The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) presents the 2014 International Captive Wildlife Conference, a premier global summit that focuses on the confinement and use of captive exotic and wild animals, especially those used in entertainment. Its aim is to educate, stimulate critical discussion, and promote action to protect and improve the welfare of captive wildlife. 

The PAWS conference is a highly anticipated event that attracts people from around the world and features exciting speakers who are leaders in their fields, including scientific research, ethics, law, animal care and welfare, and conservation. 

PAWS has been presenting conferences since 1992, and this year’s event is a special one: PAWS is celebrating its 30th year of rescue, sanctuary care, education and advocacy for captive wildlife and performing animals. To celebrate this important milestone, we will be presenting a special anniversary gala on Saturday night. We hope you will join us for this exceptional weekend! 

Why you should attend this conference: 

• Learn about a range of important issues affecting captive wildlife, including elephants, big cats, marine mammals, and nonhuman primates. 

• Hear from professionals who are on the cutting edge in their respective areas. 

• Discover different perspectives on the issues, from science to ethics to animal law. 

• Know the issues and learn how you can take action in your community to help captive and performing wild animals. 

• Meet others who share your interest in captive wildlife and their protection. 

• Only U.S.-based conference of its kind. 

• Beautiful location in sunny Southern California.

• Be a part of PAWS' special 30th anniversary event weekend.

Saturday, November 8 | ELEPHANTS

Sunday, November 9 | CAPTIVE WILD ANIMALS

Monday, November 10 | CAMPAIGNS & ADVOCACY

2014 Conference Speakers & Moderators

Click here to view a list of speakers and moderators. Current as of 10/23/2014, subject to change. Check back frequently for updates.

2014 Conference Program

Click here to view a daily schedule of topics/speakers. Current as of 10/23/2014, subject to change. Check back frequently for updates. 

THREE-DAY CONFERENCE | $250 general; $175 students (I.D. required)

THREE-DAY CONFERENCE + GALA | $330 general; $250 students (I.D. required)

ONE-DAY CONFERENCE ONLY | $100 general; $75 students (I.D. required)

PAWS 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA ONLY | $130

Conference price includes: morning and afternoon refreshments, vegan lunch, free parking. Price does not include:transportation, lodging, or any meals not mentioned.

Gala ticket price includes: evening reception with light appetizers, gourmet vegan buffet dinner, dessert, two complimentary drink tickets, no-host bar, live and silent auctions, entertainment featuring singer/actress Kat Kramer, cirque performances by Nathalie Gaulthier's award-winning Le PeTiT CiRqUe — an all-kid humanitarian cirque company, and our special evening program.

For more information on the PAWS Gala, click here.

Register by September 15th to receive a complimentary pass to one ARK 2000 Open House — a $50 value! No expiration date. Open houses are held each year on the second Saturday in May and the second Saturday in December. You will receive your pass at conference check-in.

PAWS table levels and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Click here for more information on purchasing sponsorships.

Nearest Airport

 
Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) is closest to the hotel and conference facility (about .3 miles to hotel). Airlines flying into Burbank include Southwest, United, Alaska, US Airways and Jet Blue.
 
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) may provide a less expensive option and it serves more airlines. It is about 30 miles from the hotel.
 
Transportation From Airport To Hotel
 
Flying into BUR: A one-way taxi ride from airport to hotel is about $10.00.
 
Flying into LAX: A one-way ride from the airport to Burbank using Prime Time shuttle costs $37.05 (http://www.primetimeshuttle.com). Super Shuttle charges $28.00 (http://www.supershuttle.com). These rates are for multi-passenger service, meaning that the shuttle will be making more than one stop to drop off passengers. A one-way taxi ride costs about $75.00.

Both the hotel and the conference center offer complimentary parking.

Registration closes October 31, 2014!