For the well-being of our guests and team members, employees have been trained on cleaning and disinfectant techniques, including use of PPE, protocols for all surfaces and tracking cleaning schedules. We are facilitating recommended social distancing guidelines throughout the resort and the presence of hand sanitizer stations have been increased across each area.
Masks are required for all guests and employees.
All guests and team members will be required to have their temperature checked by a designated team member before entering at the property entrance. Anyone with a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed to enter the building.
Conveniently located within driving distance of these cities: Atlanta GA, Nashville TN, Lexington KY, Raleigh NC, Columbia SC & Burmingham AL |
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Your Conference Registration includes:
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The Mountain Veterinary
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Click Here to Download the Brochure with Registration Form
Tentative Schedule
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Sunday, September 27, 2020Registration open 10am-6pmExhibitor set up 1pm-6pm, welcome to exhibit when setup |
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Louise DunnSnowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting Sponsored by Care Credit |
See Topic |
1-2:30pm - Leadership (Marketing Message: Do you enjoy working with your team? Do you and the team stay positive at work, and overcome challenges together? Take a moment to evaluate what type of “bus” you are driving and what it takes to have energized “riders” and “drivers”.) What Type of Bus is Your Team Riding On – And Do You Need a New Driver? Description: You spend a lot of time getting the right people into the right seats on your practice’s “bus”. But just what kind of bus are they riding on? Is the bus limping along a bumpy road with a flat tire and a broken gas gauge? Is the driver (the leader) failing to properly navigate the road? Or is the bus traveling along with a full tank of gas and filled with energized passengers? Learn some tips from The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. Learning Objectives:
2:45-4:15pm - Operations (Marketing Message: Every day the team as at war with productivity killers – things that snag operations, sap energy and motivation, and thwart efficiency. Execute a game plan that leads the team to achieve a winning score at the end of the day. ) Executing a Game Plan that Improves Your Team’s Efficiency Description: When there is a snag in operations - when efficiency is poor, client service falters, and patient care is on the line; can you identify the productivity killers? . Improve your team’s ability to handle the most common time killers and enjoy better productivity by utilizing a team quarterback who can call the plays to thwart the activities that causing inefficiencies and killing productivity. Learning Objective:
4:30-6pm - HR (Marketing message: Get every member of the team on the same page and release the ones who refuse to get with the program. ) Why Can’t People Do What They Are Supposed to Do – And When to Cut the Cord Description: It is an all too familiar topic on discussion boards and meetings with a consultant – why can’t people just do what they are supposed to do, why can’t people follow the procedures and protocols we set up? When is it time to finally cut the cord and terminate the person? Instead of lamenting the behavior, change how you engage and train the team; and put a procedure in place for evaluating and terminating a poor performer. Learning Objectives:
6:15-7pm - Finance (Marketing Message: We all know wages and inventory are two of the biggest expenses – but what about the cost of loss opportunities with the profit centers like lab and services? Monitor the right metrics and improve the wage percentage and lab profitability to put the practice on the road to better financial health. ) Tips to Improve Practice Profitability Description: Every practice has some favorite metrics they routinely watch and use to evaluate how well the practice is doing. Are you using the best metrics for your practice ? Are you struggling to make improvements and aren’t sure how to identify what is going well and what needs to change? Two areas that could use improvement are team wages and the lab. This session presents common pitfalls affecting wage percentage and lab profitability, and offers options to rescue the hospital from potential failure. Learning Objectives
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Ralph Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVAA |
See Topics |
1-3pm : Reducing Fear, Anxiety and Stress in Anesthesia Benefits Everyone 1) Everyone Benefits from Reducing Fear, Anxiety, Aggression, and Stress in Perioperative Care Practical strategies move our practices and profession toward a more fear-free and stress-free experience. The benefits go far beyond the individual patient, bringing value and quality to our lives.
