The AVMA Annual Convention doesn't come together overnight. It takes years of planning, loads of elbow grease, and the generous support of leaders in the veterinary industry to make the Association's national meeting possible.
Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., Merial Ltd., Bayer Animal Health, and Fort Dodge Animal Health are recognized as Gold Level sponsors of this year's convention, meaning each company contributed at the highest level.
Dr. Mary Beth Leininger, director of professional affairs at Hill's, said the company supports the AVMA convention because Hill's believes it has a responsibility to help provide the highest level opportunities for continuing education to the entire veterinary health-care team.
The veterinary profession, Dr. Leininger said, is embedded deep within the company's heritage and is part of its DNA.
"Hill's will always support the AVMA convention because this is where our profession comes together to make a difference for the animals of the world, the people who love them, and medicine that crosses all species," Dr. Leininger said.
The Hill's Opening Session on Saturday, with featured speaker Cokie Roberts, was just one of the ways the company supported the AVMA convention.
Merial considers it a "privilege" to be a partner with the veterinary community, which includes the AVMA and its annual convention, said Vangie Williams, director of customer marketing for Merial.
One of the best ways to provide veterinarians with the products and solutions they need to practice the best medicine and be successful is for Merial to contribute at the highest levels to those opportunities that put veterinarians at the center of animal health, according to Williams.
"We feel that the AVMA convention is one of those venues that focuses on the veterinarian and strengthening the veterinary profession," she said.
Merial sponsored the 2nd Annual Merial Concert Series featuring Lifehouse.
Bob Walker, communications director at Bayer Animal Health, said the AVMA convention is an opportunity for Bayer to reinforce its commitment to the veterinary profession and express its appreciation to the veterinarians who support the company.
"As an industry leader, is it important for Bayer to have visibility and access to attendees to share information about our products and programs," Walker explained. "This year, we are partnering with the AVMA and the Banfield Charitable Trust to bring the FutureVet Camp to the convention to help stimulate children's interest in veterinary medicine and the profession."
Sunday's Bayer Bayou Bash was one more way for the company to thank the profession for its continued support, he added.
The AVMA convention is an excellent opportunity to gather feedback about Fort Dodge Animal Health's products and services as well as a chance to learn how the company can help customers meet day-to-day challenges, explained Steve Hoffman, director of marketing for companion animal products at Fort Dodge.
Fort Dodge has a long-standing commitment to the AVMA, the profession, and the industry as a whole, Hoffman added.
"A core element of our commitment," he said, "is a dedication to providing educational opportunities to veterinary professionals, which is also a focus for the AVMA."
Fort Dodge is the sponsor of the Fort Dodge Final Fling on Tuesday, featuring comedian Rocky LaPorte.
