Fire Circles: Where Conference Conversations Catch Fire
Thursday, October 8, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Friday, October 9, 6:30pm-9:00pm
What if meaningful conference connections didn’t always come from behind a podium—but from collective wisdom woven around a crackling fire?
Led by anthrozoologist and dog trainer Amanda Gagnon, fire circles are an opportunity to come together and explore the topics that are bouncing around in our hearts and minds after days filled with powerful ideas. We all bring something unique to this conference, and we crave a safe space to process and incubate.
No phones. No live feed. Just real humans talking about real dogs.
Each evening, participants will gather in a circle—steaming beverage in hand—grounded by the fire, fresh air, and shared presence. After a short period of free-form connection, Amanda G will offer on-topic anecdotes (warning: unapologetically heart-forward and dog-obsessed), before introducing complex industry topics.
Participants will be grouped to discuss their ideas, and then invited to contribute their thoughts—one voice at a time to the whole circle. This format moves us beyond the lecturer/listener dynamic and into something collaborative and reflective. Amanda will moderate the discussion and close each circle by weaving together key insights.
Topics won’t be pre-scripted. Instead, Fire Circles will draw directly from the energy of the conference—what’s generating buzz, curiosity, or tension during the day. Example topics might include: Advocacy in the Dog World, Licensing and Certifications, Consent and Agency, AI and Dog Training, or Best Practices for Conferences and Continuing Education.
Fire Circles are about ideas—but also about relationships, trust, and belonging. A little fire. A little nature. And the kind of conversation many of us have been quietly craving.
Let’s gather. Let’s listen. Let’s kindle something new.
Amanda Gagnon, MSc, CDBC, CCPDT
Amanda Gagnon is an anthrozoologist, dog behavior consultant, and dog trainer. She has lived and worked with dog-lovers on Manhattan’s Upper West Side for more than 15-years. She is the founder and training director at Amanda Gagnon Dog Training, where she teaches apprenticeship programs, conducts training programs for shelters and rescues, and researches dog-human cultures around the world. Her favorite thing to do is to work directly with humans and dogs during her group classes, private training sessions, and online courses. Her book on the cultural relationship between people and dogs, is on track to release late 2026.
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She has a masters degree in Anthrozoology from Canisius University. She is certified as a behavior consultant by the IAABC. She is certified as a dog trainer by the CCPDT. She was a founding board member of Muddy Paws Rescue. She is sought after by major media outlets including; Good Morning America, Inside Edition, News Week, and Fox and Friends. She speaks worldwide at dog training events and workshops.