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STAMFORD, Conn., March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Link AKC, the company dedicated to improving the bond between dog and owner, is honored to announce the organization's participation at the 2017 South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals. SXSW celebrates cutting-edge technology, digital creativity and incredible innovators worldwide annually in Austin, Texas.

Link AKC represents new advancements in the burgeoning pet-tech category, combining the best of smart home, wearable and mobile design, and technology. The LINK AKC smart dog collar includes a variety of features from GPS and activity tracking, to vet reminders, and more to help owners take a more informed and active role in managing their dogs' well-being and to feel connected to their dogs when apart.

Do You Speak Dog?
Link AKC is honored to host an exploration of canine cognition and the emotional connection between dogs & humans during its "Do You Speak Dog" panel March 13 at 9:30am CDT at JW Marriott Salon 7.

The panel will examine the role of dogs and pets in today's world. Participants will learn the emotional connection between dogs and humans, the role that technology will play to improve communication, and understanding between humans and dogs, and possibly help humans "speak dog." It will feature:

• Pilley Bianchi, Writer/Trainer/Producer Chaser the Border Collie. Pilley Bianchi is the daughter of world renowned animal behaviorist John W. Pilley, whose groundbreaking research with his Border Collie, Chaser (chaserthebordercollie.com) changed the world's view on canine intelligence. Pilley will be representing her father's work and speaking to the value science and technology hold in understanding the communication between man and dog.
• Steve Dale, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC), Author and Radio Host. Steve Dale is the host of two nationally syndicated radio shows, Steve Dale's Pet World and The Pet Minute as well as a nationally renowned dog and pet behavioral expert. Steve will speak to the topic of dog cognition and the intricacies of the dog - human relationship.
• Loni Edwards, Managing Partner of The Dog Agency. As the founder of The Dog Agency, an animal influencer management agency, Loni Edwards will speak to society's point of view around the trend of "pets as children" as well as the socialization of dogs and pets. Her own celebrity dog, Chloe The Mini Frenchie, will also be in attendance.

"Millions of people see their pets in the same vein as they do their children. So, when it comes to technological advancements in the $63 billion pet market, investment in technology is inevitable," said Herbie Calves, Chief Marketing Officer of Link AKC. "The underlying theme of the "Do You Speak Dog?" panel focuses on this new type of bond between dogs and humans and how we can use technology to enhance it."

SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards
Link AKC's smart dog collar was selected as a finalist under the Wearables category for new products that revolutionize the convenience, comfort, functionality, efficiency, and fashion of having a device literally "on you" – or in Link AKC's case, on your dog. Of hundreds of applications submitted, Link AKC was one of 65 finalist spots given across 13 categories by a panel of judges comprised of industry peers and experts. Each entry was graded on four criteria: creativity, form, function and overall experience.

For more information about the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards, visit https://www.sxsw.com/awards/interactive-innovation-awards/.

For more information and to purchase the LINK AKC smart collar, visit linkakc.com. Dog lovers are also encouraged to join the Link AKC community on Facebook https://facebook.com/LinkAKC16 and to follow LINK AKC on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/linkakc/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/Link_AKC.

About Link AKC
Link AKC is a company dedicated to enhancing the bond between dogs and owners and to help make dog ownership easier. The Link AKC team is a group of dog lovers, tech experts and designers who have combined the best of design and technology to elevate dog wearables to a lifestyle product category that epitomizes the evolution of best in breed smart home, wearable and mobile technology. By tapping into The American Kennel Club's 132 years of devotion to our best friends, Link AKC is able to help owners better understand their dogs.

About SXSW Interactive
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2017 will take place March 10­-19, 2017.
SXSW 2017 is sponsored by Esurance, Mazda, Monster Energy, Bud Light, Capital One, McDonald's, The Austin Chronicle, and Sonicbids.

For additional information please contact:
CJ Huntzinger, Spark for Link AKC
link@sparkpr.com
646.291.6017

SOURCE Link AKC