9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Optional Field Trips ($75; includes lunch)
Bat World Sanctuary and Lake Mineral Wells State Park - Founded in 1994 by Amanda Lollar after she came across an injured Mexican free-tailed bat lying on a hot sidewalk in Mineral Wells, Texas, Bat World is a GFAS-accredited sanctuary located 45 minutes from Fort Worth. Hoping to heal the bat’s injured wing and set her free, Lollar took the bat home and named her “Sunshine.” During her time in captivity, Sunshine taught Lollar the enchanting language of bats and sparked her indelible love for this remarkable species. In addition to the hundreds of non-releasable bats from around the world who have found permanent refuge at this indoor, natural habitat facility, thousands of injured and orphaned bats have also been rescued and returned to their rightful place in the wild. As Bat World Sanctuary doesn’t typically offer tours, this field trip is a one-time special program just for Animal Grantmakers Conference attendees. Before heading back to the Hilton Fort Worth, participants will stop for lunch at Lake Mineral Wells State Park and a discussion about animal welfare with a park staffer.
Companion Animals Lovers Field Trip - The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area is home to several highly-respected organizations serving companion animals. As many are currently focused on helping companion animals displaced by the recent floods in Central Texas, the specifics of this field trip are not yet solidified. You can rest assured, however, that if you register for this field trip, you will get to see and hear from some of the most innovative shelters and rescues in the region. As soon as the details are confirmed, they will be posted here and on the Animal Grantmakers website. This field trip will also include a boxed lunch.
6:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
Welcome Reception
Join fellow attendees for drinks, appetizers, and networking as AGCon 2025 officially kicks off.