October 2007               return to newsletter contents page

AVDA 2008 Annual Conference:

Connecting Great Ideas and Great People

The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona will host AVDA's 2008 Annual Conference April 27-29, 2008

Every business is looking for new ways to connect their great ideas and products with the great people in their industry. AVDA members will convene in Tucson, Arizona this spring for the 2008 AVDA Annual Conference to be held April 27-29 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Nurturing the connections between animal health distributors and suppliers has been a consistent focus of the AVDA Annual Conference. The 2008 conference will continue to offer a host of networking opportunities and

outstanding speaker presentations during the three day event.

This year’s conference includes a strong line-up of contemporary speakers addressing variety of business concerns. Alan Beaulieu from the Institute for Economic Trends will return to update attendees on Economic Trends and the Veterinary Industry. Bob Wendover from the Center on Generational Studies will share Best Practices in Managing Age Diversity in the Workplace and John Mackay of Mackay Research Group will present an Analysis of Manufacturer and Distributor Profit Models in addition to the annual PAR Review. A representative from Handheld Products will give a presentation on bar coding and how it can assist distributors and manufacturers manage inventory and assist with electronic tracing and pedigree requirements.

The schedule for the 2008 conference has been restructured to allow for maximum networking opportunities. In addition to the Welcome Reception, Scramble Golf Tournament and the Awards Banquet and Reception, speaker sessions will end early on Monday to allow for more informal networking. Once again, the Awards Banquet will feature a local dance band to entertain AVDA members, spouses and guests. Returning for 2008, a tennis social will be featured on Monday afternoon after the general session and spouse event.

The Loews Ventana Canyon Resort is a four diamond hotel located on a plateau above the city of Tucson, nestled into the Catalina Mountain foothills. Built as a ‘green’ resort, the resort reflects the harmony of nature throughout their entire 100 acres. Approximately a 30 minute drive from the Tucson International Airport, the Loews is within a short drive of several shops and restaurants. The Loews features several amenities including two award-winning Tom Fazio designed golf courses, four restaurants including the Condé Nast Award Winning Ventana Room (Tucson’s only Five Diamond restaurant), eight lighted tennis courts, two swimming pools, fitness center, croquet court and Lakeside Spa. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the desert on hiking and bicycle paths around the resort or enjoy the on property guided nature walk.

More conference information will be posted to the AVDA website soon. Check your mail for conference programs in January.