The Network Live

October 26, 2026

9:30 am - 3:30 pm |

Community-centered animal welfare challenges us to think differently about the role of our organizations, our partners, and ourselves. The Network Live brings together leaders from across the profession to explore these evolving ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and help shape what’s next.

Join fellow leaders from across the profession for a full day of thought-provoking conversation, collaborative problem-solving, and peer exchange centered on the evolving role of community-centered animal welfare. Using the PACT (People and Animals in Community Together) framework as a lens for discussion, participants will explore how organizations are reimagining the relationship between shelters, community partners, people, and pets—and what these shifts may mean for the future of our work.

The day will begin with opening remarks from Joe Elmore, President of Charleston Animal Society, who will share why South Carolina chose to organize its statewide efforts around the PACT framework and what that journey has looked like thus far.

From there, participants will examine three PACT tenets that reflect some of the most important conversations taking place across the profession today:

• Align Policy with the Needs of the Community – Explore how organizations can tailor policies and practices to reflect the unique needs, strengths, and opportunities within the communities they serve.
• Implement Inclusive Policies and Practices – Discuss how equitable policies, authentic community partnerships, and inclusive decision-making can expand access to resources and improve outcomes for people and their pets.
• Foster a Culture of Transparency, Ethical Decision-Making, Mutual Respect, Continual Learning, and Collaboration – Examine how transparency, trust, shared learning, and cross-organizational collaboration strengthen organizations and the communities they serve.

Each session will feature a brief presentation, panel, or case study designed to spark conversation, followed by facilitated discussion and small-group collaboration. Participants will share experiences, challenge assumptions, and learn from leaders representing organizations of every size, structure, and community.

The Network Live is designed not only to introduce ideas, but to harness the collective wisdom of the leaders in the room. Whether you’re a CEO, senior leader, or emerging executive, your experiences, questions, and perspectives are an essential part of the day’s dialogue. Together, we’ll explore the opportunities and challenges shaping community-centered animal welfare and strengthen the relationships that move our profession forward.

What You’ll Gain

By participating in The Network Live, attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate emerging ideas shaping the future of community-centered animal welfare.
• Contribute their expertise to profession-wide conversations about how community-centered approaches can be interpreted and applied in diverse communities.
• Compare how organizations across the country are approaching policy, partnerships, transparency, and inclusion.
• Leave with new relationships, fresh perspectives, and practical ideas to inform future leadership decisions.