The Animal & Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit, recognized as one of the world’s largest international gatherings for animal rights and vegan advocacy, will convene this May in Washington, DC. The summit draws over 800 dedicated advocates and activists from across the globe, alongside 80+ expert speakers and 35+ industry-leading exhibitors, serving as a platform for the global vegan movement, championing collaboration and shared goals to achieve sustainable progress.
“We’re not just talking about change; we’re providing the platform, minds, and tools to make it happen”
Organized by the nonprofit organization AVA International, the AVA Summit has a value-packed program featuring over 60 sessions covering various critical topics essential for advancing animal rights and vegan advocacy. Leaders from Mercy For Animals, Animal Legal Defense Fund, ProVeg, Faunalytics, and more will offer their expertise in a variety of informative sessions and workshops, empowering attendees to become agents of change in their communities and beyond.
Creating systemic change in food systems
Seminars will explore innovative strategies and solutions aimed at creating systemic change in food systems, including workshops on mastering media advocacy, leadership, fundraising and kickstarting, empowerment, and animal-friendly menu creation.
Julia Reinelt, executive director of the AVA summit, notes the event’s role as a catalyst for global collaboration and action. She states, “At the AVA Summit, we’re not just talking about change; we’re providing the platform, minds, and tools to make it happen.”
Notable keynote speakers at the AVA Summit include Chris Eubanks, President of APEX Advocacy, and Leah Garces, President of Mercy For Animals. Feminist scholar, educator, and co-founder of VINE Sanctuary, pattrice jones (intentionally lowercase), will also offer insights into the intersectionality of feminism and animal advocacy.
Catalyst for global collaboration
Beyond its main program, the AVA Summit offers off-program highlights, including Grantees’ Day, dedicated networking, and a live podcast exploring innovative perspectives on animal rights. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with thought-provoking films, including “Forever Home” by Allison Argo and “Meat Me Halfway” by Brian Kateman, followed by Q&A sessions with the respective producers.
Reinelt furthers, “This event is a catalyst for global collaboration and action, driving systemic change in food systems and beyond.”
The summit will be held from May 16 to 19, 2024, at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center in Washington, DC. For more information and to register for the event, visit avasummit.com.
