Need another reason to get doggone excited for the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo? The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and Jamestown Advanced Products have united to bring an interactive dog run into the Knoxville Convention Center, promising to give attendees at OHCE the chance to “Paws for a Break” and cuddle with dogs from local no-kill animal shelters. 

Need another reason to get doggone excited for the Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo? The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and Jamestown Advanced Products have united to bring an interactive dog run into the Knoxville Convention Center, promising to give attendees at OHCE the chance to “Paws for a Break” and cuddle with dogs from local no-kill animal shelters. 

The dog run will be open for sessions daily during the conference, beginning with breaks during the education sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Nov. 6, before moving to the Expo floor on Thursday, Nov. 7.  

“Campers and campground owners love their pets, so partnering with Jamestown Advanced Products is a perfect fit,” says Paula Horwitz, executive director of education and events. “The Paws for a Break area will be set up to replicate a campground dog park, so Jamestown will have a chance to show off its line of top-quality products, while our conference attendees will get a chance to enjoy puppy cuddles and kisses.” 

Being away from home can be stressful for attendees, and science proves interactions with animals can help. 

“After a busy day of learning and networking, what better way to relax for a few moments than by holding and petting a cuddly pup,” says Horwitz. “Researchers at Washington State University released a study earlier this year that showed just 10 minutes interacting with animals can have a significant impact on.” 

The dogs will be provided by a local Knoxville, Tenn. no-kill animal shelter, Young Williams Animal Center, and will be available for adoption during and after OHCE. 

OHCE is a four-day event from Nov. 4-7 in Knoxville, Tenn. including more than 40 educational seminars, a trade show with more than 120 vendors,?Takeaway Tours of local campgrounds,?ARVC’s Awards of Excellence?dinner and ARVC Foundation auction.? 

For more information about OHCE or to register, visit arvc.org/OHCE.