Chris Laurence on the preparations for ICAWC - including the IT!

ICAWC is always an interesting challenge. Not only do I get to do a couple of presentations, but I also run the IT to make sure that everyone else’s presentations run smoothly as well. Making sure everything works properly is a very time consuming exercise!

But the conference is also such fun. The range of people to chat to is vast and there’s a good social element as well talking far into the night about animal welfare issues (and other things too!). I’m really looking forward to it as I know Stresa is such a lovely place.

Chris Laurence, Veterinary Director, Dogs Trust

Welcome to ICAWC 2008!

Welcome to the 10th International Companion Animal Welfare Conference.

This year's conference will take place in Stresa, Italy from the 29th to the 31st of October, so there's still plenty of time to register for the event.

Topics being covered this year in presentations and optional workshops include first aid, customer care, population dynamics and successful rehoming among many others. You can see the full programme here, and have a chance to win some brilliant prizes.

Once you've signed up and started planning your visit, you can join the ICAWC network to virtually 'meet' other delegates, swap ideas and find others who share your interests. There's even a Wiki you can use to spread the word about your organisation and expertise.

This blog will be updated regularly nearer the time with ICAWC news, and I'll be posting updates from the event for those of you who cannot make the conference this year but would have liked to attend.

Hope to see you there!

Alexandra Roumbas, Web Editor, Dogs Trust (conference organisers)