Hyatt House Charlotte/Center City
435 E Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202
February 26-28, 2026
Registration
Our special room block rate has now been fully booked. If you still need accommodations, please check nearby hotels for availability. Register here: Conference Registration
Schedule
Schedule is subject to change slightly
Thursday, February 26, 2026
6 PM – 8 PM – Welcome evening reception with hors d’oeuvres. Hosted by Love Peace Pet | Independent Pet Insurance.
Menu: Vegetable egg rolls, Chicken Potstickers with Teriyaki sauce, Antipasto Display with Italian Meats, Cheese, and Vegetables, Sliced Seasonal Fruit Display with Yogurt Dip, Spanakopita, and two alcoholic drink tickets per person.
Day 1: Friday, February 27, 2026
Complimentary breakfast is available as early as 6:30 AM
Fruit infused water, fresh brewed regular and decaf coffee, herbal teas, and assorted soda beverages provided all day.
9:00-9:10 AM – Welcome + Opening
9:10-9:30 AM – High Five: Meet the Breeders Activity
9:30-10:30 AM – Breaking the Myth: Redefining Success in Dog Breeding with Julie Swan of Honest Dog Breeder
10:30-10:40 AM – Break
10:40-11:40 AM – The Art of Being the Only, Not the Best: Remove the Competition by Breeding Inimitable with Julie Swan of Honest Dog Breeder
11:40 AM- 12:00 PM – Welcome Reception Sponsor Presentation with Harin Greer of Love Peace Pet Insurance
12:05-1:05 PM – Lunch – Deli Buffet with options of a Turkey Club, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, or Italian Style Wrap. Includes salad bar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, pickles, pepperoni, assorted chips, assorted cookies, iced tea, and fruit infused water.
1:05 PM-2:05 PM – The Golden Key: Unlocking the Easy Answer to Every Breeding Decision with Julie Swan of Honest Dog Breeder
2:05-2:15 PM – Break
2:15-2:35 PM – Sponsor Presentation, Preparing Puppies for Go-Home Day: Grooming, Handling, and Presentation with Julia Blackwell of Pupwell
2:35-3:35 PM – Quiet Qualification: The Silent Gauntlet that Sorts Buyers for You with Julie Swan of Honest Dog Breeder
3:35-4:05 PM – Top Sponsor Presentation with Antoine Albion and Brandon White of Next Level Super Premium Pet Food
4:05-4:15 PM – Break
4:15-5:15 PM – The Legal Side of Breeding: Contracts Matter with Jessica E. Johnson, The Equine Esquire
5:15-5:30 PM – Closing Annoucements
Day 2: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Complimentary breakfast is available as early as 7 AM
Fruit infused water, fresh brewed regular and decaf coffee, herbal teas, and assorted soda beverages provided all day.
9:00-10:30 AM – OFA Positioning, Radiograph Evaluation, and Environmental Influences with Dr. Marc Siegel, Isthmus Veterinary Care
10:30-10:45 AM – Break
10:45-11:30 AM – Biosecurity for Breeders with Ji Khalsa of Midwoofery
11:35 AM-12:05 PM – The Breeder Bowl: Team Challenge
12:05-12:20 PM – Lunch Sponsor Presentation with Staci Brew of AKC Reunite
12:25 -1:25 PM – Lunch – Herb crusted chicken breast with tomato cream sauce, roasted flank steak with chimichurri. Includes Parmesan Caesar Salad, roasted vegetables, and triple cream mashed potatoes. Served with ice tea and fruit infused water.
1:30-2:30 PM – The Invisible System Behind Consistent Puppy Placements with Ara Hughey of Barketing Unleashed
2:30-3:15 PM – Managing Puppy Parasites with Ji Khalsa of Midwoofery
3:15-3:30 PM – Break
3:30-5:00 PM – Hands on Breeder Workshop for Collection and Artificial Insemination, Assisted Feeding Techniques, and Recognizing and Responding to Newborn Needds
5:00-5:30 PM – Closing Session + Conference Wrap Up
Closest Airports
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 13 minutes/7 miles from the hotel.
Sponsors
Next Level Super Premium Pet Food is a top sponsor for the conference! Their commitment to canine health and nutrition is exceptional, and we are so grateful for their support. Meet them in person at the conference!
LovePeacePet is a top sponsor for the conference, generously sponsoring our evening reception! LovePeacePet is the first private pet insurance agency. We look forward to their presentation to our group. Instant quotes are available on their website.
AKC Reunite returns to this year’s conference as a sponsor for one of our lunches. Selecting the right company for your pet’s permanent identification is vital. Your pet coming back home to you is a top priority for AKC Reunite. We look forward to their partnership at this year’s conference!
