OUR 26TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & TRADESHOW WAS NOVEMBER 5, 6, 7 Deliberately building balance through education, communication and inspiration.
As in previous years, the Friday night Wine and Cheese Reception was a big hit!! Each attendee received a registration package with a journal that included business card holders and a DVD from the VTH. Thank you to the SIAST students who assisted in the registration process.
Congratulations to our members who graduated 25 years ago!
Their strong and wonderful vivacity lends to the message of this year's conference theme. Follow their lead!
Top: left to right Carolyn Cartwright, Helen Johannesen,
Jodi Walchuk, Joanne Parnetta, Johanna Boyd.
Right: Sandy Hass (26 years)
Our platinum sponsors for the weekend were Intervet, Medical Royal Canin, Abbott Animal Health, and the U of S Veterinary Teaching Hospital. A big thank you goes out to all our sponsors, and the companies and non-profit organizations that had trade show booths. Many attendees were impressed with the new product lines, equipment options, and give aways. It was fun evening to meet up with old friends and liaise with industry partners.
The Saturday speakers, banquet and entertainment were all well received. This year the conference committee wanted to balance scientific talks with those for personal development. Jayne Takahashi gave an inspiring keynote speech to start off the day, and with most of us missing the “dancing gorilla”, it really gives us something to think about. For those of you who want to explore or review the wide variety of interesting Saturday topics, proceedings are available on-line.
With new décor, multi-functional rooms, and an all day meal plan, the Radisson Hotel was an excellent venue choice this year. Utilizing the entire banquet room, including the dance floor, our Saturday banquet and awards night was definitely original. A big congratulations to all the evening’s awards winners. Scrumptious food and amazing entertainment got people up dancing and toe tapping their way through the evening. Have you signed up for those ballroom lessons yet??
Techs who atended the bat reported they were really pleased they selected a lab a little outside of the box.
The weekend came to a close with Sunday wet labs at the WCVM. With many great lab choices, techs enjoyed stepping out of their comfort zone, upgrading their technical skills, and trying something new. From bats, to poultry, to “kitty kitty” dissection, there were some really intriguing Sunday topics. Unfortunately as in past years, there was some disappointment for the organizers and lab facilitators when a large number of people chose not to show up for their scheduled labs. With many conference registrants mentioning they didn’t get their first lab choice, and with conference fees funding the labs, these spots are coveted. To continue with high caliber labs, the SAVT board and conference committee will be reviewing the format, fee structure, and attendance requirements for future Sunday wet labs. All in all, those who did attend were inspired and gained significant knowledge in their chosen topics.
Thank you to all who attended the 26th Annual SAVT Conference. It was a huge success due to the support from our sponsors, the SAVT board, the SAVT office staff, and the conference committee. We encourage you to reflect on what you experienced during the weekend, and to find a way to build balance in your life both personally and professionally!
We look forward to seeing you at next year’s conference!!
2010 Conference Co-chairs Erin de Coninck Smith (right)
Kenzie Makowsky (left) and