August 15, 2020
Convention events bring people together from the comfort of home
Attendees might not be traveling to get to the AVMA Virtual Convention 2020, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get up and move. In addition to the continuing education being offered, several special events will take place to engage and appeal to everyone.
For example, the virtual Power Up 5K can be completed anytime from Aug. 16-23. Registration is available at the AVMA Meeting Registration Center, and some of the proceeds will go toward the American Veterinary Medical Foundation’s COVID-19 Disaster Relief Grant Program for affected veterinary technicians and other veterinary staff members. Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a finisher’s medal, which are included in the cost of race registration. Participants should track their run with the RaceJoy app so they will be eligible for awards and a few extra surprises.
Other special events include the following. All times are in Eastern Daylight Time.
Wednesday, Aug. 19
Live Life, Love All: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The AVMA’s premiere diversity and inclusion event features the first-ever Lip-Sync Competition. Other entertainment provided will include a DJ, YouTube sensation and recording artist Lawrence Young, and a mixologist. Emceeing the night will be Dr. Tierra Price, founder of the BlackDVM Network. The event is sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition with support from several diversity groups.
Thursday, Aug. 20
Beach Brain Mindfulness Session: 10-10:50 a.m.
Heidi Hanna, PhD, is a founding partner of the Academy for Brain Health and Performance and a fellow and advisory board member for the American Institute of Stress. She will cover the science behind the beach and how it calms the nervous system. She will also guide participants through a multisensory meditation with beach sounds.
Keynote with Patrice Washington: 11-11:50 a.m.
Washington, founder and CEO of Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth, will present a soul-searching session empowering attendees to embrace well-being and wealth building by leaning into the areas of life that matter most. Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Alumni receptions and happy hours: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Several veterinary colleges will be hosting events to give attendees a chance to reconnect with former classmates and make new friends with recent graduates.
Veterinary technician trivia night: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Veterinary technicians and veterinary technology students are invited to this event to honor their dedication to the profession. Team up with fellow attendees, and work together to win the trivia crown.
Friday, Aug. 21
Sunrise Power Flow Yoga: 10-10:50 a.m.
Start the day strong with yoga instructor Stephanie Jones and her high-energy positive yoga flow (weights optional). This class incorporates yoga with bursts of cardio to ensure participants sweat and smile at the start of their day.
Keynote with Karamo Brown: 11-11:50 a.m.
Washington will interview Brown during his session, “Know Thyself: Using Your Uniqueness to Create Success.” Brown is a social worker, reality television host, and culture expert on the Netflix reboot of “Queer Eye.” Sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Concert: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Watch the band 76 Degrees West defend its title of AVMA Top Dog in the second AVMA Battle of the Bands. Don’t miss this epic battle against The RiverTown Band and The Royals. Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Saturday, Aug. 22
Say No to Stress Session: 10-10:50 a.m.
This session will combine breathing, light yoga and seated stretching, guided meditations, and instruments to calm the mind and start the day with a strong mind-body connection.
Closing session: 11-11:50 a.m.
Adam Grant, PhD, a professor of management and psychology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, will field questions from Matthew J. Salois, PhD, director of the AVMA Veterinary Economics Division. They will explore how to build resilience in our teams and ourselves. Sponsored by CareCredit.