AVDA 2009 Annual Conference: Thriving in Dynamic Times

AVDA will convene its 2009 annual conference in St. Petersburg, Fla., April 19-21 at the Renaissance Vinoy® Resort and Golf Club. AVDA has developed a dynamic program addressing the fiscal and business issues of its members.

Strengthening the relationships between animal health distributors and suppliers has been a consistent focus of the AVDA Annual Conference. The 2009 conference will continue to offer a host of networking opportunities and outstanding speaker presentations during the three-day event.

This year’s conference includes a strong lineup of contemporary speakers addressing a variety of business concerns. Alan Beaulieu from the Institute for Trend Research will return to deliver an Economic Update and explain how to “Thrive in These Dynamic Times.” Michael Staver from the Staver Group will engage AVDA members with truthful life and business lessons. Tim Evans from Vetnosis will speak on the Global Trends in Animal Health. A panel of veterinarians will address trends impacting practices, key issues veterinarians are struggling with, and recommendations for improvement. The panel will feature a speaker from National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) as well as livestock and equine veterinarians.

In 2008, the AVDA Lifetime Achievement Award was established. AVDA honored two lifetime award recipients at the 2008 annual conference: Dr. Bob Danielson of MWI Veterinary Supply and E. Thomas Corcoran of Fort Dodge Animal Health. AVDA will once again recognize an individual at the 2009 conference for his or her dedication to the animal health industry.

All affiliate and associate member companies are invited to contribute as a sponsor to the upcoming conference. The conference has become a unique industry event where animal health manufacturers and distributors learn together and build and renew relationships.

AVDA has had a strong response thus far from members pledging to support the conference, and the association is looking for more sponsors. There are six levels of sponsorship for the 2009 conference, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. These sponsorships assure the continued quality program that the AVDA Annual Conference is known to produce. All sponsors are recognized at the conference. Please contact AVDA Headquarters at (443) 640-1040 if interested in sponsoring.

The schedule for the 2009 conference has been restructured to allow for maximum networking opportunities. In addition to the Welcome Reception, Scramble Golf Tournament, Tennis Social, Culinary Tour and the Awards Banquet and Reception, speaker sessions will end early on Monday to allow for more informal networking. Once again, the Awards Banquet will feature a local dance band to entertain AVDA members, spouses and guests.

The Renaissance Vinoy® Resort and Golf Club is the showplace of St. Petersburg’s waterfront and is the only four diamond, luxury resort on Florida’s West Coast. The Vinoy® offers a private marina, 18-hole golf course, 12-court tennis complex and spa. The Vinoy® fitness center offers an extensive array of exercise machines and weights as well as Salsa dance lessons. The Vinoy® was meticulously restored in 1992 at the cost of $93 million. The resort is a superb example of 1920’s Mediterranean Revival architecture and has been recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Spacious guest rooms combine the elegance of the past with the amenities of the present, like high-speed Internet access, which is available in every guest room.