President’s column: Reach new heights at AVMA Convention

So let the good times roll
Let the good times roll
Don't care if you're young or old
Get together, let the good times roll
“Let the Good Times Roll”
~Performed by Louis Jordan
~Written by Fleecie Moore and Sam Theard
©Rytvoc, Inc. and Theard Swanson Publishing

The veterinary CE and entertainment event of the summer will be here before you know it! This year’s AVMA Convention will take place in Denver from July 14-18, and will feature more than 600 hours of CE, including hands-on labs and workshops, panel discussions, and lectures by the leading experts in veterinary medicine. 

Our keynote speaker, Mariana Atencio, will speak on “Reaching New Heights.” You can read her book, Perfectly You, an Amazon bestseller, or check out YouTube for her highly popular 2017 TEDx talk called “What Makes You Special?” Mariana’s media company, GoLike, has been named among the 100 most powerful Latina businesses in the U.S. 

The general session will feature Daymond John, founder/CEO of FUBU, star of ABC's Shark Tank, and CEO of The Shark Group, who will speak about his “5 Shark Points: Fundamentals for success in business and life.”

The convention also will include an exhibit hall featuring more than 300 exhibitors offering today's latest products and solutions to help us better care for our patients. Also housed in the exhibit hall will be the Digital District. There, you’ll be able to see a JAVMArt Jubilee that showcases the 181 pieces of art that have graced the covers of JAVMA over the years, along with interviews with some of the most impactful minds in our profession. 

Special events: Concerts, career events, and fun

Special events will include a Veterinary Career Mix & Mingle; technician appreciation event; young professionals event; the BEST veterinary party of the year, “Live Life, Love All”; and the always-popular AVMA concert. The AVMA also wants to help you stay healthy while on the road, so join in the annual 5K event, as well as some yoga, to stretch out those muscles as you get your workout in from attending all of the fun events and interesting lectures. 

Unique CE you can’t get anywhere else

One of the things I most appreciate about the AVMA Convention is some of the unique sessions offered here that aren’t available anywhere else.

The Convention planners know how hard it is when so many great sessions are scheduled at the same time. While they can’t help you be in two (or three or four) places at once, they will make some sessions available on demand shortly following the convention. 

One of the things I most appreciate about the AVMA Convention is some of the unique sessions offered here that aren’t available anywhere else. The Trending Topics sessions regularly cover some of the more complex or controversial topics in the profession; AVMA’s animal welfare sessions can’t be beat; and there are sessions available across all species that you cannot get at other national meetings.

Come join me and let the good times roll at the AVMA Convention in Denver this July! Register now at avma.org/Convention.