AVMA 2008 Convention Welcomes Journalists to the Reborn Big Easy SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) welcomes members of the media to its 145th Annual Convention in New Orleans July 19-22, 2008. Last year's record-breaking AVMA convention attracted over 10,000 attendees, including over 4,600 veterinarians and veterinary students and 1,500 exhibitioners. In 2008, the international draw of the Crescent City is expected break attendance records and to set a new standard for the convention.
The convention will host educational seminars, round-table discussions, and press conferences on hot topics in veterinary medicine, food safety, and public health, including: avian influenza; E. coli in meat; food recalls including pet food safety, melamine and imported food stuffs; the One Health Initiative; animal welfare; horse slaughter and double-deck horse trailers; surgical techniques and advancements; pet trends and health; and horse racing.
"There really has never been a better time to host a convention in New Orleans. The Crescent City has long been an attractive destination for visitors from around the world because of its unique, delicious culinary treats and live jazz, and people are enthusiastic about supporting the city and its culture and want to celebrate its rebirth.
"This is the perfect time to host a convention in New Orleans," said Dr. James Creed, chair of the Convention Management and Program Committee. "Over the past two years, hundreds of AVMA veterinarians have visited the city to help rebuild and donate veterinary care following Hurricane Katrina. We can return to the bustling French Quarter, lively piano bars, and world-renown Cajun restaurants with pride in the good work of those AVMA volunteers."
The AVMA, for the first time, is creating volunteerism opportunities during the convention for attendees who want to help in neighborhoods still in the recovery process. Dr. Creed said that he expects that these "voluntourism" programs will draw strong participation from veterinarians at the convention.
For more information about the AVMA and its animal welfare activities, please visit the AVMA at www.avma.org.
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The AVMA and its more than 75,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org for more information.
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