3:15-4:15pm : How the AAHA Anesthesia and Related Guidelines Benefit your Practice 2) How the AAHA Anesthesia and Related Guidelines Benefit Your Practice Our obligation to do our best for patients and clients requires that we continually improve anesthesia and perioperative care. We’ll discuss practical approaches and new opportunities. The task-force goal was to help improve the standards of anesthesia for dogs and cats across our profession. In our individual practices, the AAHA Guidelines can be implemented, or more simply can serve as a valuable resource to help us move incrementally toward that shared goal.
4:30-6pm : Senior Pet Anesthesia and Peri-Operative Management: Not Too Old 3) Senior Pet Anesthesia and Periop Management – Not Too Old Although age is not a disease, we do see increased co-morbidities and limited resilience in our older patients. Best practices for these animals include use of readily available agents and techniques. Increased attention to detail and a respect for the fragile homeostasis brings clinical success and client appreciation.
6:15-7pm : How Can we Help, Unless we Know How they Hurt? Assessing Acute and Chronic Pain 4) How Can We Help, Unless We Know How They Hurt? – Assessing Acute and Chronic Pain Recognition and repeated evaluation of pain is essential in veterinary care. Animals often obscure signs of pain, but we have increasingly powerful strategies to assess pain.
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Bobbie Aldridge, RVT |
See Topics |
1-2:15pm : Basic Principles of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for Veterinary Technicians Part 1 2:30-4:00pm : Basic Principles of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for Veterinary Technicians Part 2 4:30-6pm : Basic Exotic Care |
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Monday, September 28, 2020Registration Open 8amExhibit Hall Open at 8am-4:30pm
Breakfast Session 7:30-8:20amBecky Zumo, Sales Manager presents "Innovative ways of compounding medication to improve owner compliance and patient health! "Sponsored by BCP Veterinary PharmacyLunch Session: 11:45am-12:45pmDavid Bradley, DVM, FASLMS, Veterinary Medical Director presents "Laser Therapy Simplified: A Quick Review of Novel Conditions - Don’t forget the eyes! Or the lungs, the bladder, the pancreas, …. "Are you using your laser for intra-abdominal, intrathoracic, or intra-operative conditions? How about ophthalmic conditions? Laser therapy can provide valuable benefits in helping to resolve and manage many conditions involving these areas. It can reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences, reduce complications, reduce the medications needed, and improve the quality of life. Specific conditions and proper guidelines to ensure safe and effective results will be presented. Sponsored by Summus |
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Louise DunnSnowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting Sponsored by Care Credit |
See Topics |
8:30-10am Next Level Marketing: New Ways and tools to Set Yourself Apart from the Competition The veterinary industry is growing by leaps and bounds each year. The good news is that this means more business. The bad news? More competition. If you feel like you’re offering the same services as most other veterinary practices, that’s most likely because you are. Chances are you are also marketing yourself in the same way. Fully stocked in-house pharmacy? In-house laboratory? Unfortunately, this is now the standard and your competitors are showcasing these services in the same way too. If you’re looking to define your brand and market yourself more effectively, this is the session for you. We’ll be deep-diving into these fundamental questions of branding and identity so that you can enhance your practice and create an impact on social media, the web and locally. Spoiler alert: standing out in a saturated marketplace is actually easier than you think. 10:15-11:30am New Tips to Handle Online Haters Although it takes years to successfully build your reputation (both online and off), it takes just moments for a negative online review to jeopardize it. With new tools and techniques provided in this session, you will be fully equipped to handle a variety of online negative reviews. From a simple upset client to extreme cyberbullying and everything in between! You will learn how to engage with negative reviews with honest, timely and respectful responses to earn back respect and goodwill. This session will help you to discover the fundamentals of handling online negativity and navigate the increasingly important world of online reviews. 