2024 Schedule
DAY 1 (THURSDAY) : 22ND AUGUST 2024
3-5pm
Check-In and Social Hour!
5-6pm
KEYNOTE
Beth Stultz-Hairston
The State of the Professional Pet-Sitting Industry
In this session led by Pet Sitters International President Beth Stultz-Hairston, we’ll take a deep dive into the results of PSI’s 2024 State of the Industry Survey. In addition to sharing the latest industry data, including the average annual revenue, pet-sitting fees and more, we’ll explore the current business best practices and industry standards—and what trends we’re expecting in the coming year!
6pm
Dinner Groups
Opportunity to find friends and build community with other pet professionals over dinner at one of the many amazing local restaurants!
DAY 2 (FRIDAY) : 23RD AUGUST 2024
Welcome + Intros for ALL
10-11am
Shannon Hendon - Ocala Pet Sitting
Building Bonds: Unleashing the Power of Friendship in Networking
Embark on an inspiring session exploring the transformative power of networking. Discover how fostering genuine connections unlocks your true potential and supports you through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Join Shannon Hendon, owner of Ocala Pet Sitting, on an inspiring exploration as she reveals the far-reaching impact of cultivating a supportive network for personal and professional growth.
1030-1130am
Michelle Kline
Incorporating Value Differentiators in Your Pet Care Business – Launch a Blue Ocean Strategy
Competing with your competitors leads to a race to the bottom of the lowest possible price. Instead, we need to bring a value differentiator to the market, which will allow us to compete on VALUE instead of price with our target clients. In this session, we will cover how to get your business to compete on value by bringing “Blue Ocean Strategy ” into your marketplace and aligning it with your target market.
1130-12pm: Speed Networking
12pm-1pm: Lunch + Expo
1pm-2pm
Collin Funkhauser
Facing Fear
Fear both motivates us to do things we never thought possible and blocks us from accomplishing our goals. Fear humanizes the people around us and helps us connect deeply with others. Learn how to embrace fear and navigate the uncertainties we all face in our lives and in running a business. Dare to lead and continue doing amazing things, in spite of the fear you face.
2pm-3pm
Beth Cotell and Pam Ahart-Steward
Self Care Means Business!
We all started our pet sitting business because of love for pets. But what about love of self? We all deal with the daily hustle and responsibility of building and running your business, along with caring for your partner, children, pets, and home. It’s no wonder that self-care often gets neglected, leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and a compromised well-being. Don’t miss this life-changing session, and learn how to bring balance, develop clarity, and transform your business!
3pm-4pm
Jenn Grady
AI Unleashed: Revolutionizing SEO in the Pet Industry
In the digital age, staying ahead in the competitive pet industry demands innovative strategies, and “AI Unleashed: Revolutionizing SEO in the Pet Industry” is designed to address this need. This presentation delves into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optimizing Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for pet businesses.
4-5pm
Skarlet Rockwood
Beyond Content: Crafting a Social Media Strategy That Converts
Are you ready to take your social media game from just posting pics to actually getting some real love for your business? We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of turning those likes and follows into customers who can’t wait to buy what you’re selling. It’s all about making connections, understanding what makes your audience tick, and using those insights to tweak your social media plan into a lean, mean, customer-converting machine. No matter if you’re a pet biz pro or just starting to dip your toes into the digital world, this session’s packed with easy-to-follow tips and strategies to amp up your social media impact.
DAY 3 (SATURDAY) : 24th AUGUST 2024
9-9:30am
Welcome
9:30am-10:30am
Networking Event
1030-1130am
Anne Marie - Tiny Paws Bookkeeping
Managing Expenses Effectively in Your Pet Care Business
Do you struggle with cash flow? Wed to find ways to limit your spending? Struggle with setting a realistic budget? We will explore proven strategies for meeting your goals without facing burnout.
1130am-12pm: Networking
12pm-1pm: Lunch + Expo
1pm-2pm
Kim Ottone Tank + Doug Keeling
Hiring Panel & Staffing Q&A
2pm-3pm
Morgan Weber
Unleashing Success: The Power of Culture
Uncover the secrets of business success! Values are not just words on a wall, but guiding principles that influence every facet of your business. From decision-making, employee engagement and retention, and customer satisfaction, a business’s culture can inadvertently lead to stagnation or decline. Discover the unique ability of authentic values and impactful culture to unleash success in every facet of your business.
3pm-4pm
Rookery Bay
Reserve and its efforts protecting 40% of Collier County’s coastline for more than 40 years. From Naples to the western edge of the Everglades, learn how the Reserve’s education, conservation and research programs benefit Southwest Florida and how the Friends of Rookery Bay makes a difference protecting this special place for generations to come.
4pm-5pm
Dr Ivory Council
Eco-Conscious Solutions for your Pet Services Business
“Eco-Conscious Solutions for your Pet Services Business “Going green” was once the wave of the future. It’s now a reality for nearly every business and industry. This talk explores ways to potentially increase profits while decreasing the ecological footprint of your pet services business.
