2024 German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America (GWPCA) National Specialty Conformation, Obedience, Rally Events
October 10 - October 14
Breeder Symposium I Panel Discussion – Generation To Generation: The Young Guns in a National Breed Club
National breed club members are essential to preserving their breed’s health and future. They are responsible for public education, networking, and planning yearly celebrations and showcases of their breed on a national scale. Within a parent club membership there are typically members with varying levels of experience with their breed and in specific sports and activities. This spectrum of knowledge, experience and perspective is valuable and allows for collaboration and development of professional relationships to benefit the breed.
The experienced members of a breed club can lead the younger and newer members, setting examples and expectations for the conduct and productivity of the club, However, eventually it is time to pass the torch, for fresh hands to do the heavy lifting and step up for the sake of the breed, its club and the members. These “young guns,” are still learning, growing and developing within the breed and their community but are the future of the club. As they begin to take on roles for their breed club, they will bring fresh perspective to the questions they are called to answer and the projects they are asked to undertake, from generation to generation, opportunity continues to arise for improvement and positive change.
In this breeder symposium panel discussion, we bring on some of the “next generation” members of the GWPCA who are setting in and preparing to receive the torch passed on from the previous generations. The discussion is led and moderated by Laura Reeves, long-time breeder, AKC judge and GWPCA national breed club member. Laura brings additional viewpoints and expertise to the discussion thanks to her extensive experience.
We will hear from all members of the discussion group about their perspectives and experiences, plans and aspirations, and discuss the ups and downs that may potentially come with “the young guns” beginning to take on more responsibilities at a national breed club level.
Thursday October 10th – GWPCA National Rally, Obedience, AOH Sweepstakes, GWPCA National Specialty Show Futurity & Maturity, 4-6 month beginner puppy. Welcome Night and Breeder Symposium
Friday October 11th – GWPCA National Sweepstakes, Junior Showmanship, GWPCA National Specialty Show BOB & NOHS. Dinner and Annual Meeting
Saturday October 12th – GWPCA Regional Sweepstakes, Junior Showmanship, Regional Specialty Show, All-Star Invitational. Dinner and Annual Awards
Sunday October 13th – Ft. Detroit GWP Club Specialty Show & Sweepstakes
Beginning Monday October 14th – Field events begin in Ionia, MI. Purina Dinner