1-2:30pm Got Cats? Get More Feline Patients & Keep Them Coming Back & How to Engage Cat Owners in Life-Long Care — How to Engage Cat Owners in Life Long Care - Many practices have noticed for a long time their feline visits are on the decline, but very few know what to do about it. If the number of dogs you see on any given day consistently outweighs the cats, that means it’s time to attend this session to boost feline client visits. However, increasing feline visits is just one part of the equation. The next and most crucial step is to engage them in life-long care to keep them coming back. You’ll leave this session with a better understanding of how the mind of a cat owner works and how to pro-actively communicate crucial information to feline pet owners that keeps them engaged and coming back to your practice. 3-4pm How to Implement & Handle Client Feedback — Deeply analyzing client feedback can help you to meet, and even anticipate, the needs, wants and concerns of your clients. This requires you to not only capture feedback but also to manage and act upon it to improve products and services. It can be difficult to capture and follow through on this feedback effectively, so this session will teach you to techniques for creating a client feedback program that’s easy to develop, measure and understand. 4:15-5pm Help My Practice Isn't Growing! Marketing Success Stories |
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Steve Dale, CABC (Fear Free, Practice Management/Marketing)Sponsored by Nestle Purina and WEAVE |
See Topics |
2 hour talk sponsored by PURINA: Cats Are No Longer Door Mats: How the Human Animal Bond with Cats Continues to Accelerate For many years, cats have been the most popular pets, but under-medicalized and simply not treated with the same reverence as “man’s best (canine) friends.” There’s a lot in play changing that, particularly among millennials. And some the most significant reasons for compromised bonds with cats or relinquishing cats up ‘till now are changing, such as allergies and scratching. As for medicalization, Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices have made a difference, and you’ll learn how. Also, more studies have been conducted demonstrating what we didn’t know about our bond with cats. Also discussed are myths regarding cats which unfortunately continue to persist. Clients are even training cats and taking them out in strollers or on leashes. How does that “craziness” (is it really that crazy?) really matter to your bottom line? 2 talks, first is one-hour talk and second talk is 2 hours, sponsored by WEAVE Mining Millennials It turns out that millennials are as addicted to their pets as they are their phones and cat cafes. While data continues to demonstrate veterinary preventive care Thriving practices tend to have a thriving millennials base. The tide is changing and millennials are directing that change, as there is new data to demonstrate. So, who are these millennials and what do they want? In fact, they have a particular affinity for cats. Millennials are eager for targeted veterinary care to meet their needs. And these specific needs are addressed. It turns out, for starters, that Cat Friendly Practices and the Fear Free initiative may have turned up at just the right time to meet these needs. But if you build it, will be they come? How to market to millennials begins with understanding what they’re seeking and why. And surprise, millennials want relationships and might even be loyal if you meet their needs. Even the Best Veterinarians Can’t Treat Invisible Clients How to Market and Work Social and Traditional Media (Presented by a 30 Year Media Professional): A communication bootcamp, starting off with reaching millennial clients. From texting clients to using new systems and technology to easily support preventive care visits. Great grandpa veterinarian relied on relationships, and arguably that has surprisingly not changed. What’s changed is how to leverage those personal relationships, such as texting, and using social media as well as new in-office technology to communicate messages. How to reach dozens to hundreds of clients simultaneously – but the trick is to never lose that personal touch. Includes a basic primer on using social media to communicate with current clients and attract new ones, and how to create content, even writing a practice blog. It’s easier than you think. Creating a practice YouTube page, even a podcast is possible. Also, basic tips about using traditional media (which still does matter), appearing on TV or radio (from a presenter with decades of TV/radio experience). (1 or 2 hour talk) |
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Robbie van Mullem, BS, Digital Media SpecialistSponsored by 3 Sided Media |
See Topics |
1-2:30pm : Making your Clinic Contagious: 6 infectious Tools to Market Your Practice Part 1 3-5pm : Making your Clinic Contagious: 6 Infectious Tools to Market your Practice Part 2 |
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Bobbie Aldridge, RVTTechnician/Staff Session |
See Topic |
8:30-10am : Beard Envy: A Little Bit About Everything About Bearded Dragons 10:15-11:30am : Rabbit Dentition 1-2:30pm : Cardiac and Respiratory Disease in Fancy Rats |
