AVMA Annual Convention News - July 19, 2008

Welcome to New Orleans

AVMA MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM CE SESSIONS,
ENTERTAINMENT—WHILE BOOSTING LOCAL ECONOMY

By Allison Rezendes

Those who have traveled to the 145th AVMA Annual Convention are helping New Orleans recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Just by visiting the Crescent City, attendees are providing economic relief as well as sending a message to the rest of the country that New Orleans is back.

But reveling in the city's unique culture won't be the only perk of attending the AVMA convention. More than 1,200 continuing education sessions and a mix of high-caliber entertainment will be on hand Saturday through Tuesday.

The AVMA convention kicks off this morning with the Hill's Opening Session, held at the La Nouvelle Ballroom of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Keynote speaker and New Orleans native, Cokie Roberts, will talk about lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina as well as her book "Ladies of Liberty," released in April.

Chock-full of a variety of topics, the continuing education program was condensed this year for the first time into four full days. Also, on the basis of attendee input, the program now offers eight 50-minute time blocks, as opposed to the four 90-minute time blocks used in previous years. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians can choose from 16 interactive labs.

Those looking to continue their learning experience outside the classroom can visit the exhibit hall, where approximately 300 exhibitors will feature the latest products and services available to the veterinary profession.

After a day of learning, convention-goers can kick back and enjoy a wide-ranging mix of entertainment.

This evening, the musical group Lifehouse will perform at the convention center as part of the second annual Merial Concert Series. The concert will once again benefit the Paws to Save Pets program, a disaster preparedness campaign supporting the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and the Petfinder.com Foundation.

The Bayer Bayou Bash will take place on Sunday and will feature a Mardi Gras parade, jesters, jugglers, and artists. Taking the place of the AVMA Family Night held in previous years, the hour-and-a-half reception lets out early so attendees have a chance to explore the city's dining and nightlife.

Alumni receptions will take place Monday evening at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. On Tuesday, Rocky LaPorte, a popular comedy club headliner, will make attendees laugh during the Fort Dodge Final Fling.

In addition, there are numerous tours to choose from now through Tuesday. Options include a bayou cruise, a walk through the famous French Quarter, and a cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians looking to hone their professional skills as well as enjoy the overall flavor of New Orleans will be glad they attended convention, said Dr. James Creed, chair of the AVMA Convention Management and Program Committee.

"It is anticipated that the continuing education program, special events, opportunities to hobnob with peers and friends, and consuming some of the finest cuisine in the world will cause registrants to consider this convention to be one of AVMA's best," he said.

For more details about the convention or New Orleans, or to make dining reservations, visit the New Orleans Information Streetcar at Registration.

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	145th AVMA Annual Convention Daily News—Saturday, July 19, 2008 New Orleans, LA Convention News > News headlines > 145th AVMA Annual Convention in New Orleans Welcome to New Orleans AVMA MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM CE SESSIONS, ENTERTAINMENT—WHILE BOOSTING LOCAL ECONOMY By Allison Rezendes Those who have traveled to the 145th AVMA Annual Convention are helping New Orleans recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Just by visiting the Crescent City, attendees are providing economic relief as well as sending a message to the rest of the country that New Orleans is back. But reveling in the city's unique culture won't be the only perk of attending the AVMA convention. More than 1,200 continuing education sessions and a mix of high-caliber entertainment will be on hand Saturday through Tuesday. The AVMA convention kicks off this morning with the Hill's Opening Session, held at the La Nouvelle Ballroom of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Keynote speaker and New Orleans native, Cokie Roberts, will talk about lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina as well as her book "Ladies of Liberty," released in April. Chock-full of a variety of topics, the continuing education program was condensed this year for the first time into four full days. Also, on the basis of attendee input, the program now offers eight 50-minute time blocks, as opposed to the four 90-minute time blocks used in previous years. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians can choose from 16 interactive labs. Those looking to continue their learning experience outside the classroom can visit the exhibit hall, where approximately 300 exhibitors will feature the latest products and services available to the veterinary profession. After a day of learning, convention-goers can kick back and enjoy a wide-ranging mix of entertainment. This evening, the musical group Lifehouse will perform at the convention center as part of the second annual Merial Concert Series. The concert will once again benefit the Paws to Save Pets program, a disaster preparedness campaign supporting the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and the Petfinder.com Foundation. The Bayer Bayou Bash will take place on Sunday and will feature a Mardi Gras parade, jesters, jugglers, and artists. Taking the place of the AVMA Family Night held in previous years, the hour-and-a-half reception lets out early so attendees have a chance to explore the city's dining and nightlife. Alumni receptions will take place Monday evening at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. On Tuesday, Rocky LaPorte, a popular comedy club headliner, will make attendees laugh during the Fort Dodge Final Fling. In addition, there are numerous tours to choose from now through Tuesday. Options include a bayou cruise, a walk through the famous French Quarter, and a cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Veterinarians and veterinary technicians looking to hone their professional skills as well as enjoy the overall flavor of New Orleans will be glad they attended convention, said Dr. James Creed, chair of the AVMA Convention Management and Program Committee. "It is anticipated that the continuing education program, special events, opportunities to hobnob with peers and friends, and consuming some of the finest cuisine in the world will cause registrants to consider this convention to be one of AVMA's best," he said. For more details about the convention or New Orleans, or to make dining reservations, visit the New Orleans Information Streetcar at Registration. Return to previous page