NAVC Conference 2011: Now That's the Way to Learn

GAINESVILLE--If you want some encouraging signs of present day and what's to come, the NAVC Conference 2011, January 15-19, is a great indicator. By all accounts, this year's conference surpassed expectations and indicates the continuing thirst for knowledge and expertise among veterinary practitioners around the world and their determination to grow professionally. At a time when coffers are closely monitored, paid attendance at the NAVC Conference 2011 hit a 3-year high, with a 1.5% increase over that of 2010. (Final attendance numbers are included below.) What's more, attendees hailed from 71 countries including some that might be surprising.
 
"Our colleagues in eastern Europe have discovered NAVC and are embracing what it has to offer," Executive Director Colin F. Burrows, BVetMed, PhD, HonFRCVS, DACVIM comments. "We had 10 registrants from Bulgaria and 15 from Russia. Like their counterparts in the U.S. and other western countries, they have been particularly attracted by the wealth of Hands-on Laboratories. 'That's the way to learn,' seems to be the resounding assessment. According to Doug Mader, MS, DVM, DABVP, the outgoing NAVC President, " People are already registering for next year’s conference because they want to be first in line for the Hands-on Laboratories.”
 
On the topical front, participants gave especially high marks to the behavior programming, which was slated every day, and technicians were forthcoming with positive comments about the meeting-within-a meeting for them. High traffic through the exhibit halls reflected their popularity with attendees and made exhibitors very busy. Over 50 new exhibitors had their products and services on display and everyone wanted a shot at winning the new Nissan Cube, which was the proud possession at conference end of Cesar Tello of New York.

At its board meeting on Wednesday January 19, the new appointment of Laurel Kaddatz, DVM, as incoming President was announced. A private practitioner and co-owner of the Pound Ridge Veterinary Center in upper Westchester County, New York, Dr. Kaddatz is committed to providing what the private practitioner needs and wants: "The last three presidents of NAVC have been private practitioners, and that is reflected in the programming and atmosphere. My goal is to continue to view the conference through the eyes of my private practice colleagues and to respond to their needs and requests. " Among the other appointments to the board, Veterinary Technician Lynne Johnson has assumed the role of First Vice President, presaging her role as President in 2013. "NAVC is committed to diversity," states Dr. Burrows. "We were the first veterinary conference to appoint a woman as its president and will be the first major veterinary conference to elevate a technician to that role."
 
Outgoing President Dr. Doug Mader observes that "there was a whole new atmosphere at the Conference this year. The NAVC organization underwent several major changes last year and they were reflected in the positive energy and excitement experienced by all."

For information about attendance at or details about NAVC Conference 2011, including photos, or about coming events on the NAVC calendar, contact Meghan Costigan, mcostigan@NAVC.com.
 
Final attendance numbers are included below: 
Veterinarians  5,514
Technicians  1,365 
Practice Managers/Receptionists  620
Students  754
Family/Guests (staff)  2,049 
Exhibitors  3,445 
Non-DVM  121
Press/Public Relations  158
NAVC Conference 2011 Attendance TOTAL: 14,026