CVC expects record crowd

KANSAS CITY — More than 7,000 veterinary professionals are expected to absorb more than 500 hours of continuing education during the 2005 Central Veterinary Conference (CVC) Aug. 27-30.

The expected 2,300 practicing veterinarians will have the opportunity to attend 49 hours of CE, including several new wet labs that will explore radiosurgery, clinical techniques, canine behavior training, animal cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation, fecal analysis and dermatologic tests. A practice management lab about enhancing employee development and management also makes its debut this year.

Technicians can attend up to 27 hours worth of CE.

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"The Central Veterinary Conference offers the best opportunity for professional development and training and personal growth in the veterinary industry," says Peggy Shandy Lane, director of conventions, meetings and events for Advanstar Veterinary Healthcare Communications, which owns and produces CVC and DVM Newsmagazine. "It provides educational options for every member of the team — veterinarians, technicians, practice managers, receptionists, spouses, among others. Each can personalize his or her CVC experience simply by selecting his or her preferred mode of learning — hands-on training, lecture, one-on-one consultations and group discussions. Attendees can learn from the foremost experts in the profession and gain practical information they can immediately apply in practice."

The four days of continuing education will accompany a three-day trade show that will welcome about 300 companies and more than 420 exhibits to round out one of the industry's largest events.

"The learning experience doesn't stop in the meeting room. The CVC exhibit hall provides three days of unlimited access to more than 300 companies in one of the industry's largest national trade shows," Shandy Lane says. "Attendees can see, touch and test new products that can expand their financial successes."

Veterinary Economics will host its annual panel discussion on the state of the industry Monday evening, and the magazine also celebrates the 30th year of the Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Conference.

After hours

Guests will have plenty of opportunity to unwind and network, too. Country musician John Michael Montgomery will perform Aug. 28, and area tours and attractions include trips to see the Kansas City Royals, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Woodlands Greyhound Racetrack, Kansas City Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer's private tour, as well as other professional gatherings.

"Attendees can meet colleagues at alumni receptions, at the Sunday concert, and during breaks, lunches, and receptions," Shandy Lane says. "They can choose from a dozen entertaining tours designed to showcase Kansas City or plan their own entertainment from numerous local attractions."