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Tuesday, September 29, 2020Registration Open 8amExhibit Hall Open 8am-4pmBreakfast Session 7:30-8:20am: Rod Finnegan presents Mitigating risk in the Age of Entitlement - Sponsored by VetinsureLunch Session 11:45am-12:45pm: Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, RVT, LAT presenting: Cannabinoids in Veterinary Medicine: Promises and Challenges - sponsored by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Science, Inc. |
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Steve Dale, CABCSponsored by Fear Free |
8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am |
Dogs Love COVID-19 Stay at Home Orders, but What’s Next – Separation Distress Dogs thrive on routine, and celebrate when everyone’s home. But what about when they’re not? Dogs who previously suffered from the separation anxiety; newly adopted or fostered dogs (as there are a record number of adoptions and fosters) and dogs who just don’t deal as well with change may not adjust well to the new normal, they’re all here and now they’re gone. Aside from the actual suffering associated with separation anxiety, dogs may be relinquished because landlords or neighbors don’t tolerate. COVID-19 stay at home is an extreme example but dogs may also suffer the same feelings when the family goes on vacation. There are new solutions – which will be described; how to use products and behavior modification to best avoid the problem. Fear Free(sm): Be The Change: (Steve Dale is a certified Fear Freesm speaker, chief correspondent Fear Free Happy Homessm). Of course, veterinary professionals go into the profession to help pets, but many pets visiting the veterinarian actually feel as if they are going to die – literally. We know clients get “stressed out” even thinking about visiting the veterinarian because pets are so terrorized, and then more likely to opt for “Dr. Google.” There is a better way, and that’s what Fear Freesm is. Fear Free sm begins in homes. It’s imperative to lower fear, anxiety and stress before veterinary visits – how to get pets to vets - and describes Fear Free Happy Homessm,, and why how enriched environments matter for day to day quality of life. This Fear Freesm overview offers ideas regarding several programs which may be taught by veterinary nurses, including pre-pet counseling, kitten socialization classes, puppy classes and grief counseling. Also, how is Free Free doing, is the initiative successful? Does Fear Free matter to attract clients and improve your bottom lines? |
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Robbie van Mullem, BS, Digital Medical SpecialistSponsored by 3 Sided MediaOpen to all (DVMS, Techs and Support Staff) |
8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am |
Is Your Competition Beating you Using Social Media? How to Use Social Media to Stand Above your Competition! 5 Ways to Avoid Being Sued Over your Website. It is Really Happening |
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Ralph Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVAA |
1-5pm |
Top 10+ Best Things in Feline Pain Management 5) Top Ten+ Best Things in Feline Pain Management This is a new era in pain management for cats. New information and products tremendously improve our options and opportunities to address long-standing deficiencies.
A Revolution in Anesthetic Techniques: More Locals, Less Opioids, Lower Inhalants 6) A Revolution in Anesthetic Techniques – More Locals, Less Opioids, Lower Inhalants The opioid shortages, as well as other contemporary factors, have increased our emphasis on dramatically revised anesthetic care, and lead us to less suffering. Newly available medications, novel methods, and better use of local anesthetics have greatly expanded our options. We’ll summarize significant details that influence best methods. This can change your practice, adding substantial economy and building value.
Too Sick for Anesthesia? They Probably Aren't 7) Too Sick for Anesthesia? – They Probably Aren’t We give potentially lethal drugs to patients with serious injury and debilitating illness. We are rightly apprehensive, but now can successfully manage many patients who would not have had a reasonable chance just a few years ago. We’ll include case-based discussion of potential problems for high-risk patients. Problem-based case management reduces morbidity and mortality for our patients and importantly reduces stress in our hospitals every day.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2020 |
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Ralph Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVAA |
8:30-10am 10:15-11:30am |
Favorite Techniques in Anesthesia and Peri-Operative Care: Yours and Mine 8) Sedation & Restraint for Fractious Patients — Safety & Convenience for All If we don’t get this right, the patient that is “fractious,” actually stressed to the breaking point, can seriously injure us, and we can through terrible results accidentally injure or even kill them! Emphasis on the reduction of fear, anxiety, stress, and aggression in our clinical care is nicely supported by appropriate patient care using both pharmaceuticals and behavioral techniques. Everyone benefits!
