The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) announced that the annual Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) 2021, the veterinary industry’s largest global conference, will take place January 16-20 in person in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center and, for the first time, virtually anywhere through its new VMX Virtual platform which features interactive educational programs, networking, and a unique 3D Expo Hall experience.
“We are excited to open registration for VMX 2021 and to expand the reach of the world’s premier veterinary event by making it digitally accessible for the first time to more people around the globe including those who, in the past, might not have been able to attend VMX. Through our new digital platform, veterinary professionals anywhere can learn from and engage with the world’s most renowned veterinary professionals, explore our industry-leading expo hall and network with colleagues wherever they are most comfortable—at home or live from Orlando, Florida at the convention center,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. “The health and safety of VMX participants is paramount and the NAVC is introducing new safety measures and working closely with the Orange County Convention Center, our host hotels and Visit Orlando to make sure we provide a safe and healthy experience for everyone who comes to VMX.”
New for VMX 2021
NAVC will debut a wide selection of RACE-approved continuing education credit hours at VMX 2021 as live sessions at the in-person Orlando event and virtually through interactive online and on-demand sessions. On demand sessions will be available for 90 days, through April 16. VMX participants can network and explore new products, services and equipment featured in the VMX Expo Hall onsite at the convention center and online all year long through VMX Virtual Expo. The NAVC broke new ground in January at VMX 2020 when it launched VMX Virtual Expo, the veterinary industry’s first virtual expo hall to use advanced simulation technology to provide a “just like being there” 3D experience.
New Safety Measures
The NAVC has added many new health and safety guidelines for VMX 2021 that adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines from the CDC, federal agencies, and local partners—including social distancing, cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, temperature checks at entrances, and various onsite health reminders. The NAVC will also utilize larger conference rooms for learning sessions to safely accommodate VMX attendees. The Expo Hall aisles have been widened and specific one-way traffic flow and various social distancing measures will be in place.
Masks will be required at all times while inside the Expo Hall, meeting rooms, and while inside the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
The OCCC is the largest convention center in the U.S. to receive GBAC Star (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) accreditation on outbreak prevention, response and recovery protocols. Additional measures of protection include: personalized medical concierge services in collaboration with Orlando Health and Visit Orlando. This groundbreaking industry collaboration, among the first of its kind nationwide, includes 24/7 access via phone, tablet or computer to a physician, access to an onsite medical expert to provide health services, including coronavirus testing and guidance regarding specific event planning.
Guided by its Recovery and Resiliency Guidelines, the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing at the OCCC has increased in all public spaces with an emphasis on high contact surfaces including elevators, door handles, public bathrooms, ATMs, stair and escalator handrails and all seating areas.
“We look forward to welcoming back the North American Veterinary Community’s world-class veterinarians and industry leaders for the 2021 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX),” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “We have implemented a series of precautionary measures to be head and shoulders above other regions for response, recovery and prevention as we operate with our new normal. Our strategies provide public assurance and confidence in prioritizing and protecting the health and safety of all VMX 2021 guests and attendees.”
For more information on health and safety and VMX please visit: https://navc.com/vmx/#safety.
Flexible Cancellation
NAVC has instituted new, flexible cancellation policies for VMX 2021 that are detailed at: https://navc.com/vmx/policy/.
About the NAVC
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, with offices in Gainesville, Florida, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is a non-profit organization providing world-class professional development to the global veterinary healthcare community. Its largest initiative, VMX, hosts thousands of veterinary professionals each year. Other offerings include VetFolio, an online CE platform in conjunction with LifeLearn Animal Health; the NAVC Institute; the Veterinary Innovation Council; NAVC Retriever, a veterinary recruitment platform and job search app; and its Media division, consisting of: Today’s Veterinary Business, Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Today’s Veterinary Practice, Veterinary Advantage, The Fountain Report and an online news and lifestyle channel, Spark! The NAVC’s Certifications division includes the Human-Animal Bond Certification, the Veterinary Business Leader Certification and the Pet Nutrition Coach Certification. Visit NAVC for more details.
