Cat lovers, artists, and advocates in Florida are in for a deal with this January with the launch of Area Cats Florida, a brand new conference designed to have a good time all the pieces feline. Based by Leeza Hernandez, a lifelong cat fanatic, artist, and entrepreneur, the occasion guarantees to unite creativity and compassion in assist of cats in want.
Area Cats Florida is going down on January twenty fifth and twenty sixth 2025 on the Area Coast Conference Middle in Cocoa, Florida.
Catster is worked up to announce this occasion and share extra details about the way it received began and what guests can count on. We spoke with Leeza to get the within scoop.
From Sketching Cats to Conference CEO: Leeza’s Journey
Leeza’s profession has all the time been deeply intertwined with artwork and her love for cats. From her early days as a graphic designer and illustrator to authoring and illustrating the youngsters’s e book Catnapped! in 2013, she has regularly discovered methods to merge her inventive abilities along with her ardour for felines.
In 2017, Leeza’s journey took a brand new flip when she attended the Catsbury Park Cat Conference in New Jersey. Initially planning to go to as a fan, she determined to showcase her work as an alternative, combining e book signings with artwork prints impressed by her cat sketches. “My booth was a hit, and I quickly realized I could turn my love of cats and art into a flourishing creative venture.” Leeza quickly started touring to cat conventions nationwide, a few of which included CatCon Worldwide, Meow MeetUp, SeaMeow, and Catsbury Park, connecting with the colourful neighborhood of cat lovers.
Nonetheless, when the pandemic paused in-person occasions, Leeza discovered herself lacking the neighborhood and power of those gatherings. After relocating to Florida and studying that no East Coast conventions had been returning, she determined to take issues into her personal palms. With encouragement from fellow distributors and her husband, Leeza launched into a mission to create Area Cats Florida.
“I never imagined hosting my own convention, but when no East Coast cat events returned after the pandemic, I realized it was time to step up and create something for the community I love,” Leeza shared.
The Coronary heart of Area Cats Florida
Area Cats Florida, going down on January twenty fifth and twenty sixth on the Area Coast Conference Middle in Cocoa, FL, is greater than only a celebration of cats—it’s a motion to make a tangible impression. Partnering with the Brevard Humane Society, the occasion goals to assist their efforts find perpetually houses for cats and elevating consciousness about animal welfare.
“Space Cats Florida isn’t just about celebrating our love of cats—it’s about uniting as a community to make a real difference for the cats who need us most,” Leeza defined. “[It’s] a celebration of everything I love about cats and community with a deep desire to connect cat lovers, experts, and beyond in this state. As an artist who has always donated a portion of my art sales to help cats in need, this event felt like a natural extension of that mission.”
The conference will characteristic distinctive distributors, interactive Cativity stations, and academic displays from cat consultants. Particular visitors embrace social media star Nathan The Cat Woman on Saturday and a meet-and-greet with a Maine Coon named PEAK on Sunday. With a mix of enjoyable and advocacy, the occasion is about to be a spotlight for cat fans throughout the area.
Organizing a conference is not any small feat, however Leeza has acquired immense assist from her household, buddies, and volunteers, in addition to the audio system and distributors who share her imaginative and prescient. Whereas the inaugural yr’s group is small, their dedication and keenness are the driving forces behind the occasion’s creation.
“We might be small in our inaugural year, but we will be mighty!” Leeza shared.
Occasion Particulars
The weekend of feline enjoyable guarantees an thrilling expertise for cat lovers, breeders, and professionals, that includes a dynamic lineup of audio system and actions:
- SurferCat Mavi: Star of Cat Folks on Netflix and featured on The In the present day Present and Folks Journal, Mavi the Bengal cat is an excessive athlete—browsing, snowboarding, and extra. He’s presently filming a journey present in Italy.
- Kate Benjamin: Founding father of Hauspanther and co-author of Catification, she’ll share her experience in fashionable and purposeful cat design.
- Sterling ‘TrapKing’ Davis: A former rapper and TNR advocate, Davis promotes range in animal welfare and contributes to controlling feral cat populations.
- Ellen Carozza: Often known as the “Cat LVT,” Carozza will supply invaluable tips about feline well being and care, selling adoption by way of the Chris Griffey Memorial Feline Basis.
- Nathan Kehn (Nathan The Cat Woman): A passionate cat welfare advocate, Nathan has labored throughout the nation with shelters and rescues to enhance the lives of cats.
Actions embrace:
- Lunar Lounge: Cats for adoption from the Brevard Humane Society.
- DIY Cat Toy & Friendship Bracelet Station: Enjoyable for households and cat lovers.
- Intergalactic Photograph Backdrop: Good for social media photographs.
- Superstar Cat Meet ‘n’ Greets: Photograph ops with well-known cats.
- Artwork Wall: A coloring station for youths.
- Fundraising Actions: Assist native cat charities.
- Cat Product Giveaways/Distributors: Browse the “Space Cat Walk” for merchandise and win prizes.
A particular thanks is given to sponsors like Zymox and CatLady Field for supporting this occasion!
Wanting Forward
Leeza’s final purpose is to determine Area Cats Florida as an annual occasion that continues to develop the cat neighborhood, educate attendees, and lift consciousness. “This convention is a celebration of everything we love about cats—community, creativity, and compassion—all coming together for a purr-pose,” she stated.
With plans to develop and evolve, Area Cats Florida goals to turn out to be a trusted occasion for cat fans within the Southeast—a must-attend conference that blends enjoyable, training, and advocacy.
For extra info and updates, go to spacecatsflorida.com.
