges of working dog trainers and then later be joined by Dr. Susan Friedman for another workshop on the human hierarchy. Chris Muldoon will discuss “What the Client Application Won’t Tell You” in his keynote on Tuesday. Learn about effective diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy from Antonetta Mosley on Monday afternoon. Finally, bio cognitive neuroscientist and founder of Empower Ability Consulting, Joey Ramp-Adams, will deliver the final keynote on Wednesday morning.
Three Tracks to Follow
This year’s conference features three separate tracks for you to enjoy!
- Training/Client Service: for those working with dogs in puppy raising and advanced training, as well as placing dogs with clients.
- Breeding: Will discuss a variety of topics relevant to those involved in breeding programs, whelping and genetics.
- Admin: For topics ranging from fundraising to organizational change follow the Admin track for wonderful learning opportunities.
You’re welcome to stick to one track or bounce between the sessions that interest you most, either way you will find a wide range of topics.
Connect with Peers & Colleagues
We have all enjoyed virtual conferences over the last two years, but networking and connecting with peers hasn’t been the same. Attending the ADI conference in person will give you a chance to reconnect with old colleagues, meet new people and make new connections. For candidate programs this networking opportunity is invaluable! Discuss business, catch up with old friends, find collaboration possibilities – enjoy the benefits of attending conferences in person again! Networking events and social times are outlined in the conference schedule and breaks/downtime is another opportunity to connect and “Move Forward Together”.
Enjoy all Concord, California has to Offer
Attending the conference in-person means you will have the opportunity to visit four ADI accredited member facilities. 
- Tours and transportation have been arranged to see Guide Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions on the first day of the conference.
- Early Alert Canines, conference host, is also offering an open house on Sunday morning. You will find them a short walk away from the hotel.
- Following the wrap up of the conference National Institute for Canine Service and Training will host a barbeque lunch, tour and two free workshops.
Looking for a bit of a different extracurricular activity?
Concord is also in wine country! Just 1 hour north and south you will find a variety of scenic wineries to enjoy. Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area there are many opportunities to enjoy local dining, shopping, and sight-seeing.
Join the Conversation Online
Join in the conversation online to share your experiences, photos and “Aha! Moments” of the ADI 2022 Conference. Whether you’re in person or online, you can follow the #ADITogether social conversation at ADITogether.everwall.com
Find ADI on your favorite social channel @adiintl
###
Samantha has been training puppies and managing volunteers in the assistance dog world since 2014 previously working at large guide and assistance dog organizations in Ontario and British Columbia. She now works privately as a canine consultant and subject matter expert in positive reinforcement training with puppies and assistance dogs. She has a positive approach to problem solving and a love of working with people and dogs. In her down time, you can find her reading on the couch with her pets, or out on the trails of Vancouver Island, BC with her partner and their canines.
Interested in writing a blog post for ADI? Please see our submission form.