NAVC readies 2004 Orlando conference

Orlando-The North American Veterinary Conference (TNAVC) says it's set with an expanded program and exhibitor hours for its 2004 meeting Jan. 17-21 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention here.

The conference boasts of more than 1,200 scientific sessions, 40 wet labs, 100 masterclasses, 32 Meet the Professor luncheons and one of the largest veterinary exhibit halls.

Conference organizers say that 330 speakers are slated, and more than 500 exhibitors will be available. The conference expanded its exhibit hall hours this year until 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and an extra-half day on Wednesday. The lunch-break between sessions has also been extended to offer registrants more time in the exhibition hall.

Medical and management sessions at the conference will explore a wide variety of species and disciplines. Offerings in small animal, equine, bovine and swine are included in the program.

Pfizer is sponsoring an anti-infective symposium while Hill's is sponsoring a feline symposium on metabolic challenges. Program sessions have also been coordinated by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Academy of Veterinary Cardiology, American Association of Swine Practitioners, American College of Veterinary Dermatology, the Comparative Respiratory Society and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society to name a few. Special programming entitled, "How I Treat Medically" and "How I Treat Surgically" are included in the program.

Special events include comedian Jeff Foxworthy set for opening night, sponsored by Hill's. The rock group Chicago will appear on Monday, Jan. 19, courtesy of Bayer. Merial TNAVC Talent Night will return this year to showcase the many talents of veterinarians, technicians and family members. The Novartis Final Night Party with wrap up the event.

For more information, call (800) 817- 9928, fax, (352) 336-6827; e-mail: info@tnavc.org.