Whatever the weather it will be cats and dogs in Bournemouth this week

The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) 2015 Annual Conference and Exhibition is to be held at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) 22-23 April 2015.

Each year the conference and exhibition is organised by a different ADCH charity member and this time it is being brought to Bournemouth for the first time by Wareham-based charity, Margaret Green Animal Rescue, the oldest and largest animal rescue and rehoming charity in Dorset, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

The conference and exhibition is a pivotal date in the ADCH calendar, providing a focus to share industry know-how and experience, build public awareness of the plight of homeless animals, and generally raise standards in animal welfare.

Over 450 animal welfare professionals and more than 25 specialist exhibitors are attending.

The two-day conference takes place in the Tregonwell Hall and Purbeck Lounge and covers a string of hot topics, from microchipping and insurance to behaviour, temperament, media relationships and the pros and cons of using social media.

There will also be a presentation accounting the remarkable impact of the Manchester Dogs Home Disaster on public awareness, prompting more than 110,000 people to donate more than £1 million to an online appeal.

On Wednesday evening, over 350 guests will attend a drinks reception and dinner in the Tregonwell Hall for the Animal Charity Awards, sponsored by PetPlan. The awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of animal charity and welfare heroes and organisations, nominated by their colleagues and members of the public.

The exhibition in the Purbeck Hall features 26 stands, including several Kennel Club Breed Rescue Stands, each with one of their own dogs. The Breed Rescue stands promote the various ways in which member organisations can work together seeking advice and guidance on specific breeds.

“The conference will bring together many organisations and individuals engaged in the rescue and rehoming of domestic pets.

says Matt Devereux, Trustee at Margaret Green Animal Rescue and ADCH Treasurer.

“This is an enormous opportunity for members and non-members to get together to address the key issues affecting our industry and the lives of millions of homeless animals.

“We’re delighted to be working with conference sponsors Pedigree, Petplan, Medimark Scientific, CEVA and AVID for this event at Bournemouth International Centre. Bournemouth is an outstanding conference and exhibition destination and facilities at the venue are of the highest standard, providing every comfort with ample parking and on-site catering.”

Pat Coyne, BH Live Director of Venues adds;

“It’s great to be working with Margaret Green Animal Rescue, ADCH and Petplan for their two day annual conference, exhibition and Animal Charity Awards ceremony. We look forward to making sure their delegates, speakers and exhibitors experience the best of our venue, hospitality and destination.”

To find out more about the event visit www.adch.org.uk

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Notes to the editor

About BH Live

BH Live is the South Coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues – a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives. With over 2.5 million visits a year and over £31 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.

In 2013/14, BH Live hosted 423 shows, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clocked up 1.8 million leisure centre visits and welcomed 88,000 conference and exhibition delegates which contributed over £45 million to the local economy.

For further press information:

Elizabeth Symmons
PR & Corporate Communications Executive, BH Live
Elizabeth.Symmons@bhlive.co.uk
01202 451866