AVDA 2009 Conference Thriving in Dynamic Times

AVDA’s 2009 Annual Conference, held April 19 - 21, at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla., proved a tremendous success. This year’s theme was “Thriving in Dynamic Times,” and the programming and networking opportunities delivered insight to attendees to help them learn how to thrive in these dynamic times. Attendance remained strong for the conference, with 182 attendees from 18 distributor member companies and 37 supplier member companies. Sponsorship for this year’s conference broke all previous records with $119,000 in total sponsorship.

The conference began with one of AVDA’s most highly rated speakers, Alan Beaulieu, an economist with the Institute for Trend Research. Beaulieu returned to the conference for the fourth consecutive year to update attendees on short-term and long-term economic forecasts and their impact on the animal health industry. Michael Staver from the Staver Group engaged AVDA members with truthful life and business lessons that members could immediately implement. Tim Evans from Vetnosis spoke on the Global Trends in Animal Health. A panel of veterinarians addressed trends in specific veterinary practices including companion animal, livestock and equine. Karen Felsted from the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI), Dr. David Gnad, a livestock veterinarian, and Dr. William Rood, an equine veterinarian, were featured panelists.

Outstanding networking opportunities like the Annual Scramble Golf Tournament, Welcome Reception, AVDA Culinary Institute and Awards Banquet & Reception allowed distributors and manufacturers to talk one on one about their business challenges and growth ideas. One afternoon schedule was left open to allow for additional business appointments and unstructured networking. Most attendees were pleased with not only the high number of registrants but also the variety of companies represented.

The conference concluded with an awards presentation and dinner dance. AVDA was proud to present two Lifetime Achievement Awards to Fintan Molloy of TEVA Animal Health and John A. Webster, Jr., of Webster Veterinary Supply. Molloy and his wife Janice were present for the awards presentation. Webster was unable to attend due to an illness in the family, and George Henriques of Webster Veterinary accepted the award on his behalf.