Sedation and Restraint for Fractious Patients - Safety and Convenience for All 9) What to Worry About and How to Fix It – Crisis Management in Anesthesia Things can go wrong. Through clinical case examples, we’ll discuss the challenges we face in common and less-common anesthetic emergencies and complications. We will emphasize how to recognize developing problems, how to turn around a problem situation so early that a crisis is averted, and how to best deal with disasters as they unfold.
What to Worry About and how to Fix it: Crisis Management in Anesthesia 10) Favorite Techniques – Yours and Mine There is safety in familiarity. When changing anesthetic techniques, move carefully and conservatively, with consultation and appropriate guidance. We will learn from each other as we discuss some favorite protocols that work well in different hospitals, and we’ll share our ideas and needs.
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Please Note The Following:
*Times and Presenters Subject to Change
* Please turn off or silence cell phones in sessions
Steve Dale, CABC (Fear Free, Practice Management/Marketing)Steve Dale is a certified animal behavior consultant, host of two nationally syndicated radio shows--Steve Dale’s Pet World and The Pet Minute (together heard on over 100 stations) —and is special contributor at Chicago’s WGN Radio where for 23 years he’s also hosted Steve Dale’s Pet World.
Dale has contributed to and authored many books, including Decoding Your Dog and Your Cat, both authored by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. He also contributed to The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, (edited by Dr. Susan Little), Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient (edited Dr. Mary Gardner and Dr. Dani McVety), among many others. His TV appearances range from Oprah to Good Morning America to National Geographic Explorer and many Animal Planet shows. He’s a regular on syndicated HouseSmarts TV
Currently, a writer and contributing editor for CATster, and authors Steve Dale’s Vet World for Veterinary Practice News. He’s also a columnist for the Journal of National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and DVM 360, where he serves on their Editorial Advisory Board. Decoding
He formerly hosted the nationally syndicated Animal Planet Radio, wrote a syndicated column for the Chicago Tribune, and was a contributing editor for USA Weekend.
Steve speaks at conferences around the world. His blog is www.stevedale.tv.
Steve’s involved in many legislative efforts, from preventing breed bans to creating a law to protect animals from kennel fires; the first law of its kind which was signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2019.
He serves on the Boards of the Winn Feline Foundation and the Human Animal Bond Association and is certified Fear Free and speaks on Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices.
Dale’s been honored with many awards, including the AVMA Humane Award in 2002, and he’s in the Dog Writers’ Hall of Fame.
His website is www.stevedale.tv
Louise
S. Dunn Louise is a renowned award-winning speaker, writer and consultant. She brings over 40 years of in the trenches experience and her business education to veterinary management. Louise is founder and CEO of Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting. SVMC works with veterinarians who want to develop a strategic plan that consistently produces results. Most recently Louise received many awards including the WVC Educator of the Year and VetPartner’s The Life Time achievement Award in January 2016.
Besides all aspects of practice management and mentoring, Louise’s passions include her husband Joel, Zuri her English mastiff Therapy dog and her little sister Annabelle, kayaking, opera and New England Patriot’s football.
Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting
2996 Canter Lane, Winston-Salem, N.C. 27127 snowgoosevet.com 336-945-0208 office 336-202-3243 cell
Ralph
Harvey, DVM, MS, DACVAADr. Ralph Harvey is certified as a specialist by the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. He works as a consultant in practice and industry promoting best medicine, including Fear Free practices, and new advances in patient care. He is Chair of the Veterinary Advisory Board for the BioTraceIT Corporation, with a focus on the objective assessment of pain. He retired from the faculty of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where he taught anesthesia, pain management, and related topics for 33 years. Dr. Harvey also serves the community as a member of the Boards of Directors for the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association and for the Humane Society, Tennessee Valley.
