42^nd Annual Feline Conservation Federation Convention

June 6^th – 8^th, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee

             An event eagerly anticipated each year by feline fans, the 42^nd Annual Feline Conservation Federation (FCF) Convention is slated to kick off June 6^th in Nashville, Tennessee. That means southern hospitality, country music, fun, and lots of activities for the entire family! FCF is composed of members who own and work with wild felines from servals to lions, as well as others who are educators, researchers, conservationists and exotic cat enthusiasts. Of course, those who are interested in learning more about wild cat handling and husbandry are always welcome to attend!

            The Radisson Hotel Nashville Airport, ideally situated just one mile from Nashville International Airport is the official hotel for the FCF Convention. The FCF special room rate is $95. Reserve your room by calling (615) 889-9090 or Radisson's toll free number (800) 967-9033. The FCF special rate is good until May 21, 2013.  FCF attendees may bring educational animals, nursing baby animals and felines under 30 pounds.  If you are bringing an animal, please make the reservation agent aware when you make your reservation.

            If you’re interested in our continuing education courses, FCF will also be offering both the ‘Basic Wild/Exotic Feline Husbandry’ course and the ‘Wildlife Conservation Educators’ course at the Radisson on Wednesday, June 5th, the day before the convention begins, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

            Join the fun starting at 2:00pm Thursday afternoon for the registration, social mixer and exotic kittens on exhibit. Come discover what’s new in the world of exotic cats! “The mixer is always an event to remember, where you have opportunities to see, learn about, and interact with exotic kittens such as bobcat, lynx, Geoffroy, serval, caracal, and maybe, even a jaguarundi,” says Lynn Culver, Executive Director of FCF.

            On Friday, June 7^th we will be heading out to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Felines living at the zoo include orange and white Bengal tiger, Eurasian lynx, cougar and clouded leopard in creative, natural habitats. We will listen to keeper chats and animal shows while we explore the zoo.

            Throughout the event, there are a number of speakers ready to ignite passion for exotic cat husbandry and conservation. FCF Convention sets the stage for attendees to be educated, awed, and inspired. And, the convention concludes with a lot of fun during the Saturday night banquet and fundraiser auction. Attendees are encouraged to donate items to the fundraiser auction. You’ll get into the spirit of things watching friends get into a bidding war.  It will be loads of entertainment yes, it’s all for a good cause! If you cannot make it, but want to contribute something to the auction, contact the Convention Chairman.

            Plan to bring the entire family to Nashville because this fun town promises something for everyone. Arrive early and stay late! Only 7.5 miles away from our hotel, the Adventure Science Center is a wonderful place for the kids. If you are a fan of shopping, the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center offers a wonderful experience under a glass roof atrium of four and a half acres of botanical gardens, and flowing through the building is the Delta River. Located just 7.5 miles from our hotel, make time to do lots of shopping, eating and soaking up the ambiance. For the country music lovers there are many options during the convention.  The CMA Country Music Festival will be running June 6 –9.  Big names like Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood will be attending this year.   There is always the Grand Ole Opry!  It is located only 6.6 miles away from our hotel.  The FCF Convention and scenic Nashville are sure to offer something for everyone!

            Anyone interested in the preservation of wild felines is invited to register and attend the FCF Convention. Use the convenient online registration forms for either educational course taught on Wednesday, or the Convention starting Thursday. Visit the Feline Conservation Federation website Registration Form and pay with Paypal, or print out our form and mail with your check payment. We look forward to having you join us in Nashville for a weekend of fun, festivities, and felines!