The Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference (PNWVC) came to a close this year, marking the second successful venture into holding the large meeting in the virtual space. Normally taking up the entire Tacoma Convention Center, PNWVC pivoted to be held on a creative, easy-to-use online platform giving attendees a unique and fun experience. Just under 750 conference-goers connected online and viewed over 150 hours of CE from 49 speakers in seven different tracks. 35 vendors and their representatives exhibited in the trade show and sponsored speakers and events. A special thank you goes to each of them for their support of the conference.
Just as with a face-to-face meeting, the same features attendees have come to love about PNWVC were still available, just in a slightly different way. Despite attendees being located across the state, the U.S. and globally, they networked with one another through computer and phone apps, meeting each other through posting pictures of their four-legged conference buddies, asking questions of fellow attendees, or providing thoughtful inspiration through the Give Thanks wall. Veterinarians played the Vetscalibur! Game and competed for cash prizes and special giveaways. Technicians played their own Techscalibur! Game and several came away a little bit richer.
On Friday night, attendees gathered for a virtual “We Otter Have Fun” happy hour and visit to the Seattle Aquarium. President Dr. Rick DeBowes hosted lead veterinarian Dr. Caitlyn Hadfield and her team who featured a resident fur seal who made sure we saw his wide smile and big choppers and active sea otters that delighted with their antics. Dr. Gary Marshall and Dr. Katie Kuehl demonstrated how to make a Deep Sea Diver cocktail and mocktail to add a little fun to the nautical theme. We’re grateful to the Seattle Aquarium for their participation in the program.
President Dr. Rick DeBowes welcomed attendees with a recorded video as did current AVMA president Dr. José Arce.
The most commonly heard comments we’ve received from attendees are that although the conference was virtual, the over 150 ours of CE offerings were excellent and the platform was easy to navigate. Conference registrants now have 11 months to watch all 150 hours for CE credit while the emergency order is in place allowing unlimited remote CE. Videos are expected to be available in about one week.
A round of applause goes to the Program Committee for their time and energy in making the conference program a great success. The committee is comprised of Drs. Corrie Hines and Craig McConnel who serve as co-chairs along with Drs. Mike Anderson, Megan Cihak, Ron Colton, Bill Dernell, Crystal McRae, Dale Moore, Maci Paden, Eric Sutten, Hayden Milligan, Jessica Osborn, CVPM, Ryan Frazier, LVT. A special shout-out to WSVMA Staff who worked tirelessly to pull off an amazing experience.
Attention Vetscalibur! players:
Thank you everyone who participated in the PNWVC game, Vetscalibur! The leader board boasted players, some of whom gained an average of 10,000 points for solving various challenges and answering secret questions. The game is now closed and we will be announcing and notifying our winners next week. We will also be sending out prizes to our weekend social wall winners. Be sure to mark our emails as “safe” so that you can receive our announcements. Congratulations to all our winners and good luck to those who are entered into our tie-breaker and second chance drawings!
Posted October 15, 2021