AFA Convention 2014

[TheWhiteFinchAviary]

I finally registered today and reserved one of the last 2 rooms! I'm excited!! Is anyone else here planning on going? I know Ms. Sally will be speaking which I can't wait to attend & soak up some valuable knowledge. It's my first big bird event so you know I'm pumped! Lots of exclamation points!!

[Sally]

Just to make it clear, the Sally referred to in the above post isn't this Ms. Sally! It is Sally Huntington, who is very active in the finch world, in NFSS, in the show world.

I went to the AFA convention in San Antonio several years ago, and I was a bit disappointed in that there were very few speakers on finches. This year is completely different! There are quite a few speakers on finches and softbills. The line-up of speakers is one of the best I've seen, I would love to attend. Unfortunately, I simply can't afford it at this time. Air fare, hotel, and registration add up to more than I can spare.

Chelsea, you will love it. It is an opportunity to meet some of the most experienced members of the finch community, and we all know it's all about networking! For those of you who are in that area, I believe you can attend on a daily basis instead of signing up for the entire convention. And there will be a finch show as part of the convention too.

This is really an event that should not be missed by those who are in the Portland or Oregon/Washington area. One of my friends is going, so I'll just have to live through her photos. Chelsea, take pictures and post some here please!

[TheWhiteFinchAviary]

Just to make it clear, the Sally referred to in the above post isn't this Ms. Sally! It is Sally Huntington, who is very active in the finch world, in NFSS, in the show world.

Wow, I'm slow! Sorry Sally! I did think you were Ms. Sally Huntington! You're both so poised and knowledgeable it's an easy mistake.

You're totally right, lots of interesting finch & softbill speakers who I'm excited to hear from! Esp. the one regarding Strawberries. Also other topics that are hobbyist specific but not relating to any species in particular. It's definitely a small fortune just to go with air fare, hotel costs and registration but I'm sure it'll be worth it. Plus it'll be really neat to meet everyone!

Yes ma'am! I'll be there with my HD camera filming & photographing as much as possible for those who aren't able to attend. Not sure what the copyright and publishing details will be so I doubt I'll be putting it on my website or youtube/etc. but I'll definitely be able to post everything here. Can't wait!!

[Sally]

The woman giving the talk on Strawberries is Nancy Ingram, and she has been successful with breeding them. She has a sun porch aviary, and her talk will be about breeding this species. She is so nice, I met her several years ago when I flew to Portland to swap some bloodlines with her, and she showed me her PowerPoint program at that time.

[wildbird]

Is this the same convention that the avian vets attend. I always thought it was just for vets. It seems all the good ones disappear when their yearly convention is on.

[Sally]

This is not a vet convention, though there may be some in attendance. This is the American Federation of Aviculture annual convention. There will be delegates there representing every type of pet bird and club, and anyone is invited to attend. There are fees for the events. It is a great opportunity for networking.