Ross takes reins as convention, meeting director

New director brings over two decades of experience to AVMA
By Story and photo by Scott Nolen
Published on
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Deidre Ross is the new director of the AVMA’s Convention and Meeting Planning Division.

Deidre Ross

Ross comes to the AVMA with more than 20 years of experience organizing conferences, meetings, and trade shows. She was director of the Department of Meetings and Administration for the American Osteopathic Association in Chicago prior to joining the AVMA staff Sept. 8.

“Deidre’s addition as division head is exciting. We expect the already high quality of the AVMA Annual Convention will increase under her direction,” said Dr. Ron Banks, AVMA Convention Management and Program Committee chair.

“We are thrilled to have Deidre Ross join our team at the AVMA,” added Association CEO Ron DeHaven. “She brings a wealth of expertise and experience in association and hospitality management, and she will provide great leadership and direction to our Convention and Meeting Planning Division as she works with our highly talented staff to make our convention an even better experience for our members, their families, and our guests.”

The Convention and Meeting Planning Division is responsible for the planning, implementation, and execution of the AVMA Annual Convention, the Veterinary Leadership Conference, various AVMA symposia, and in-house meetings in the AVMA Conference Center. Division staff manage the logistics for the House of Delegates’ and Board of Directors’ business meetings and work with the Convention Management and Program Committee to plan the educational sessions and interactive labs at the AVMA convention.

Ross has a master’s in hospitality administration and is credentialed by both the Convention Industry Council and the American Society of Association Executives. She is the recipient of numerous hospitality industry recognitions, including being named the Professional Convention Management Association’s Distinguished Meeting Professional of 2012, one of Expo Magazine’s 22 Top Trade Show Managers in 2007, and one of Meeting News’ 25 Most Influential People in the Hospitality Industry in 2006.

Ross said she enjoys working for associations whose members provide a social good while helping improve the world. She’s honored to be selected as CMP Division director and looks forward to working with AVMA members and staff to deliver a “fantastic” 2015 convention in Boston.

“I am hoping to make the AVMA convention more dynamic and relevant to all members while increasing the attendance and net revenue,” Ross said. “I look forward to learning more about the veterinary profession, mentoring my staff, and enjoying being part of this wonderful organization.”