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I just attended the Mountain Veterinary Conference and had a great time! The speakers were the same ones you see at the huge, expensive conferences but in a more intimate, affordable setting. The local area is beautiful and lots of fun to explore - I particularly enjoyed watching the elk herds cross the roads in the mornings. The Cherokee Casino was an excellent venue - easy to navigate ... read more
Katie Gies, DVM | Attendee - white.goosedvm@gmail.com
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I've been meaning to share my very positive review of the Mountain Veterinary Conference for months -- my apologies for not doing this sooner! The Mountain Veterinary Conference was a wonderful CE experience on all levels. There were a wide variety of high quality sessions, the setting was beautiful, the food and accommodations were excellent, and the exhibitors were helpful and informative... read more
Valerie Weiss, DVM | Attendee - vaweiss@ml1.net
“What fun! We doubled our record for the number of copies of SMILE! sold in the first day. The relaxed atmosphere at the Fun n Sun Conference makes it easy to interact with everyone.” ... read more
Lynne Swanson, DVM | Speaker, Exhibitor - Safe Harbor Farm’s SMILE! Project
Thank you for having me speak this year at Sun N Fun; What a GREAT show! I have thoroughly enjoyed the kindness and hospitality shown by all. Great organization, great location, and great session topics! I urge all veterinary professionals to attend Sun N Fun next year, and not miss out on this fantastic CE event! ... read more
Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS | Speaker - jenny@practivet.com
I would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to Howie and all those involved in hosting the Colonial Veterinary Conference in Colonial Williamsburg this December 2015. We attended a few years ago and were sold on this meeting for our ContEd This meeting has it all! Great speakers, wonderful hotel, delicious food, kind staff and lotsa' coffee! Howie makes sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.. The biggest impression our first time here years ago was not just the speakers, topics, and location.. but the obvious love this group has for one another AND for our Lord... read more
Dr. Donna M Gage | Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TX
I've been a speaker for at least a dozen meetings hosted by Veterinary Association Management in the last twenty or so years. The meetings are always well organized and managed. More importantly, the attendees are always eager to learn and happy to be there. The Lee family and all the staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is very family-friendly... read more
Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, CVT, LAT | Speaker
Veterinary Association Management conference are intimate and interactive. As a presenter, I have the opportunity to talk about behavior issues – a significant reason for relinquishment, and also how to speak with clients about these concerns, as well as getting pets to vets, including Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices.
Steve Dale, CABC | Speaker
I've been going to Veterinary Association Management's Veterinary Conferences for 16 years. They are by far my favorite. The quality and choice of speakers always suits my needs. I feel that I get the most up-to-date and thorough information. Lectures focus on practical advice we can actually use - no ivory towers here... read more
Melanie Bene, DVM | Attendee
My family and I have always enjoyed Veterinary Association Management's (Ralph Lee's) continuing education courses. We have been attending them now for well over twelve years. We are always very delighted to attend the courses and conferences that Veterinary Management Association hosts. The benevolence of the Lee Family always shines forth, and they make my family feel more than welcome. The veterinary courses are extremely relevant to practice, and much of the information obtained can be put into effect the day we return. The speakers are of the utmost quality and ... read more
Drs. Charles and Dawn Jones | Mercy Animal Hospital, Monroe, NC
Thank you so much for allowing me to speak at this past weekend's Sun N Fun conference in South Carolina. It was a great experience. Howie, Martha, Dawn and the entire Veterinary Association Management team always knows how to make a speaker feel welcomed! The conference was so well organized which is a testament to the VAM team. Thank you so much for all your kindness. It was a true honoring getting to speak to the technicians at the conference. It was a great group who stayed engaged throughout! Thank you again. I hope you are all home getting to relax a little after working so hard to make the conference so successful. ... read more
Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC) | Speaker
I have been a veterinarian in NC since 1982. 33years. I have been getting my continuing education hours with Ralph Lee’s Veterinary Management for 28 years. My wife is a registered vet technician and we both must get yearly CE hours to continue our licenses. We have come to Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conferences for last 20 years. I appreciate through the years the dedication to providing quality continuing education year after year. We enjoy the excellent speakers on subjects that are useful in regular day to day practice; comprehensive wet labs; and very affordable CE... read more
J. Michael Beck DVM and Jane Beck VMT | Emerywood Veterinary Hospital, High Point, NC
I've participated in several Veterinary Association Management continuing educational meetings and they are all top notch. Each meeting has it's own look and feel. The one consistent thread is excellent speakers and great topics/content being presented. I will be planning a family vacation around Fun N Sun veterinary conference. It's a must do for anyone looking for good CE and creating great memories with the family... read more
Paul Camilo, CVPM | Veterinary Consultation Services, LLC
The Center of Veterinary Expertise has had the pleasure of participating in Colonial Veterinary conference on several levels, sponsorship, vendor as well as providing speakers over the last three year. Howie and his team always ensure a positive, warm, and successful experience. We look forward to supporting the Colonial Veterinary Conference for many more years to come.
