By Susan C. Kahler
Look to the exhibitors for information about advanced equipment, new technologies, and other medical and business products and services to help build a strong practice.
Here in Seattle, representatives of 225 companies welcome the opportunity to demonstrate and field questions about their advanced equipment, new technologies, and other medical and business products and services.
The professional and educational exhibits occupy two halls, 4E and 4A&B. This one-stop shopping approach is the most efficient means of researching innovations and networking with suppliers.
Visiting the exhibits also supports the industry partners who came—despite the challenging economy—to Seattle to serve and interact with their veterinary colleagues.
Teri Kado, executive director of the American Veterinary Exhibitors Association, said, "The AVMA exhibit hall has value! Face-to-face builds trust. Hands-on lets you evaluate the products. Show specials save you dollars. We can accomplish so much more in person versus phone, Web, or e-mail.
"You are the reason we are here. Please take time to visit the exhibit hall!"
Make the most of your exhibit hall visits by creating a personalized "expo plan" at the VIN Internet Cafe, booth 2419 in Hall E. Log on to http://avmaconvention.org and click on "Exhibitor" and then "My Briefcase."
Multiple excursions are in order, given the split hall, extended lunch time, and complimentary beverage breaks.
Lunch time for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday has been doubled this year and will run from 11:50 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., freeing up more time to explore the exhibits.
Free coffee, tea, and soft drinks are available thanks to Elanco Companion Animal Health from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday through Tuesday in Food Court 2 at the back of Hall 4E, and from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday through Monday in Food Court 1 at the back of Hall 4A&B.
Educational sessions will be held in rooms all around the exhibit halls, so it's easy to drop in between sessions as well.
Treat yourself to a free shoulder and neck massage at Merial's Massage Station and Reward Zone, booth 2225 in Hall E.
Nonprofit organizations such as veterinary associations and government groups will staff educational booths in Hall E. Dr. James H. Steele will greet well-wishers and sign copies of his new biography for attendees who purchase them—at a special AVMA convention price—at the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine booth 2430.
In the book, "One Man, One Medicine, One Health—The James H. Steele Story," Dr. Craig N. Carter tells the story of the veterinarian many call the father of veterinary public health, a pioneer in the one-health movement.
Dr. Steele will be on hand Saturday through Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. All book proceeds will benefit the Steele Endowed Lecture Series and the James H. Steele Professorship of Epidemiology at the University of Texas School of Public Health.
On the bridge connecting the exhibit halls, you will find exhibits for the AVMA Member Services Booth, Veterinary Career Center, AVMA Congressional Advocacy Network (AVMA-CAN), and Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams.
Exhibit hall hours are Saturday through Monday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
