PROGRAM         Program Schedule

Animal Rights 2008 is the animal rights movement's annual national conference.

It is a forum for sharing knowledge, reporting on progress, discussing strategies and tactics, networking, and "recharging our batteries." It brings our movement together under the banner of animal liberation from all forms of human oppression. All viewpoints that support this goal are welcome (except for advocacy of injury).

Animal Rights 2008 reflects America's continuing concern with terror. Indeed, it is dedicated to exposing and challenging the terror perpetrated every day against billions of innocent, sentient nonhuman animals.

4-Day Program Details

The four-day program features nearly 100 presenters from more than 60 organizations and nine countries, representing virtually all sectors of our movement. They appear in eight Plenary Sessions, 50 Workshops, 30 Campaign Reports, and 7 Rap Sessions. Other program elements include: Exhibits, Videos, Newcomer Orientation, Group Workouts, Strategy Meetings, Networking Receptions, Awards, and musical entertainment.

This year's program retains its traditional structure, while introducing new elements, such as presentations by leaders of other social justice movements, reports from the whale wars in Antarctica, and consequences of global warming for animals.

AR2008 opens on Thursday, August 14, at 4pm with the Welcome Reception, followed by the Opening Plenary. It culminates on Sunday evening, August 17, with the Closing Reception. Several groups are planning Post-Conference Activities, including intensive seminars, lobbying, and a demonstration, on Monday, August 18.

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, daily schedule begins with a Group Workout at 7:30am or a swim in the pool. Then choose between issue-specific Workshops, Videos, Rap Sessions, and Campaign Reports that run between 9am - 12noon and 1:30 - 5:30pm. The evening Plenary Sessions bring everyone together for keynote presentations from 7:15 - 9:30pm, leaving ample time to visit Exhibits, as well as, socialize and network during meals and Networking Receptions.

The first plenary, on Thursday, includes welcome by sponsors and introduction to the conference structure, as well as the history of our movement and reports on major recent successes. The Friday plenary addresses major issues facing our movement. On Saturday, the plenary follows the celebratory dinner, and features Hall of Fame, activist, and celebrity awards. The Sunday plenary features leaders of other social justice movements and a keynote presentation.

The daytime workshops are configured along three concurrent tracks: Issues, Organizing, Remedies. The Issues track covers various types of animal abuses and the underlying issues. The Organizing track guides improvements in personal and organizational effectiveness. The Remedies track addresses campaign strategies and outreach to various constituencies. Each hour, you choose the session that best fits your needs and interests.

Rap Sessions and Campaign Reports engage participants in debates about controversial issues and current campaigns. Videos documenting animal abuses are shown concurrently in the Conference Theater.

Exhibits of movement merchandise, display materials, and literature are open between 9am - 6pm on Friday - Sunday.