Danielle T. Russ | LVT, BS, BA, AS, Hospital Manager, the COVE, Suffolk, VA
It is not a small thing when gathering your CE credits that the meetings be orderly, well presented, convenient, accessible. Cudos to the Colonial Team. It was an all-around good experience.
Rob McBrayer, DVM | Palmetto Vet Hospital, Ridgeland, SC
I have been a equipment manufacturing design consultant for Snyder Mfg. for over 30 years. I have been attending the Ralph Lee's meetings for over 20 years of that time. The Ralph Lee's meetings are different than the standard veterinary conference meetings that are available. The meetings are designed to be very family friendly. The attendees and exhibitors are treated with more respect than any other of the veterinary meetings I attend. The smaller venue will also give everyone an opportunity to build long term relationships in the industry.
Ralph Ihde | Snyder Mfg., New Sharon, IA
I plan each year's continuing education requirements around Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veteirnary Conference. The program venue is especially nice, this time of year, in Asheville, N.C. The Lee family (Howie, Martha and the crew) are most accommodating. They've always made this a pleasurable, meaningful experience. I secure a copy of the conference notes each trip. These notes serve as valuable information for me as I care for my patients on a daily basis. The saddest part, for me, is when the meeting concludes. Soon, I'll be planning for the 2016 conference.
Dr. William “Bill” Martin | Central Veterinary Hospital, Knoxville, TN
The Lees' vet meetings are some of the best...and I attend a lot of them! As both a veterinarian and an exhibitor I get the best of both worlds at these events.... Great Continuing Education and Great attendance to the exhibit booth. I attend every one I possibly can.
Dr. Dan Moore, DVM | Vet Assured, Unicoi, TN
I have lectured for Veterinary Association Management for the last 4 years and they consistently have wonderfully organized, informative and practical conferences for practicing small animal veterinarians. With a relatively small group of attendees ... read more
Kristin Welch DVM, DACVECC | CRITICAL CARE, CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
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Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences |
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3 Sided Media - Sponsor |
Summus Medical Laser - Sponsor |
ServiceVet Technologies |
All Vet Imaging |
Idexx Laboratories - Sponsor |
Southeast Medical Books |
Aspire - Sponsor |
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Services |
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BCP Veterinary |
Patterson - Sponsor |
Sunnex Lights |
Christian Veterinary Mission |
PractiVet - Sponsor |
Vanbeek Natural Science |
Companion Animal Health by LiteCure |
VetInsure - Sponsor |
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Elite Veterinary Products |
QuickPACS Technologies |
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givesmiles.us - Sponsor |
Respond Systems - Sponsor |
Zomedica |
Click here to download the Mountain Veterinary Conference Exhibitor Contract
Arrowheads point to good luck, so follow them to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. North Carolina’s first casino, Harrah’s promises an electrifying adventure that’s bound to put a smile on your face and, if you’re lucky, a bulge in your wallet.
