![Group of people having a conversation at a conference](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_mobile/public/hero-dash/BFNConferenceRaleigh4959sak-hero2.jpg?h=79cc2f36&itok=gR-BfBev)
Why should you attend?
As an attendee, you can choose from over 135 inspiring and informative sessions to learn the latest innovative and thought-provoking strategies to save more lives.
You’ll also enjoy invaluable in-person networking opportunities, engagement events, and a complimentary continental breakfast and hot lunch each day of the conference. Plus, you can party it up at our closing celebration.
![Two people coloring together on a sign at the conference](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh5133sak.jpg?h=9a258e22&itok=mNRcO9_K)
Meet people and make connections that matter
From veterinary clinic managers to behavior specialists to transport volunteers to shelter leaders, you can expand your lifesaving circle and learn from people who work in all aspects of animal welfare.
The conference is an amazing opportunity to connect with a diverse group of people in a way that only happens when you meet face to face.
Being in person means you get to bump into somebody wearing a cat shirt just like yours and connect over how many cats you’ve each helped through trap-neuter-vaccinate-return over the past year.
It means sitting down in a lounge area to charge your phone between sessions, chatting with someone else who is doing the same, and walking away with a new transport partner. It means stopping by the hotel bar for a nightcap on the way back to your room and making a new friend who went to the same vet school as you.
The conference is the premier destination to make meaningful, in-person connections with fellow animal advocates all dedicated to saving lives.
Join us in the BIPOC Lounge
The BIPOC Lounge is a space for our Black, Indigenous, and people of color to connect, gather thoughts, and just hang out between sessions or during breaks.
Our goal is for you to feel safe, comfortable, and supported while at our conference, and we hope this space is valuable to you.
The BIPOC Lounge is open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
![Two people having a conversation at the Best Friends National Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh6442sak.jpg?h=a01f5a3a&itok=Pq-kB7RK)
Talk shop with leading researchers
New this year at the conference, you can mingle one-on-one with our industry’s expert researchers as you browse their latest information in poster-based presentations.
![Conference attendees enjoy a vegan lunch](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh4895sak.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=Lo2_Y7Ji)
Breakfast and lunch are included!
Not only are the complimentary vegan meals delicious, but they’re another great place to connect with fellow attendees and make new friends.
![Two speakers talking to an audience during a conference session](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh5225sak.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=jhkcEtLD)
You’ll have access to selected session recordings
As a conference attendee, you’ll automatically have access to recordings of all three general sessions, along with 25+ breakout sessions.
![The bookshop at the Best Friends National Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh4597sak.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=mkfNiAQi)
You can find an inspiring read
You’ll have access to an on-site bookstore, with selections thoughtfully chosen for those of us in animal welfare.
![Conference attendee looking at clothing at the swag swap](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh5404sak.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=N9lfejPF)
Add to your wardrobe at the swag swap
Want to go home with some new merch that shows your support for shelters and rescue groups saving lives around the country?
![Attendees talking to exhibitors at the Best Friends National Conference](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleigh5171sak.jpg?h=2992ba0a&itok=jia4d-W7)
Get face time with companies passionate about animal welfare
You can visit the Hub and meet a wide variety of sponsors and exhibitors who are eager to show you their latest products and services to benefit the animals in your care.
![Conference attendee playing a game at the closing party](/sites/default/files/styles/image_mobile/public/image/BFNConferenceRaleighClosingParty6672sak.jpg?h=0983e157&itok=XA-dxo7T)