March 10-13, 2013
JW Marriott Indianapolis Hotel
Indianapolis, Indiana
Once again AVDA is proud to co-sponsor the University of Industrial Distribution (UID) in 2013. Since 1994 the UID has offered the very best value for professional continuing education for the wholesale/distribution industry.
The four-day program offers over 30 full-day and half-day courses, delivered by the nation's leading faculty, distribution consultants and industry experts.
Registration is now open for the 2013 University of Industrial Distribution. Deadline to register is February 22nd. Attendance is limited - many UID sessions and classes become sold out. >Click here for more information.
April 28-30, 2013
Hyatt Coconut Point
Bonita Springs, Florida
Each year animal health distributors and manufacturers and guests gather for AVDA's Annual Conference, a three-day program of information and educational sessions featuring industry and outside speakers on a variety of timely business and industry issues and topics. The conference schedule allows ample opportunities for networking with industry peers.
The 2013 Annual Conference will be held at Hyatt Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida on April 28-April 30, 2013. The special discounted rate for AVDA member is $199.00 per night.
Click here to book your room online.
Click here to view the promotional brochure.
Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
The Hyatt Coconut Point is a AAA - Four Diamond property located on 26 acres overlooking the breathtaking Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Recently named among Travel + Leisure's 500 World's Best Hotels, you can play 18 at the world class Raptor Bay Golf Club, recharge with indulgent treatments at Stillwater Spa, plunge down the 140 foot waterslide, or engage in the vast array of water sports available nearby. To see more about the hotel visit their website at www.hyattcoconutpoint.com.
AVDA is pleased to announce that the AVDA 2014 Annual Conference will be held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. The meeting dates are April 27-29, 2014.
On January 20, 2013 "The Gathering" Networking Reception was held during the NAVC Conference. This reception brought together the key leaders from distribution and manufacturing in the animal health industry. Over 200 members attended the event held in the Castillo Fort at the Gaylord Palms hotel. This was the first of an annual event that will take place during the NAVC each year.
The Gathering was sponsored by Animalytix and ATS Animal Health Training Solutions
Click here to view the invitation
Over 200 people attended the AVDA Annual Conference April 29 - May 1 at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Attendees included 170 delegates and 40 spouses/companions. AVDA membership was represented by 13 Distributor member companies; 48 Manufacturer member companies and 3 Affiliate member companies. AVDA welcomed six new members since the 2011 meeting and all of them were in attendance at this event.
Click here for a list of attendees
Sponsorship for the conference was record-breaking with a total of 41 sponsors contributing over $200,000. This level of sponsorship has helped AVDA bring a remarkable program with timely and dynamic speaker presentations and outstanding networking events. Sponsors were acknowledged during the opening session of the conference and were given a beautiful engraved Nambe bowl that was handcrafted in New Mexico.
Click here for list of sponsors
The meeting kicked off with a Welcome Reception in the House of Hummingbird with entertainment by Aztec dancers and a welcome from Native Americans from the Santa Ana Pueblo and a gift of a corn necklace. The theme for the meeting was "Reflect Forward" and the speakers for the entire conference reminded attendees that the Annual Conference is a great time to reflect on the past year's successes and challenges and a time to look forward to new opportunities on the horizon for distributors and manufacturers as the animal health industry continues to evolve and prosper.
Monday's program included two great speakers and two great Americans: Astronaut Mike Mullane and decorated war veteran, Charlie Plumb. Both of their messages inspired attendees and gave great advice on how to employ proven fundamentals of teamwork to better lead their teams and how to overcome adversity and move beyond our self-imposed limits.
During the AVDA Annual Business Meeting and elections on Monday, Mark Cushing, a lobbyist with TonkonTorp, discussed legislation that was introduced in Congress with the purpose of driving prescription revenues to big box retailers from veterinary practices. Mark Cushing has represented a group of interests, and worked closely with the AVMA, to oppose the legislation in Congress and with the FTC.
On Tuesday, Dr. Ron DeHaven of the AVMA provided an update on The Partnership for Preventive Pet Wellness, AVMA initiatives and recent FDA actions regarding veterinary feed directives. Terry Hawkins, a funny and motivational speaker from Australia, wowed the audience with her presentation on achieving personal success by overcoming our negative attitudes and perceptions through the use of Pitman and Stickman. Finally, Lowell Catlett, an economist and futurist shared humorous and positive insights on the economy and gave attendees a glimpse into the future of animal health and veterinary trends.
Click here for Dr. Ron DeHaven's presentation
Attendees participated in many tours and activities during the meeting including a spouse tour of Santa Fe, horseback riding, kayaking on the Rio Grande and the annual AVDA Scramble Golf Tournament. The meeting concluded with the Annual Awards banquet with a dance band under colorful balloons and was truly an evening to remember.
Click here for pictures
(Password is tamaya.)