The Hen Report: “Get Connected” | Building Global Community at AVA Summit 2026

In this episode of The Hen Report, hosts Jasmin Singer and Mariann Sullivan speak with Julia Reinelt, Executive Director of AVA International, about the upcoming Animal and Vegan Advocacy (AVA) Summit in Toronto (May 21–24). Julia walks listeners through what first-timers can expect, highlights the conference’s Whova app for networking and scheduling, and previews standout speakers — including documentary photographer Zed Nelson and nonprofit thought leader Vu Le. The conversation also covers AVA’s Grantee Day (which connects emerging advocacy groups with funders), the global reach of AVA’s summits and academies, and the organization’s commitment to making the conference accessible through travel awards and diverse programming for both professional advocates and grassroots volunteers.

• AVA Summit Toronto (May 21–24): The Animal and Vegan Advocacy Summit returns to Canada — a sold-out, multi-day conference for farm animal advocates, vegan activists, and animal rights professionals from around the world; register at avainternational.org
• Networking & Tech Tools for Advocates: The Whova conference app lets attendees browse profiles, schedule one-on-ones, and find meetups before arriving; the Hive Slack community hosts pre-conference orientation calls to help first-timers prepare
• Keynotes & Programming: Featured speakers include documentary photographer Zed Nelson on humanity’s impact on wildlife and habitat, nonprofit fundraising expert Vu Le (Nonprofit AF), plus a dedicated full-day fundraising track and film festival by We Animals Media
• AVA Grantee Day — Connecting Grassroots Groups with Funders: AVA’s matchmaking program facilitates meetings between emerging animal advocacy initiatives and 16+ funders and major donors; last year 100% of funders reported discovering organizations they’d never have found otherwise
• Global Reach & Accessibility: With summits across five world regions and ~$500,000 per year in travel awards, AVA serves a diverse mix of full-time advocates, volunteers, students, and career-changers — welcoming anyone committed to advancing change for animals

RESOURCES

• • • • • AVA International
        • AVA on Instagram
        • AVA on Facebook
        • AVA on LinkedIn
        • AVA on YouTube
        • AVA on TikTok
  •  We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode’s interview.

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