100TH ANNUAL CONVENTION LITES UP COASTAL SKY

The 100th Annual Convention of the Alabama VMA hosted a record number of attendees according to association officials.  More than 350 veterinarians and technicians along with many family members converged on the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama from June 28th thru July 1 to take advantage of CE credits and enjoy an awesome 100 year celebration.

On Thursday night, June 28th conference goers, family members and the public were treated to a centennial beach party complete with a ten minute fireworks display made possible through the generous support of Novartis Animal Health and its “Growing Up With Pets” campaign.

A crowd of over 500 watched attentively as fireworks lit up the night sky

The beach party was made possible through the generosity of Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Fort Dodge Animal Health, both Platinum sponsors of the ALVMA’s 100 year celebration.  More than 500 people danced to the music of DJ Danny Sommers of Mobile while enjoying party food and door prizes.  Balconies of adjacent condos and hotels were packed with onlookers as hoola-hoop and other dance contests were held.

Adults and children danced on the deck of the Perdido Beach Resort during the ALVMA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration June, 28th.

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. the fireworks began, all choreographed to patriotic music. Some in attendance said they felt like they could reach out and touch the fireworks as they lit up the night sky and could be seen for miles.

Smiles adorn the faces of convention goers during a spectacular fireworks display

On Friday during a break in the conference lectures, a centennial cake party was held in the exhibit hall. A huge anniversary cake displaying the ALVMA’s 100 year logo awaited consumption by attendees and exhibitors.  Webster Veterinary, a Centennial Silver sponsor made the cake party possible through its generous support.

On Saturday evening the annul President’s Awards Dinner was held in the Ballroom of the Perdido Beach Resort. Several awards were given and the installation of officers was held. A special showing of the association’s centennial DVD was also presented, highlighting veterinary medicine in Alabama. Dr. Mark Russell of Huntsville was given a Special Award for his leadership as Chairman of the Centennial Celebration. (see related stories on award winners). Following the dinner, attendees danced the night away to the music of The Coconuts, a band from Pensacola, Florida.

On Sunday morning, convention attendee’s fellowshipped at a Missionary Breakfast while listening to Dr. George Woods of Selma talk about missionary work and the role Alabama veterinarians have played in third world countries.

As always, attendees were able to hear some of the most renowned speakers during 20 hours of CE credits which began on Friday morning and ran through Sunday noon.