AR2010 SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD

More than a thousand participants and visitors from throughout the U.S. and eight other countries attended the Animal Rights 2010 National Conference, held on July 15-19th near Washington, DC.

90 speakers from 60 groups presented in 100 sessions, including plenaries, workshops, raps, and campaign reports. Nearly 80 organizations exhibited their literature and merchandise. More than 50 videos of animal abuse and protective actions were screened, including premieres of "Bold Native" and "Skin Trade."

Photos of attendees, events, exhibits, food, and speakers were contributed by Robert Acocella, Rachel Atcheson, Tania Jesus, Anthony Marr, and Cindi Saadi.

Highlights

• Plenary panels on our movement's progress and prospects, repression of animal activism, challenges and strategies for animal liberation, voices from other movements
• Workshops on issues, organizing, actions
• Rap sessions on controversial topics
• Special address by Rep. Dennis Kucinich
• Newcomer orientations
• Animal Rights Hall of Fame Award to Zoe Weil
• Henry Spira Grassroots Activist Awards to Anthony Marr
• Young Activist Award to Niki Gianni
• Networking receptions with donated vegan snacks
• Post-conference activities including training in public speaking and a demo protesting HLS animal experiments

Key Speakers

Farm Sanctuary Co-Founder Gene Baur, Stop Animal Exploitation Now! founder Michael Budkie, United Poultry Concerns founder Karen Davis, PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich, Win Animal Rights founder Camille Hankins, Farm Animal Rights Movement and AR Conference founder Alex Hershaft, Animal Acres founder Lorri Houston, vegan Congressman Dennis Kucinich, International Primate Protection League founder Shirley McGreal, Food - Not Bombs! founder Keith McHenry, Compassion Over Killing Director Erica Meier, "Green Is the New Red" blogger Will Potter, Alley Cat Allies founder Becky Robinson, Mercy For Animals founder Nathan Runkle, Institute For Humane Education founder Zoe Weil.

Award Winners

Zoe Weil, founder of the Institute for Humane Education, was inducted into the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame by a vote of the Conference speakers. Anthony Marr, who has conducted several nationwide tours to stimulate grassroots activism, received the Henry Spira Grassroots Animal Activist Award. Niki Gianni from Chicago was selected as the Young Animal Activist.