2023 ABTC National Specialty

Exhibitors and Friends:
Welcome to the 2023 ABTC National Specialty! We look forward to a fabulous week of conformation and performance events, and the gracious hospitality provided by our hosts at the Marriott Riverfront and Conference Center.

Whether you were here with us in 2007, 2012, and 2016 or whether this is your first visit, you’re in a very special part of the world. Here, where Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota come together on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, everything you need for the perfect National Specialty is within easy reach. Conformation and sweepstakes, obedience and rally, honor and rescue parades, the two-miler road race, and indoor grooming are all on-site. Shop the vendors or the General Store, and linger at the raffle table. If you’re arriving early, head to Council Bluffs for the Specialty herding trial; just a few miles away are tracking events in Iowa, and the National agility trial will be in Granger, Iowa following 3 days of all breed agility. 

This year’s Specialty will feature all the events and activities you’ve come to expect including receptions and banquets, and Member’s Ed programming. Tune-up for obedience at the Rent-A-Ring, but that’s not all. A highlight of the week (and a new offering this year) will be the addition of a Regional Specialty.

My thanks to the loyal and hardworking volunteer crew who came forward when we announced a return to the Marriott Riverfront; when we said: hey, we’re puttin’ the band back together!  The ABTC should be very proud of the incredible talent in our midst and I hope you’ll take a moment to say THANKS to each of the individuals who worked behind the scenes make your favorite event, activity or celebration possible.
Additional thanks to the wonderful team at our host hotel, all of whom are a joy and a pleasure to work with throughout the planning process.  Their efforts have provided new meaning to the term ‘host’, and we want to repay those efforts by extending our thanks and by treating our facilities with care and respect. You all know what that means: PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOGS! Grounds crew has provided buckets and scoops, and bags to make keeping the area clean an easy and efficient process.  If you need a break from the show, relax at the Marriott's own Kahill’s Steak-Fish & Chophouse and enjoy incredible food as well as a spectacular view of the river. 

If this is your first visit to the area, the tri-state region promises other things to do and see. In Nebraska you'll find unique ethnic shopping, Latin American grocers, markets, and clothing stores, parks, restaurants and much more. Just across the river in Iowa, visit a 45,000 square foot Art Center, a world renowned Orpheum Theater, Lewis and Clark attractions, and the Hard Rock Cafe. Throughout the region, enjoy the beautiful Missouri River, golf year round with indoor and outdoor facilities, and eat great traditional food from all backgrounds.

East, west, north or south – thanks for joining us for the 2023 ABTC National Specialty. We’re glad you’re here. Have fun, see old friends, and make some new ones.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL EXHIBITORS.
    Jill Morstad, Specialty Chair 2023
    and the 2023 National Specialty Committee