Are you still sitting on the fence about attending APHA’s Convention? Consider this your personal invitation to take time out of your hectic schedule and join us to spend a day or two or four focusing on one thing: nurture. Join us March 2-5 at the DFW Airport Marriott in Irving, Texas to nurture you, to learn and grow, to make new friends and reconnect with old. Join us to nurture your association and to influence the direction it takes. Join us to nurture the breed you love, to celebrate the horses, horsemen and -women who have made history and to witness history being made.
If you’ve never attended Convention before, we welcome you to come and partake in the wide variety of educational and social events offered and to see the APHA’s governance in action. There’s something for every APHA member—owners, breeders, exhibitors, trainers, national directors and even a Youth Leadership Conference for our youngest members. Many sessions are free, but seating is limited, so please register by February 8. Check out these highlights.
Nurture YOU & Learn
- “Welcome to the Stockyards” Breakfast—Saturday, March 3, 8 a.m. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast and hear and see more about APHA’s upcoming and very exciting move to this national historic district. (Free tours also available)
- “Marked for Greatness” Strategic Planning—Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m. Presented by Colin Rorrie Jr., Ph.D, FASAE, CAE, president of CCR & Associates.
- “Marked for Greatness” horseIQ Live—Saturday, March 3, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hear from APHA Director of Judges David Dellin and APHA Judge Sandy Jirkovsky on Western Pleasure and Ranch Riding. Be sure to register for lunch served during the presentation.
- “Marked for Greatness” Equine Law for Horsemen—Sunday, March 4, 1 p.m. presented by APHA legal counsel Suzanne Radcliff.
- “Marked for Greatness” Genetics Presentation—Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m., Samantha A. Brooks, Ph.D, assistant professor of equine physiology from the University of Florida, will enlighten you with knowledge and research regarding Paint Horse genetics. Plan to get an education on genetics and all it has to offer the APHA.
View and download the full Convention schedule here.
Nurture Your Association & Lead
- Check out the state of affairs—Friday, March 2, 9 a.m. APHA Executive Director Billy Smith kicks off Convention with his report on the association’s state of affairs. He’ll give an overview of show, registration and market share statistics that make up the day-to-day activities at APHA as well as share plans for the future of the association.
- Make your voice heard at committee meetings—Friday, March 2 & Saturday, March 3. All Convention attendees are invited to attend nearly every committee meeting and share your thoughts. You’ll certainly find something you’re passionate about—so make your voice heard!
- Attend the Board of Directors sessions—Sunday, March 4 & Monday, March 5. APHA’s elected Board of Directors meet Sunday morning to discuss rule change proposals for 2019 and then vote on them Monday morning. While only directors can vote on the rule change proposals, any APHA member may attend the meeting.
Nurture Your Breed & Celebrate
- Welcome Reception—Friday, March 2, 6:30 p.m. Generously hosted by APHA, this event is free for all Convention attendees. Gather with other APHA members and snack on delicious selections.
- Hall of Fame & Awards Banquet—Sunday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy an hour of socializing with everyone before the Hall of Fame dinner begins. At 6:30 p.m., join APHA as we honor our sixth class of Hall of Fame inductees, along with other special award winners. Purchase your tickets early as seating is limited for this popular party, and it sells out in advance. Dinner is included, and a cash bar is available. Guests are seated on a first-come, first-served basis or you can pre-reserve a table for you and your friends.
Whether you’re deeply invested in the Paint Horse industry or just getting started, attending the APHA Convention is time well spent. Network with your peers, meet APHA leaders and get energized about improving yourself, your club and your impact on the association. The registration deadline—February 8—is right around the corner so register today!
Questions? APHA Director of LeaderCare Theresa Brown is happy to help. Call her direct at 817-222-6403 or send her an email.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.