August 01, 2020

The AVMA announced in early June that the Association will be holding the first AVMA Virtual Convention in late August to offer inspiration, continuing education, and engaging conversation to attendees.

The Association canceled the in-person AVMA Convention 2020 and related in-person events, scheduled to be held July 27-Aug. 4 in San Diego, because the safety and welfare of all participants could not be reasonably assured as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The AVMA has held a convention every year since 1863 with only three exceptions—for World War II in 1945, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in 1914, and an error in the date on notices for the meeting in 1874.

On June 8, the AVMA sent an email message inviting all AVMA members to save the dates for the virtual convention, Aug. 20-22.

“AVMA Virtual Convention delivers AVMA’s world-class veterinary CE in an interactive learning and networking environment you won’t want to miss,” according to the invitation. “Choose from over 130 hours of CE courses, connect with colleagues, and network with employers and vendors—all from the safety and comfort of your own home. All sessions will be available on-demand, following AVMA Virtual Convention.”

Dr. Angela King-Herbert, chair of the AVMA Convention Education Program Committee, said the AVMA had to find the right virtual platform that would give attendees the full convention experience. She said, “Not only did we want to offer the excellent CE that is normally found at the AVMA Convention, we also wanted to have the exhibit hall, keynote address, alumni receptions and concert, and all of the other events usually found at the convention that makes it so fun.”

The virtual convention will run 2 1/2 days instead of the traditional 4 1/2 days that the AVMA offers when attendees come in person. 

Attendees of the virtual convention can earn up to 21 hours of CE credit while learning from experts in a wide array of online formats. The virtual convention will offer sessions on hot topics such as the COVID-19 pandemic and cannabis and in the usual tracks of companion animal medicine, food animal and equine medicine, practice management, professional development, public and corporate practice, and veterinary technology.

“We’re bringing the whole profession together to reconnect, learn, and enjoy each other while staying socially distant,” according to the invitation. “Network with colleagues, make new friends, and meet other passionate professionals. If you’re part of the veterinary community, you belong at AVMA Virtual Convention!”

Among the interactive events will be a daily keynote, the AVMA concert, the exhibit hall, alumni receptions, a trivia night for veterinary technicians, daily well-being activities, and sunrise and brunch learning.

Get details about the AVMA Virtual Convention.