Paths to Positive Partnerships: looking forward to the 2023 ADI conference
With the 2023 conference less than two months away, excitement is building here at Assistance Dogs International! It’s been seven long years since we last met in Europe, so this year’s event in Zagreb, Croatia, promises to be extra special.
Programs from all over the world will meet September 10-13 for three days of expert analysis, keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions and plenary sessions - all brought together under the theme Paths to Positive Partnerships. And there will be plenty of time to visit host program Centar Za Rehabilitaciju Silver and to experience the beautiful historic city of Zagreb.
“We welcome you with open hearts,” says Marijan Sesar, CEO of Centar Za Rehabilitaciju Silver. “We are eagerly awaiting the chance to build new Paths to Positive Partnerships, as well as further strengthening old partnerships. We can hardly wait to share our beautiful city of 1000 hearts with all of you!”
Many ADI members have already taken advantage of early bird conference rates, but there’s still plenty of time to register. Even if you can’t make it to Croatia in person, the 2023 conference will once again be a hybrid event, with plenaries and key sessions live-streamed and available afterwards on demand.
“It’s going to be a fantastic conference, and I urge all members to attend if they possibly can,” says ADI Executive Director Chris Diefenthaler. “It’s great to be back in Europe after the Covid pandemic forced us to postpone twice. I can’t wait to meet up with old friends, and to make new ones.”
Building on the success of last year’s conference in Concord, California, holding the 2023 conference in Europe means more programs from outside North America will be able to participate in person. “I’m sure this years ADI Conference in Zagreb is going to be really special,” says Garry Botterill, Operations Director at Service Dogs UK. “It’s the first one that I have had the chance to attend and following the long and difficult pandemic, there is sure to be a real ‘buzz’ when we actually get together in person! Zagreb is far more accessible to those from the UK and around Europe this year which offers a great incentive to attend!”
Dušan Pospichal from the Helppes Centre for Assistance Dogs in the Czech Republic agrees. “I’m looking forward to meeting people I only know from Zoom meetings!” he laughs. “I’m also looking forward to sharing experiences on the use of digital ID cards and the expectations we have from working more closely with IGDF.”
“I couldn’t attend the 2022 Conference in California and felt really sad about that, as if I had passed up an opportunity to spend quality time with good friends,” reflects Danny Vancoppernolle, who Chairs both the ADI and ADEu Boards. “So now I'm really looking forward to going to the 2023 Conference in Zagreb. One always learns new things, meets old and new friends…and after the conference I’m going to do some sightseeing in Croatia, with its stunningly beautiful coast line, medieval architecture, and amazing food and wine to top it all. I’m all set to go!”
Danny’s enthusiasm is matched by Jody Wilson, Chair of the ADI Oceania Board and a member of the ADI Board. “Having attended ADI Conferences in the past, I can confidently say that they provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn from experts, share best practices and to celebrate the profound impact assistance dogs have on the lives of individuals with disabilities,” says Jody. “The camaraderie and shared dedication make each conference a memorable and transformative experience.”
Being part of a global network, meeting like-minded members and finding mutual support are invaluable. “Attending the ADI conference will be a fantastic opportunity for not only myself but for Support Dogs, as one of the smaller programmes, to connect and collaborate with the global assistance dog community,” says Rita Howson, CEO of Support Dogs UK. “There is a wealth of skills, expertise and contacts available for everyone to share that can only further improve the care and support of our recipients, dogs, staff and volunteers on an international level!”
For many members, it’s that networking and sharing of experiences which really makes the ADI conference the highlight of their year. “It’s a great opportunity to socialize and network with other like-minded, career-focused individuals,” explains Jenny BrodKorb, who sits on both the ADI and ADI NA Boards. “It inspires creative ideas for improving practices within the organization, from all staff who are able to attend. Nothing replaces being in-person with colleagues in the industry.”
Of course, the conference isn’t just for industry veterans - it’s a great opportunity for newly-accredited or candidate programs to learn and feel part of a global movement. As Margarita Ziade, CEO of Bocalán Argentina said in Concord, “It’s very important for us to be at the conference. It’s a big effort to get here because we are so far away, but it is important to meet other members who have been in the industry for many years and have a lot of experience.”
If you still need persuading, just listen to Jenifer Rogers, Founding Director of US program PAALS. “I get very emotional - it’s just amazing to see all these people working across the world and at the same time working alongside each other with the same mission. To be able to see someone in person, give them a hug and share ideas and energy - it’s almost indescribable.”
See you in Zagreb! In the meantime, check the latest conference updates and watch the videos from the 2022 ADI conference.
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