This year’s conference theme centers on the human–animal bond, exploring the profound connection between pets and their people—and the responsibilities that come with loving and caring for animals in times of vulnerability. Klee will open the conference with a deeply personal keynote that sets the emotional and ethical foundation for discussions around access to care, compassion, and the role the pet insurance industry plays in supporting pet parents when care is complex, costly, or uncertain.

Klee is widely known for her work fostering more than 30 dogs, many of whom faced significant medical and behavioral challenges. Her journey caring for animals with complex health needs—including her own dog, Simon, who lives with lifelong epilepsy, and foster dog Zero, whom she adopted to ensure love and family in his final days—has shaped her storytelling and advocacy. Through her platform Simon Sits, Klee shares stories of healing, trust, and transformation that highlight what care makes possible when pets are given a chance. Her work turns abstract concepts like coverage, affordability, and access into deeply human moments—showing how veterinary care decisions affect families emotionally, financially, and ethically. These stories have resonated widely across social media, traditional media, and animal welfare communities, inspiring millions to rethink what it means to truly show up for a pet.

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) presents Elias Weiss Friedman, the acclaimed photographer, New York Times bestselling author, and creator of The Dogist, as this year’s closing keynote speaker at NAPHIA Engage 2026. Continuing this year’s conference theme of the human–animal bond, Friedman will close the conference with reflections drawn from over a decade of documenting dogs and their stories around the world, offering a powerful, people first perspective on why pets matter so profoundly in our lives.

Friedman launched The Dogist in 2013 as a playful take on streetstyle photography. It has since evolved into a global storytelling platform and brand, sharing real, moving stories about dogs and the people who love them. Over the past 11 years, he has photographed more than 50,000 dogs, building a community of tens of millions who turn to The Dogist for connection, comfort, and optimism.

His work has been featured in The New York Times, New Yorker, Vogue, People, Wall Street Journal, Time, and The Washington Post, as well as on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, The View, and both CBS Saturday and CBS News Sunday Morning. He’s also collaborated with a variety of brands, including Airbnb, Tesla, Four Seasons, Petco, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, to bring their creative visions to life through strategic partnerships and empowering brand campaigns. Outside of his work photographing dogs, he is also an advocate for them, working with incredible philanthropic organizations such as Puppies Behind Bars, National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society, the ASPCA, Guide Dog Foundation, Canine Companions for Independence, and many more. He’s also recently relaunched The Dogist Fund as a tax-deductible nonprofit organization in partnership with GoFundMe, dedicated to improving the lives of dogs everywhere and committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of dogs in need and humans in need of dogs.