Special Events

Shelter Animal Reception

New Date!

Thursday, Feb. 22: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Shelter Animal Reception

Sponsored by Merck Animal Health

Decompress after a long day at this informal gathering of directors, veterinarians, humane agents, dog wardens, and other shelter professionals.

Sponsored By:

Merck Animal Health
Member Meeting

Friday, Feb. 23: 7:00 – 7:50 a.m.

OVMA Member Business Meeting

At the annual business meeting, OVMA members are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast, hear important Association updates from officers and staff, and witness the passing of the presidential gavel.

No advance RSVP is required, but the event is limited to current OVMA members.

Connection Corner

Friday, Feb. 23: 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Connection Corner Networking Lunch

This event brings together veterinary and pre-vet students with practicing veterinarians for lunch and an hour of speed networking. Students are invited to ask questions about their future careers, while veterinarians have the chance to impact the future of the profession!

Sponsored By: Stanton Foundation

Coffee

Friday, Feb. 23: 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.

Canine Spectrum of Care Coffee & Conversation

MVC and The Stanton Foundation invite all attendees to a meet and greet with track speakers prior to the final session of the day. Enjoy light refreshments as you listen to panelists discuss practical applications of spectrum of care in various settings.

For a full description of the panel discussion, please see Session 320.

Sponsored By:

Stanton Foundation
Happy Hour

Friday, Feb. 23: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Happy Hour in the Exhibit Hall

It’s after hours, but no emergencies here! Unwind and expand your professional network at the first-ever Exhibit Hall Happy Hour. Participating exhibitors will be passing out complimentary drink tickets during hall hours on Thursday and Friday, so be sure to explore during your down time!

Participating Companies

  • AcutePet Urgent Care
  • Amerisource Bergen - MWI Animal Health
  • Avalon Medical
  • AVMA PAC
  • Elanco
  • Epicur Pharma
  • Emergency Veterinary Care Centers (EVCC)
  • Lighthouse Veterinary Personnel Services
  • Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital
  • Noah's Ark Animal Clinics
  • NVA
  • Pet Cremation Services
  • PetVet 365
  • Trusted Journey
  • Vetenari
  • Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of Ohio
  • Veterinary Emergency Group
  • Zoetis
hockey

Friday, Feb. 23: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Buffalo Sabres

Fundraiser to benefit Ohio Animal Health Foundation

Join the Ohio Animal Health Foundation on Feb. 23 as the Blue Jackets take on the Buffalo Sabres. The team will donate up to $20 per ticket to Ohio Animal Health Foundation to help continue their mission of ensuring a brighter future for animals.

Note: Tickets must be purchased online via the link below to count toward the fundraiser.

Technician breakfast

Saturday, Feb. 24: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Technician Appreciation Breakfast & Panel Discussion

Technicians are invited to join us for breakfast and networking on Saturday morning. Afterward, continue the conversation by attending the subsequent panel discussion to explore career paths and get advice from technicians working in a variety of settings. For a full description of the panel discussion, please see Session 593.

Sponsored By:

Dechra Veterinary Products

Other Activities

Mobile App Game

Begins Thursday at 12:00 a.m.

Mobile App Game

Compete against fellow attendees to earn points by completing challenges in the mobile app and around the conference. The highest point earners at the end of the event will win a prize!

How to Play

  • Log in to the app.
  • Tap on the game icon on the home screen and then tap on Join Game (beginning Feb. 22).
  • Some actions you take in the app will earn you automatic points (such as opening session documents or viewing an exhibitor), while others will require you to complete an action (such as scanning a QR code in an exhibitor's booth).
  • Earn as many points as possible before the game ends for your chance at winning one of two $250 gift cards!
Social Space

Thursday & Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Social Space

Network with MedVet! Learn more about how we’re Leading Specialty Healthcare for Pets. For 35+ years, our team of expert caregivers has helped us grow to be the preferred choice for high quality, compassionate care and we’re proud to serve 400,000+ patients each year in communities throughout the U.S.

MVC does not have additional information; please direct your questions to the event organizer.

Rabies titer Testing

Friday, Feb. 23: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Rabies Titer Testing

ArcPoint Labs of Columbus will be providing on-site rabies titer testing. The price is $98 for an antibody screen or $118 for endpoint testing.

The CDC recommends veterinary professionals get either: (a) a one-time titer check one year after receiving the rabies vaccine series and up to three years following the first 2-dose vaccination OR (b) a one-dose booster between three weeks and three years following the first vaccine in the 2-dose vaccination.