The American Animal Hospital Association Nashville 2014 Yearly Conference will make for a record-breaking year for AAHA, with the international veterinary organization recording the highest registration numbers in nearly 15 years (excluding one year when a joint meeting was held). This is the first year that AAHA has held its annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. The Association was the first group to book space in the freshly built Music City Center convention center in Nashville.
“”The fact that we are beating registration numbers makes me believe that our profession is beginning to recognize and appreciate all of the hard work our team has put into rejuvenating and improving AAHA’s yearly conference,”” said Michael Cavanaugh, DVM, DABVP, chief executive officer of AAHA. “”We are thrilled to be welcoming our members and friends to Nashville in just two weeks!””
During the conference, AAHA will welcome three new women to the helm, a first for any major veterinary organization. AAHA is known for its tradition of fostering strong leadership by women in the veterinary profession. This is the second year that three women have been selected for the president, president-elect, and vice president roles on the AAHA Board of Directors. Kate Crumley, MS, DVM will take over as president in 2014-2015, with Tracey Jensen, DVM, DABVP as president-elect and Nancy Soares, VMD stepping into the vice president position. Kate Knutson, DVM, will also complete her 2013-2014 presidential term and become immediate past president, making for four consecutive female presidents for the Association.
“”Having four consecutive female presidents is a first in our profession,”” Cavanaugh said. “”This reassures me that the makeup of AAHA’s board of directors is reflecting the demographics of our membership and the entire veterinary profession. I am so proud to be part of such a forward-thinking, progressive and relevant organization in AAHA.””
Billionaire businessman and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria will take the stage this year in Nashville as keynote speaker. Best known as cofounder of the Paul Mitchell line of hair products and the Patron Spirits Company, DeJoria has a true “”rags to riches”” story that he will share with AAHA attendees during Opening Session.
This year will also feature award-winning photographer and New York Times Best Selling Author Seth Casteel, author of the best-selling photography book Underwater Dogs. Casteel will sign copies of his best-selling book and teach a photography workshop just for AAHA attendees.
Other AAHA conference highlights include:
- Live-streaming surgeries: Back again for the second year in a row, attendees will watch live surgeries on a giant HD screen in the AAHA Live Surgery Suite and ask the surgeon questions while the action takes place.
- Learning through song: Interactive learning is the hot buzzword in Nashville. Attendees will work with award-winning song writers while they discover how to develop successful practice teams with the new innovative session, “”Building Better Practice Teams through Song””.
- Accredited Practice of the Year winners: AAHA will announce this year’s Accredited Practice of the Year and Referral Accredited Practice of the Year award winners during Opening Session.
- State of the Industry address: AAHA surprised the veterinary profession last year with data showing that the economy is no longer the limiting factor for the growth of a practice. This year, AAHA will release new data that will shed insight on what it takes to be successful veterinary practice.
The AAHA Nashville 2014 Yearly Conference will take place at the Nashville Music City Center March 20 – 23, 2014. AAHA will convene in Tampa, Fla. in 2015.
About AAHA
AAHA is the only organization in the United States and Canada that accredits companion animal hospitals based on standards that meet or exceed state regulations. Established in 1933, the Association is well-known among veterinarians for its leadership in the profession, high standards for veterinary practices and pet health care, and most importantly, its accreditation of companion-animal practices. Visit aaha.org for more information.