Fun, excitement, and opportunities. That’s how Dr. Laurel Kaddatz described his year as NAVC President.

“We are really focusing on organizational structure and strategic positioning to help us go to the next level,” he said.

NAVC is off to a great start. Of the nearly 16,000 people that attended the conference, more than 6,000 were veterinarians, more than ever before. More than 1,400 veterinary technicians were also in attendance.

Veterinarian Attendance Reaches All-Time High at NAVC Conference 2012

Nearly 4,000 exhibitors also participated.

NAVC made major changes to prepare for the 2012 conference. The primary change: a more environmentally-friendly focus.

“We increased recycle bins and eliminated plastic inserts from name badges, among other things,” he commented.

NAVC also added its NAVC RealDeals coupon book, an alternative to the traditional bag inserts, to cut down on paper. “We had 10 pounds of paper in 2010 from those bag inserts,” Dr. Kaddatz added.

NAVC also added digital support services too. Starting this year, attendees can download digital proceedings from the conference.

NAVC also created its own mobile app for the conference. The app, available on the iPhone, Android and Blackberry phones, allowed attendees to search sessions, view interactive maps, and build personalized schedules.

“We wanted to give something back to registrants,” Kaddatz said.

Sessions were also updated to provide attendees a better opportunity to learn. “We wanted to keep quick 15 minute sessions, but we also added 75 minute sessions that allow for more in depth, hands-on learning,” Dr. Kaddatz explained.

In the future, Dr. Kaddatz said NAVC plans to focus on expanding its international influence. According to Dr. Kaddatz, there were more than 1,000 international attendees from more than 70 countries at the NAVC Conference 2012.

Still, the focus of the NAVC remains the same: trying to provide as many educational opportunities as possible.

“Education is our mission,” Dr. Kaddatz said.

Asked what his biggest accomplishment as NAVC president was, Dr. Kaddatz immediately credited the NAVC staff and Board of Directors.

“It’s not about me,” he quickly responded. “It’s about our team and what the team has accomplished.”

Dr. Gatz Riddell now takes over as NAVC President. Dr. Kaddatz will remain on the NAVC Board of Directors.