PSI's 2012 Quest for Excellence Convention

PSI is excited to offer you this jam-packed agenda full of opportunities to network, learn from industry experts and fellow sitters, gain pet-care and business tips that can change your pet-sitting service and make lifelong friends.

Please note the sessions listed in this agenda are subject to change. PSI will make any updates to session topics and times on this page. If you have any questions, contact quest@petsit.com.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Quest 2012 check-in table open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Quest Great Hall open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: "Self Defense for Pet Sitters," Optional Workshop $50 4 ACUs

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: "This Workshop's for the birds: Avian care for professional pet sitters," Optional Workshop $50  2 ACUs

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: "The Basics for Branding Your Business," Optional session. FREE, but pre-registration is required.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: "The Legalities of Staffing for Pet-Sitting Business Owners," Optional Workshop $50  2 ACUs

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: "The 411 on becoming a CPPS: What does PSI's certification mean for your and your business?" Optional session. FREE, but pre-registration is required.

2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.: "Disaster Preparedness for Pet Sitters," Optional session. FREE, but pre-registration is required.

3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.: "You only get one chance to make a first impression: Tips for winning over clients at the meet and greet," Optional session. FREE, but pre-registration is required.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: "First Time Attendee Orientation," open to first-time convention attendees.

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Quest 2012 Meet & Greet: Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres and Icebreaker activities

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Quest 2012 check-in table open 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Quest Great Hall open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. "A Pet Sitter's Worth," opening session presented by Patti Moran

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.: "Dishing up healthy food for dogs and cats" Arden Moore

11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: PSI Awards Ceremony and Pet Sitter of the Year™ crowning

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: "Lunch and Learn" Canine Influenza (lunch provided by Merck Animal Health) 

1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.: Bonus Session: "Avoiding Insurance Claims" David Pearsall

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: "Dealing with Pet Loss" Ernie Slone

3:15 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.: "Out of control or something else? Recognizing canine training & behavior issues" Teoti Anderson

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Breakout Sessions (Choose one below)

• "When it's time to hire: Need-to-know HR" Linda Keeter
• "Canine Cancer" 2 Million Dogs
• "Pet sitters and pet loss" Rob Nager

Friday, September 14, 2012

Quest Great Hall open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: "The Natural Way to Bring Comfort and Harmony to Your Stressed Animal Clients" Dr. Debra Nickelson

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: "Social PETworking for professional pet sitters: How new media marketing can benefit your business" Denise Quashie

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: "Ageless advice for senior dogs and cats" Arden Moore

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: LUNCH BREAK

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: Bonus Session: Ask the Experts

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.: "Pet Sitter Safety" Jerry England

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: "PR for pet sitters"

4:30 p.m.: Quest 2012 Charity Auction & closing

Saturday, September 15, 2012

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Pet Tech's PetSaver™ Pet First Aid Training, $125,6 ACUs