Three weeks to go!

I can’t believe ICAWC is now only 3 weeks away! This is my first conference and already I have a sense of how much of a buzz there is about the whole thing. There are still some last minute registrations coming in – if you haven’t yet registered I strongly recommend doing it soon! Some of the activities are already oversubscribed.

I have received emails from delegates all over the world and its great to hear that so many organizations are advertising the conference on their own websites, and are this year bringing with them like-minded peers from their part of the world. That’s what ICAWC is all about – encouraging as much sharing of information and best practice as possible so that we can all do the best for our companion animal friends.

Meanwhile I am busying getting together all the presentations from our guest speakers – they all sound fascinating and I can’t decide which I am most looking forward to hearing.

When you arrive at ICAWC please don’t forget to come to the registration desk, where you will receive a welcome pack, including the full Programme of Events. And I hope we will see you all at the free Welcome Buffet Dinner on Wednesday 29th October at 7.30pm at the Regina Palace Hotel.

Finally, I have been really enjoying reading all your competition entries. Someone has to win the 1000 EUR cash prize!! If you haven’t sent your entry yet, you need to answer the following question in no more than 45 words:

“How do you explain to a potential corporate donor that dogs/cats are worthy of their support?”

Send your answers to hq-icawc@dogstrust.org.uk

Good luck, and see you in Italy!!

Helen Speake, Events Team, Dogs Trust

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

Clarissa Baldwin on international attendees and raising the status of dogs

I'm not really a blog writer, but reading both Adrian's and Carolyn's posts reminded me that I have to prepare my 10 minute slot at ICAWC. Yes, I'm going to have an actual slot, not just a Chairman's role, this time!

It's about raising the status of dogs. It should be easy to talk about, but I want to make sure it fits the audience's requirements; does anybody want to give me any examples?

I'm looking forward to seeing you all. Helen, my PA, came and updated me this morning about numbers of booking for the conference - so far more than 60. It's always great to see old friends but she tells me we have new delegates from Somalia and Pakistan. Is anyone coming from even further afield?

Meanwhile, we have some cheeky animal welfare friends trying to win the cash prize for registering - without attending the conference. Nice try!

Clarissa Baldwin
Chief Executive, Dogs Trust