Pre Con

NAVC Conference 2016

Each year, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) hosts the largest veterinary conference in the world.

pre conJan. 16–20, 2016
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center / Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center
Orlando

OVERVIEW  Around 16,000 veterinarians and veterinary technicians, clinic support staff, students, and exhibitors will gather in Orlando early next year to collaborate with peers and brush up on the latest advances in the field.


CHALLENGESBecause veterinary science is a hands-on profession and demonstrations often involve both live animals and cadavers, NAVC must follow strict standards set forth by its own Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which regulates animal research as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Our No. 1 goal is the safety and humane treatment of all animals, from procurement to the end of a lab,” Meghan R. Golden, NAVC’s vice president of marketing and international relations, told Convene. “We want to train the practitioners, but do no harm. We make sure a veterinary technician is with each animal, even staying with them until they awake from anesthesia in an ultrasound lab, for instance.”

INITIATIVESThis year, NAVC had five-minute, TED-style presentations. Next year’s agenda will feature an extended session made up entirely of them. NAVC is also experimenting with the use of new technologies to streamline the attendee experience. “Our exhibit hall will have an interactive new product gallery where people interested in more information on a product or service can scan a QR code to get immediate information,” Golden said, “or tap their name badge to be sent information directly from a company representative.”

Kate Mulcrone

Kate Mulcrone is digital editor of Convene.