Hawaii convention leaves AVMA $1.2-million shortfall

CHICAGO — The American Veterinary Medical Association is sweeping up a $1.2 million loss from last year's annual convention in Hawaii.

AVMA Treasurer Dr. Bret Marsh announced the deficit last month at the group's annual leadership conference in Chicago.

Because of the costly and remote location, many exhibitors and veterinarians steered clear of the Hawaii show, and travel expenses for speakers ran high, raising AVMA expenditures.

"We had budgeted for roughly 5,000 veterinarians to attend, and we got 4,100," Marsh says. "The high cost of hotels and food all compounded our expenses."

Still, overall attendance was never better, with roughly 10,000 registrants.

"We also had the highest attendee satisfaction levels we've ever had," Marsh says.

Coming out ahead

Marsh expects other revenue sources will make up for the financial loss in Hawaii.

AVMA expects strong registrant and exhibitor attendance at this year's convention in Washington D.C.

In addition, AVMA's investments have performed well. While final figures aren't in, Marsh says 2006 investment income topped $2 million, more than double what the association expected.

"Overall, the year is going to be quite good. Even with all the ups and downs, I'm not looking for a dues increase in the near future," he says.