Joint ADI + IWDA BCL Workshop
Join ADI, IWDA, and Guide Dogs Queensland at the 2026 BCL Workshop in Australia! This event is a full three days of learning, including learning tracks to focus on advanced Handling or Scoring skills based on your needs. And, let’s not forget, there will also be plenty of networking opportunities!
Registration
Registration cost includes lunches and teas Monday-Wednesday and Monday evening networking social. Bus transportation to and from selected hotels is also included (hotel details below). Register here!
- EARLY BIRD $325.00 USD / $455.00 AUD — ends August 7th
- Standard Admission $375.00 USD / $525.00 AUD — August 8th – September 11th
- Day Passes $150.00 USD / $210.00 AUD — Limited Day Passes are available.
Workshop Locations
Workshop sessions will be held at the Lighthouse church which is across the road from Guide Dogs Queensland. The only sessions which will include crossing the road to Guide Dogs Queensland will be for those participating in tours of GDQ during the Monday evening networking social & GDQ tours.
1910 Gympie Rd, Bridgeman Downs QLD 4035, Australia
1978 Gympie Rd, Bald Hills QLD 4036, Australia
Hotels
The 2026 BCL Workshop has arrangements with select Quest hotels. Rooms are first come, first serve and likely to sell out fast. We recommend you book your accommodations right away. Select from a variety of room options, supporting single or multiple occupancy.
Participants can access a 20% discount on the online rate using the promo code: ADI2026. This code can be entered during the booking process in the designated promo/corporate code field (see image below). Room rate includes complimentary Grab & Go continental breakfast, secure undercover parking, daily housekeeping services (excluding Sundays & holidays), and unlimited WIFI.
Note: the hotels are not adjacent to the workshop event locations of Lighthouse Church and Guide Dogs Queensland. Bus transportation will be contracted for scheduled one-time morning pick-up and one-time afternoon drop-off between the select Quest hotels in Chermside and the event venue Lighthouse Church. The bus ride will be approximately 15-20 minutes. To ensure we book the correct amount of seats, please indicate on your registration if you will be using provided bus transportation or arranging your own transportation.
9 Thomas St, Chermside QLD 4032, Australia
38 Playfield St, Chermside QLD 4032, Australia
Travel Information
The best airport to arrive at will the Brisbane Airport (domestic and international are close together). If you wish to take public transport, you can take the Airtrain and a connecting bus to Chermside. You can plan your trip based on arrival times using the local public transport website or app: Plan your journey | Translink
Alternatively, most major rideshare and taxi services are also available in Brisbane – Black & White Cabs, 13CABS, Silver Service, Uber, Didi, and Shebah.
For those needing a travel visa, here is the link to the Electronic Travel Authority for Australia.
Program Details
Sessions Schedule Link
Choosing Your Workshop Track
This workshop is designed to meet you where you are—whether you are new to the Behavior Checklist (BCL) or looking to refine advanced scoring and handling skills.
Day 1 is a shared foundation for all participants. You will learn the purpose of the BCL, standardized definitions, and how to score consistently and accurately. By the end of the day, everyone will have hands-on practice and a common baseline.
Day 2, during registration you must select the track that best fits your experience level:
Track A — Beginners (Skills Development)
Best for participants who are newer to the BCL or want to strengthen their fundamentals.
Choose this track if you:
- Are still building confidence with scoring and data entry
- Want guided practice with observation and handling basics
- Benefit from step-by-step coaching and troubleshooting
- Prefer a slower pace with foundational reinforcement
Track B — Advanced Scorers & Handlers
Designed for experienced users ready to deepen their expertise.
Choose this track if you:
- Are already comfortable completing full BCL score sheets
- Want to refine nuanced scoring decisions and interpretation
- Are interested in advanced handling analysis and error correction
- Are applying BCL data in training or program-level decisions
Day 3, during registration you must select between two applied learning tracks based on your role or interests:
- Breeder Evaluations & Midway Scoring (focused on evaluations and assessment timing)
- Puppy Development Walk & Talk (focused on early development and observational scoring)
The workshop concludes with a group session on data implementation and organizational use, ensuring you leave not just with skills, but with a plan to apply them.
If you’re unsure which track to choose, a simple rule: If you’re still learning how to score, start with Beginner. If you’re confident about scoring and want to go deeper, choose Advanced.
Due to the specialized nature of these tracks, you will not be able to change tracks after registration closes. Please ensure you sign up for the appropriate track for you.
About the Presenters
Rachel Goldammer is a seasoned consultant with Canine Genetic Specialists, bringing over two decades of experience in the canine care industry. She specializes in canine reproduction, whelping, neonatal care, puppy socialization, development, and strategic program planning. In addition to her consulting work, Rachel collaborates with the International Working Dog Association and the International Working Dog Registry, where she develops and delivers educational resources to advance best practices in these critical areas.
A Behavior Checklist–certified professional, Rachel is widely recognized as a gold-standard educator with a passion for knowledge-sharing and mentorship. A commitment to building sustainable drives her work, purpose-bred dog colonies that support working dog programs and improve long-term outcomes.
Rachel holds a degree in Animal Science from Truman State University, with an emphasis in animal reproduction. She began her career with Nestlé Purina and has since held influential roles with organizations including Dog Inc, Guide Dogs of America, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and Freedom Service Dogs.
Based in Florida, USA, Rachel lives with her husband, two corgis, and two rescue cats.
Dana Hunter is the International Breeding Cooperative (IBC) Facilitator for Assistance Dogs International (ADI), overseeing a collaborative breeding colony representing 75 ADI member organizations. In this role, she guides breeding strategy and selection to optimize health, welfare, and working success while expanding access to consistent, high-quality puppy supply.
After spending 12 years as a zookeeper at some of the United States’ leading zoos Dana transitioned to the assistance and guide dogs sector. Prior to becoming ADI’s IBC Facilitator, Dana managed a breeding colony for a North American guide dog organization. Dana holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, is BCL Certified through IAABC at the Teaching Level, and is a canine nosework instructor who actively competes with her two Labrador retrievers, June Bug and Aussie.