Last week, more than 30 dedicated professionals from over 15 organizations gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2025 Newport ONE Animal Welfare Summit. Newport ONE hosted this client summit at the Arizona Humane Society’s brand-new facility, this two-day event brought together leaders in animal welfare fundraising, marketing, and operations for a dynamic exchange of ideas, learning, and collaboration.
The summit kicked off with a casual food truck meet-and-greet, setting the stage for meaningful connections. Over the next two days, attendees engaged in insightful sessions covering a range of topics critical to the future of animal welfare fundraising. Newport ONE President Craig DePole explored emerging trends in donor behavior, while Cindy Barham provided a behind-the-scenes look at production and mail shop processes. Creative storytelling was also a key theme, with insights shared by designer Tom Drymon.
A highlight of the summit was a conversation with former animal welfare CEO Kate Meghji, who offered a unique perspective on the role of development efforts in shaping an organization’s impact. Participants also took part in an open roundtable discussion, allowing for candid conversations and peer-to-peer learning.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, attendees enjoyed a tour of the Arizona Humane Society’s state-of-the-art facility and wrapped up the event with a celebratory dinner.
The Newport ONE Animal Welfare Summit was more than just an opportunity to learn—it was a chance to strengthen connections, spark new ideas, and reinvigorate the shared mission of advancing animal welfare. We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the momentum created at this inspiring event!
