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Veterinary Practice News Editorial Blog:
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
My Vet Conference Sentimentality
By Somyr McLean Perry
Managing Editor of Vetpracticenews.com and Veterinary Practice News
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I love going to vet conferences. They are actually very sentimental for me. The socializing and personal relationships developed at conferences are priceless. Three categories of people I tend to meet absolutely make my day.
First are the readers. Vets, techs and support staff stop by the Veterinary Practice News booth to subscribe, talk about the magazine or ask questions. Their interest in our magazine and their feedback—positive or negative—is so appreciated and always welcome.
Second are the people who contribute articles, photos or other information to the magazine and the website. I have worked for years with some veterinarians who write for the magazine and never met them face-to-face, though other editorial team members have. It’s a shame, but a common relationship perpetuated by the age of e-mail.
Over the course of a couple days I had the wonderful pleasure of finally meeting Dr. Anthony Carr of Saskatoon, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Alice Villalobos of Hermosa Beach, Calif., Dr. Robin Downing of Windsor, Colo., and Dr. J. Brooks Slaughter from Baltimore, among others, who have made great contributions to the veterinary industry as well as VPN.
I hope they know how much we appreciate them.
Finally, seeing friends from the past is an extra-special treat. While browsing booths in the exhibit hall I spotted a former colleague and veterinarian from almost 10 years ago in Salt Lake City. I ran up to her arms outstretched—probably scaring her to death—and hugged her until my tears welled up. It’s not like we were long-lost BFFs (best friends forever) or anything, but seeing her brought back memories of a special time in my career and life.
I know I’m not the only one who appreciates the social aspects of conferences. On one of the shuttle buses a vet said, “I told my wife that I’ve been going to classes all day, but have been staying up all night with friends and colleagues. I have to go back to practice, kids and regular life in a couple days, but this is the best damn time I’ve had in years!”
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