Think you need to be an APHA director to attend the 2016 APHA Convention? Think again!

The annual APHA Convention is open to all Paint Horse enthusiasts, and EVERYONE is encouraged to attend, no matter if you’ve had Paints for a lifetime or just admired them from afar. Check out the following nine reasons to attend the 2016 APHA Convention, February 26–29 in Richmond, Virginia, and then make plans to attend—special Convention room rates are available at the Omni Richmond and its sister hotel, The Berkeley Hotel, until February 4. Register for Convention online so we know you’re coming—it’s quick and easy at apha.com/ events/convention.

Why attend the 2016 APHA Convention? 

• Meet new Paint friends.
  APHA members and Paint enthusiasts from around the country plan on attending Convention—here’s your chance to network with others who share your passion for Paints.
• Make a difference.
  Do you have an idea that needs to be heard, or are you passionate about a certain area of APHA? Most APHA standing committee meetings—spanning everything from regional clubs to showing to long-range planning and more—are open for anyone to attend, and you’ll even get to chime in with your opinions and ideas. Who knows? You might have an idea that sets the Paint world abuzz.
• Honor APHA changemakers.
  Legends and luminaries take center stage at the annual APHA Hall of Fame and awards ceremony on Sunday, February 28. This red-carpet ceremony honors our 10 Hall of Fame inductees, along with outstanding members, judges and regional clubs. Reserve your spot with Theresa Brown at tbrown@apha.com. 
• Learn something new.
  Education is the name of the game at Convention, and we’ve got an awesome lineup of presentations at this year’s event. Join us for four FREE seminars:
  • “Paint Horse Genetics” with Dr. Samantha Brooks, D.V.M.—Friday, February 26, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Samantha A. Brooks, PhD, Assistant Professor of Equine Physiology from the University of Florida will enlighten all with her knowledge and research regarding Paint horse genetics. Plan to get an education on genetics and all it has to offer the APHA.
  • “Effective Communication,” with Dr. Rick Rigsby—Saturday, February 27, 8 a.m.–Noon Noted motivational speaker Dr. Rigsby returns to the APHA Convention to deliver another installment of his popular team building series. If you haven’t heard Dr. Rigsby speak, you won’t want to miss it.
  • “Make Your Show Better” with NSBA Executive Director Dianne Eppers—Saturday, February 27, 1:30–2:30 p.m. Diane shares her expertise in show management—including more than just the how-to’s of putting on a show.
  • “Communicate, Inspire, Connect” with the Regional Club Committee—Sunday, February 28, 1–2 p.m. This special session is presented by the Regional Club Committee—this committee has a wealth of information available for clubs and all members of APHA. Come be enlightened!
  • “The Game Plan” with Director of Judges David Dellin and Judges Committee Chairman David Denniston—Sunday, February 28, 2:30–6 p.m. Exhibitors, trainers, breeders and judges—get information straight from the experts about what judges are looking for in some of APHA’s most popular events. This is a great opportunity to brush up on your judging knowledge before show season kicks into full gear. 
• Lots of socials!
  Who doesn’t love a party? Convention socials are scheduled for every night, and they’re the perfect way to wind down and spend time with your friends—old and new!
• See the sights around historic Richmond!
  Richmond is a city of history, and there are great sights to be seen. You’re your Convention trip into a vacation, too. Join APHA for a trolley sight-seeing tour on Thursday, February 25, and a trip to nearby Colonial Williamsburg on Monday, February 29. Learn more about Richmond in the Winter 2015 Chrome.
• Special events just for YOU-th!
  AjPHA members, join us for the annual Youth Leadership Conference, which takes place concurrently with Convention. We’ve got a special slate of fun activities just for you, including a trip to Washington D.C. Register for this fun event with Christine Henry at chenry@apha.com.
• Get involved with a great cause.
  The American Paint Horse Foundation will host several benefits during the APHA Convention, including a very special silent auction and the chance to win a beautiful Elite Custom Saddle (or a super-cute miniaturized version). More details coming soon on apha.com.
• It’s Free!

Free is always good—so what better reason to attend? With the exception of the two guided sightseeing tours and the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, all other events  at the 2016 APHA Convention are free! Seating is limited, though, so reserve your spot today. 

Questions about the 2016 APHA convention? Visit apha.com/events/convention or email Theresa Brown at tbrown@apha.com.

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 creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.