The perfect primer for attendees new to the animal handling world to learn the basics or those looking to refresh their knowledge, this session will cover handling principles such as flight zone, distractions that impede movement, and proper use of driving aids. Led by animal and behavior scientist, and the world’s foremost authority on animal welfare, Dr. Temple Grandin will provide great opportunities for questions and discussion with an industry icon.

Building a strong animal welfare culture is not just about procedures—it’s about people, values, and leadership. In this engaging session, Dr. Kayla Williams of American Foods Group and Dr. Kurt Vogel of the Humane Handling Institute will explore what it takes to cultivate and sustain a workplace culture where animal welfare is a shared priority. Drawing on real-world experience and insights from the legal and academic spaces, they will discuss practical strategies for inspiring teams, aligning operations with ethical standards, and creating environments where everyone—from the front line to management—feels empowered to do what’s right for the animals in their care. Whether you're just starting on this journey or looking to strengthen existing efforts, this session will offer valuable tools and perspectives to elevate your organization’s commitment to animal welfare. 

Join Kristen Parman of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) for an in-depth discussion on advancing animal welfare practices within livestock markets. Drawing from her extensive experience, Kristen will share current industry standards, challenges, and innovations that support the humane handling and care of animals during marketing and transport. 

Participants will discuss current challenges and practical solutions in animal care and handling in small peer groups. From welfare concerns and regulatory updates to public perception and supply chain expectations, this session will provide an opportunity for attendees to network and address key issues impacting the industry today, such as staff training, policy development, and emerging technologies. Attendees will leave with insights and resources to improve animal care practices and enhance accountability across operations.

Video monitoring has become a valuable tool for continuous improvement and assurance in animal welfare. In this panel session, industry leaders from Hormel, Maple Leaf Foods, Cargill, and Tyson will share real-world case studies showcasing how video monitoring is being implemented across various operations. Learn about the practical applications, challenges, and solutions associated with integrating video systems, as well as strategies to maximize their value for training, compliance, and animal welfare oversight.

The animal welfare research session will highlight results from assessing humane handling enforcement actions, the impacts of shade on cattle behavior and mobility, captive bolt placement from mature beef bulls and the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance your animal welfare program. Discover ways to improve animal welfare at your facility and become more knowledgeable about factors that can negatively affect animal welfare.  

This year’s Stunning and Insensibility track—led by Ryan Malone, along with Dr. Temple Grandin—will allow attendees to learn stunning techniques and appropriate tools based on species and age, correct anatomic locations, and indicators to assess insensibility. Bunzl’s Product Specialist, Ryan Malone, is an expert trainer on captive bolt tools and electrical stunning systems at plants throughout the United States. They will provide the opportunity to identify the proper tools and techniques to effectively stun different animal classes with the opportunity for hands-on learning.

Join a dynamic panel of international experts—Jason McAlister, Alison Small, and Sarah Bolton—as they explore the current trends, challenges, and innovations shaping animal welfare around the world. This session will provide a global perspective on evolving standards, cultural approaches, and policy developments in animal care and handling. Gain valuable insights into how different countries are advancing welfare practices and what we can learn from each other to drive positive change across the industry.

Animal transportation remains a key aspect of the supply chain for welfare, with unique challenges. This session brings together panelists from the cattle, swine, and poultry sectors to explore current trends, innovations, and emerging issues affecting animal transport across species. Join Jesse Fulton, Tim Toliver, and Dallas Wynn for an in-depth discussion on best practices, welfare considerations, and industry-driven solutions to ensure safe, efficient, and humane transport from farm to slaughter. Whether you're focused on cattle, swine, or poultry, this session will offer valuable insights for anyone passionate about the care and handling of animals during transport.

Dr. KatieRose McCullough, Senior Director, Science and Public Health at Meat Institute will share an update from the Meat Foundation. Casey Gallimore,  Senior Director of Regulatory Policy at the Meat Institute will share updates on topical federal and state level initiatives, as well as an outlook on the evolving landscape under the new administration.

Ensuring high standards of animal welfare is both a moral responsibility and a cornerstone of sustainable operations. In this session, Norm Robertson, Lyndsey Jones and Alison Griffino will guide participants through the essential components of developing and, importantly, maintaining a robust animal welfare program. Drawing on best practices and lessons learned from noncompliances, the speakers will highlight effective strategies for aligning day-to-day animal welfare with regulatory expectations and regulatory benchmarks. Attendees will leave with actionable insights for fostering a culture of welfare excellence through continuous improvement, leveraging learnings from regulatory oversight and industry best practices.