Sponsors:
Margie Cantwell & Jack are in the picture above. Thanks also to our anonymous donors whose gifts have made a striking difference, and to our invaluable volunteers whose passion lights the way.
We’re accepting sponsors for future conventions; contact us for details.
The 2017 convention will find us again among the friendly faces of Rock Hill, South Carolina! Rock Hill is just over the Carolina border from the Charlotte, NC Airport, recently announced as the sixth busiest in the world and fifth in the nation (cheaper flights—but book early!). The convention will take place sandwiching the first weekend in April.
We’ll return to the lovely lodging of the Hilton Garden Inn for our convention, within walking distance of a breadth of eateries, a shopping center, and a large park. Plan to arrive Friday, March 31st for the welcome meeting that night (attendance expected) and leave Monday, April 3rd (officially scheduled activities run into Sunday night).
Registration
Registration closed on February 28th. Visit our 2017 Convention Registration page for the details.
Info packet
Every week or so leading up to the convention, we featured new info packet sections below. The whole info packet is available at the following link, and was also provided at the convention:
click to enlarge schedule image
What’s it like?
PSDP conventions are times to network with service dog handlers through workshops, training, and support. For a taste of what they’re like, enjoy the quotations below and the 2017 convention pictures and videos, and find more on the pages of previous conventions.
Convention-goers rated our 2016 convention 4.741/5 overall! They had the following to pass along to those considering joining us in the future:
“Everyone and everypup were so nice and welcoming.”
“I absolutely LOVED the convention! I feel like the people there understand me better than anyone else on Earth. I am able to be myself, and not have to worry about educating everyone about service dogs. It’s a nice break from the stress of my everyday life. Everyone is so supportive and accepting. I can relax and be at home with friends, new and old.”
“I’ve been going to PSDP conventions since they started, and each time I think they can’t get better—each time I’m wrong! I love to welcome newbies to share in the unique learning and social opportunities. It’s way less scary the first time than many people imagine, and you’ll be looking forward to future conventions with new friends! :)”
“Attending the PSDP convention energized me by connecting me to my community, educating me on advocacy, and giving me more information on techniques to train my SD.”
“Attending the convention was well worth all the hassles of traveling. I came to the convention not knowing anyone and left with a group of new friends.”
“Conventions are a place where I belong. The people are so understanding and supportive. I wouldn’t miss one for the world!”
“This is a wonderful event, full of good people and good dogs. Perfection is not required, and I found a lot of support in training the things we needed to work on. Thank you for the best part of my year!”
We look forward to spreading similar smiles across faces new and old at our next convention!