Organizers of the Western Veterinary Conference are touting several enhancements to the event, as it prepares for total attendance of nearly 15,000 to its 84th annual conference, slated for Feb. 19-23, 2012, in Las Vegas. In addition, organizers report more than 900 hours of programming will be offered during the conference, including nearly 700 hours for veterinarians, 80 for veterinary technicians and 68 focused on practice management. The program also offers more than 30 hands-on labs at the WVC’s nearby Oquendo Center, 42 symposia, nine Lunch & Learn sessions and a panel discussion for veterinary technicians interested in becoming specialists. Last year's show featured 875 hours of continuing education, about 30 hands-on laboratories and workshops, more than 30 focused symposia, 18 industry seminars. Organizers reported more than 550 exhibitors will display their products and services in the exhibit hall. “We’ve added our new WVC Plaza, a park-like area for resting and refreshing that will make the exhibit hall even more accommodating with staple WVC features such as the Cyber Café, classifieds board and the scholarship supporting silent auction,” said Joel Altman, exhibits manager. The park will also feature a massage zone and new product showcase. The exhibit hall will include mobile quick-charge stations and additional food and water stations, organizers reported. Among new services this year is a conference orientation program for new attendees and attendees that haven’t been to the event for a while. The orientation, presented by Dr. Jim Humphries and featuring snacks and prizes, will take place on Sunday evening (5-6 p.m.) and Monday morning (6:30-7:30 a.m.). New services in 2012 include a technology help desk to assist attendees in accessing WVC-Connect mobile app and the free WiFi network (on Levels 2 and 3 of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center), and luggage storage and return airport shuttle services on Thursday, the final day of the conference. Also new are complimentary workout sessions in the mornings (6-7 a.m.), with yoga planned for Monday, Jazzercise on Tuesday and Zumba on Wednesday. <HOME>
