A look at the first Fetch dvm360 conference in San Diego

The first Fetch dvm360 conference kicked off in San Diego on Dec. 7, 2017, adding new touches to what was formerly known as the CVC. This brand change is about more than just changing the name and look of the conference, organizers say: The aim of Fetch dvm360 is to create a 360-degree conference experience that veterinary professionals can use to improve their life and practice throughout the year.

Here's a look into some of the new stuff the team brought to San Diego that attendees can look forward to seeing in 2018:

Showing off the new logo and brand.

A whole new look

Updated colors and signs reflect Fetch dvm360 conference's aim to be friendly and approachable. While those in San Diego might have noticed signs were a little light on the ground, the aim was to avoid overwhelming attendees with too much information while still getting the feel across. After all, anyone smart enough to get an advanced degree doesn't need a sign reminding them to wear their badges at all times.

(Another goal of this approach: remind everyone it's OK to have some fun, even when getting down to the serious business of CE.)

Here's a peek at the inside of the notebook and one of the coloring pages provided to blow off steam.

A new final program

The attendee notebook in San Diego was a major departure from the standard veterinary conference program. Yes, there was practical information for attendees, but plenty of space was devoted for other uses too: namely, to take notes from sessions either as normal or in a doodly format. The book's creators wanted the final program to be more of a keepsake than a reference guide. Who says something can't look great and be functional?

You. Can. Do. This!

At Fetch dvm360 conference, we're the support system you need. With every conference this year, we intend to nurture your mind (meaning quality CE for days) while also encouraging you to take stock of your physical and emotional health. Register now.

The pillars of Fetch dvm360

Fetch dvm360 conference is centered around four central pillars-organizers want the event to nurture, inspire, connect and equip attendees in all areas of their life as veterinary professionals. As a result, attendees in San Diego could:

• Take advantage of yoga and meditation or spend a few minutes on reflection (Nurture).

• Focus on the future and potential of the industry, as in the keynote address on telemedicine by Dr. Eleanor Green, Texas A&M vet school dean (Inspire).

• Find like-minded people on the new app (see more below) or use the free breakfasts to start building networks (Connect).

• Avail themselves of resources from dvm360.com tied to sessions in order to improve their practices throughout the year (Equip).

There's now an app for that

Many attendees at Fetch dvm360 in San Diego downloaded the shiny new app. This new conference app delivers up-to-date information concerning session locations and titles, speaker names and session proceedings. In addition, attendees can mark favorite sessions they want to attend to build a custom schedule right in the app.

In San Diego, the app's activity stream let attendees share photos of what they were up to, ask questions on points of confusion and share opportunities with other people who were at the conference.

Customer service for the modern age

It's no secret that introverts hate calling a customer service number (especially if they're out of breath and running down the hallway to get to the next session). A new “text your question” service offered in San Diego got attendees the answers they needed without making it necessary to find the registration desk or spending too much time on the phone. Ah, the beauty of 21st century technology.

Fetch dvm360 attendees get prepared to do some cat yoga at The Cat Cafe.

Find a place of zen

Practice life is busy. So are veterinary conferences. It's important to step back from all the chaos for a few minutes and take the time to get grounded and feel refreshed. That's why Fetch dvm360 offered a few different opportunities to recharge. There was dog yoga in the mornings, which involved walking and stretching outside. There was cat yoga on several evenings, which involved doing yoga while cats wandered around. And there was a meditation room, where attendees could go for some quiet time or for guided sessions.

Taking adult learning to the next level

Most everyone is used to the typical lecture where a speaker goes through the material in 50 minutes and takes 10 minutes of questions at the end. But research has shown that shaking things up a bit helps everyone in the room retain more information. Taking a few short breaks throughout the hour to talk a little, stand up or ask questions allows attendees to refocus on the material at hand instead of trying to stay engaged through sheer willpower. (It turns out adult attention spans are only about 20 minutes long.) This approach will carry over into 2018 through the conference's partnership with seasoned veterinary facilitators.

Bo, the therapy pig, was a big hit in the Fetch dvm360 exhibit hall.

Fun in the exhibit hall

Sitting in sessions all day just isn't possible. At some point, information goes in one ear and out the other. That's why the exhibit hall is full of opportunities to take a break. There's the Vet Confessionals Project, where attendees can read secrets written by their colleagues or submit one of their own. There are selfie booths to take photos with friends (or with kittens!) that let anyone not at the conference know what they're missing out on. There's a caricature artist, who can capture likenesses and transform anyone into the animal of their choice. And there are the therapy dogs and adoption societies that provide some much-needed furry comfort. (And in the case of San Diego, a pig!)

The team is already hot on the ground to bring another fetching experience to Virginia Beach May 17-20, 2018. Be on the lookout for all these new great additions and more for all the 2018 shows!