WELCOME, SPEAKERS
Thank you for being part of the 2026 International Courthouse Dogs® Conference. This page is your central resource for everything you need to prepare for a successful session. Please read it in its entirety and bookmark it for easy reference. If you have questions not answered here, contact us at [email protected].
KEY DATES
NOW Update your Speaker Profile: picture, about/bio, etc. Here: Speakers. Booking Hotel Room at:
https://book.passkey.com/e/51140633
May 31, 2026 High-level session outline due — E-Mail to [email protected]
August 15, 2026 Initial draft presentation due — upload via SCHED to your Speaker Session.
September 7, 2026 Hotel block deadline — book your room before this date
September 15, 2026 Final presentation upload deadline — via SCHED to your Speaker Session.
October 7–8, 2026 Conference — Coast Coal Harbour Hotel, Vancouver, BC
YOUR SESSION
We are still fine-tuning the schedule and where your sessions will be slotted in, but we have a draft version in the app. We will communicate when it has been finalized. If you have any conflicts with a day/time please email Felicia: [email protected]
All sessions are conducted in English. If you require any language support or accommodations, please let us know as soon as possible.
REGISTRATION
All confirmed speakers receive complimentary full conference registration. Please complete your registration selecting a ticket and using coupon: SPEAKERCDF2026Do not pay — the speaker ticket is complimentary.
2026 International Courthouse Dogs Conference Registration
YOUR SCHED PROFILE
Please complete your SCHED speaker profile as soon as possible. Attendees will begin reviewing the program in advance of the conference and your profile is how they will find and choose your session.
Your profile should include: A headshot- A biography of 150–250 words- Your session title and a compelling session description- Any web links, resources, or references you would like to share with attendees
To upload your final presentation and handouts, select "My Tasks" from the SCHED navigation and follow the instructions for materials upload. Final presentations are due by September 15, 2026.
SESSION OUTLINES & PRESENTATIONS
High-Level Outline — Due May 31, 2026Please submit a brief outline of your session content to [email protected] by May 31st. This does not need to be a complete presentation — a one-page bulleted overview of your key topics, learning objectives, and session flow is sufficient. This helps us ensure a well-sequenced program and gives us an opportunity to offer guidance before you invest time in your full presentation.
Initial Draft — Due August 15, 2026. Please upload an initial draft of your presentation via SCHED by August 15th. We will review and may offer light feedback or fine-tuning suggestions.
Final Presentation — Due September 15, 2026. Please upload your final presentation via SCHED by September 15, 2026. Handouts and supplementary materials are also welcome and encouraged. All materials will be made available to registered attendees through the conference portal.
SESSION FORMAT & TIMING
Sessions will vary in duration, as confirmed in your acceptance E-Mail. Please plan your content to fit within your allotted time and allow at least 5–10 minutes for Q&A unless otherwise discussed.
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT
The following AV equipment will be provided in all session rooms:- LCD projector with screen- Speaker podium- Podium microphone. For break-out sessions, please plan to bring a laptop and any connectors needed to project.
We will plan to project the final PPT uploaded to the APP. The deadline is to allow us time to get these to the AV company who will be running the technical show.
If you have AV requirements beyond the standard setup, please contact us at [email protected] as early as possible so we can assess availability.
RECORDING & PHOTOGRAPHY
The conference will be photographed throughout. Select sessions may be recorded for the post-conference online portal, which is available to registered attendees for approximately three to four months following the event. Your Speaker Agreement outlines your consent preferences — please review and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
HOTEL & TRAVEL
A block of rooms has been reserved for conference speakers and attendees at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA, 1180 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC at the special conference rate of $249 CAD per night plus taxes. Rooms are limited — please book early. The hotel block deadline is September 7, 2026.
Hotel Booking Link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51140633
Courthouse Dogs® Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to keeping conference expenses as lean as possible. Speakers are generally responsible for their own travel and hotel costs. If travel costs present a genuine barrier to your participation, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We will do our best to assist where we are able, particularly for regional travel expenses.
CROSSING THE BORDER
All attendees traveling to Canada from outside the country will need a valid passport. U.S. speakers should also be aware of the following if traveling with a facility dog:
Entering Canada: A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required. You must declare your dog at the border. Do not bring dog food or treats across the border without declaring them.
Returning to the United States: Your dog must be microchipped and you must complete the CDC Dog Import Form online before your return trip. Carry the receipt printed or on your phone.
Please verify current requirements at inspection.canada.ca and cbsa-asfc.gc.ca before you travel.
DRESS CODE
Business casual is appropriate for all sessions. Vancouver in October is mild but can be rainy — layers and comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to enjoy the seawall or Stanley Park during your stay.
CONTACT
Felicia Ako, Speaker Coordinator and CEO, Courthouse Dogs® Foundation [email protected]
We are here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for the time, expertise, and passion you are bringing to Vancouver. We cannot wait to see you in October. 🐾