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We know every moment of your time here is important so we provide convenient check-in and checkout kiosks in various locations throughout the hotel. Ask about our “Stay and Play Packages” to take advantage of every opportunity. If you are traveling with children, stay at the casino and let the kids explore the arcade while the adults hit the gaming tables, or take some time and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking,tubing, and much more. Traveling with canine companions under 50 pounds? Ask about our PetStay room benefits.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort houses a new 3,000-seat events center where acts from Hank Williams, Jr. to Lady Antebellum have performed. This unique venue option features amphitheater seating on three levels for a variety of events and programs. The main floor can accommodate everything from a dinner for 800 to a tradeshow with more than 150 booths. The casino can also host groups and meetings ranging from ten to over 3,000 people in a state-of-the-art conference facility. The large meeting space can be broken down into 7 smaller configurations to suit any event or group needs.... from VisitCherokeeNC.Com
"The luxurious 21-story Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel is set amid the beautiful mountain setting of western North Carolina and provides luxury lodging that creates an upscale experience with 1,108 spacious rooms that include breathtaking views. Check-in/Checkout Kiosks are available in the hotel for fast service and are located on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Enjoy many amenities like the fitness room that is open 24/7, the indoor pool and our new outdoor pool featuring a zero entry pool, cabanas and bar area."
An enterprise of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is celebrating over 15 years of operation since opening its doors in November 1997. The Casino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space and offers 3,800 slot machines and over 100 traditional table games such as black jack, roulette and craps. The property also features over 1,100 hotel rooms, the Le Fu Men gaming area, 10 restaurants, the Essence Lounge, a 3,000 seat Event Center, the luxurious 18,000 square feet Mandara Spa and eight retail shops. In addition to the 56-acre property, guests have privileged access to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation-owned Sequoyah National Golf Club, named one of Golf Magazine's best new golf courses.
Discover the fun of seeing the world through Cherokee eyes.
It might happen on a mud-spattering romp through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. Or while hearing the creation legend in the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. You’ll be having fun in Cherokee, relaxing, and suddenly, you’re a little more in tune with the natural world. With just one visit to something as profound as the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” you can’t help but look at things a little differently. And you’ll certainly have more fun. How will Cherokee affect you? Plan. Play. Visit. And discover.
Adventures that go deeper.
Each place you visit in Cherokee pulses with the stories and significance of a people whose roots run deep and whose ancient wisdom is fascinating to uncover. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Western North Carolina, Cherokee invites you to smell the wood smoke and open your ears. If you listen closely, maybe you can hear the chanting of the little Nunnehi people of the mountain peaks. No need to resist Cherokee’s invitations to dive right in. Fire off a blowgun if you dare, but make sure your spouse is in the clear. As you cast your line into the trout-filled rivers or wash your face in the sweet spray of a waterfall, let the powerful feelings of Cherokee carry you. Even if it’s just for a day or two.
Open your eyes with us.
A virtual treasure trove of outdoorsy fun awaits in Cherokee. Activities gain new dimensions as you become aware of their origins, steeped in a vibrant cultural heritage. For instance, if you enjoy birding, you may never see the cardinal in the same way after learning about the legend of how it got its scarlet color–just as you may observe in a new way the copper lines in the ancient boulders along the banks of the Oconaluftee where you may be fishing, tubing or kayaking. Did you know that the wolf showed the cardinal those copper lines to paint herself with after she pecked the mud from his eyes? These are stories you and your fellow travelers will learn as you explore Cherokee.
Awaken your power animal.
Cherokee history, song, dance, and period regalia come to vivid life in sites such as the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” or the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Cherokee hosts a variety of annual cultural festivals throughout the year where you can share in the celebration of colorful customs and learn about ancient beginnings.
Let your braids fly in downtown Cherokee.
Nostalgic shops offering blowguns and tomahawks, comfy motor lodges, family fun parks, and petting zoos can all be found in downtown Cherokee, NC. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, consider playing the 18-hole Sequoyah National Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, then staying at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
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