The AASV annual meeting is more than just sessions and seminars: check out the numerous opportunities for attendees to interact socially during the meeting. We are grateful to the corporate sponsors who have made these events possible; please thank their representatives!
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION
Co-sponsored by SCHERING-PLOUGH ANIMAL HEALTH and AASV
Saturday, March 4
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum
Catch a trolley to Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Historic District for Saturday’s opening night reception at the AASV Annual Meeting! Enjoy a dinner buffet, jazz music, and baseball sundries as you step back in time within the halls of the American Jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball Museums. The evening is sponsored by Schering-Plough Animal Health. Trolleys begin departing from the Westin hotel lobby at 5:30 pm. Former Negro Leaguer Buck O’Neil will throw the first pitch at 6:00 pm to open the evening, which continues until 10:00 pm.
AASV INTERNET KIOSK
Sponsored by NOVARTIS ANIMAL HEALTH US, Inc.
Saturday, March 4
Westin Crown Center, ballroom level
Saturday-Tuesday
Do you need to let loved ones know you arrived safely? Check on the status of work back at the office? Confirm flight plans? Check your email? No problem – just visit the AASV Internet Kiosk on the Conference Level of the Westin. Thanks to Novartis Animal Health US, Inc, now you can stay connected to the rest of the world while you enjoy your stay in Kansas City!
SUNDAY, MARCH 5
AASV PRAYER BREAKFAST
Sunday, March 5
7:00 – 8:00 am
Pershing East (ballroom level)
It’s Sunday and even though you’re away from your home congregation, the AASV prayer breakfast will get your week off to a great start. Bring your family and gather with other AASV meeting attendees for a devotion led by Dr. Greg Cline. A continental breakfast buffet will be available for purchase. The devotion will conclude by 8:00 am to allow you to attend the pre-conference seminars, but feel free to stay and visit if you wish. All AASV meeting attendees and their family members are welcome!
SPOUSES – SHOP THE PLAZA!
Sunday, March 5
1:15 pm
Meet in the Westin hotel lobby
Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza is a shopper’s paradise! Join AASV "first lady" Denise Gillespie on an informal outing Sunday afternoon to explore some of the 120-plus stores located in this premier 14-block shopping district. You’ll find yourself engulfed by the Old World atmosphere of the Plaza’s romantic Spanish architecture and European art as you make your way from high fashion apparel stores to local boutiques, gift shops, specialty food stores, galleries of art and home décor, and more…the list seems endless! Meet Denise and other spouses in the Westin lobby at 1:15 pm to make arrangements for transportation together.
WELCOME RECEPTION
Sponsored by FORT DODGE ANIMAL HEALTH and WYETH ANIMAL HEALTH
Sunday, March 5
5:30 – 8:00 pm
Century A & B (ballroom level)
You’re invited to enjoy some mighty fine eating and good conversation at the AASV Welcome Reception and Barbecue on Sunday, March 5. Grill chef Ted Reader is back by popular demand to demonstrate his award-winning grilling techniques and prepare pork dishes from his cookbook "Hot, Sticky, and On Fire." Enjoy barbecue and beverages while Ted entertains, courtesy of Fort Dodge Animal Health and Wyeth Animal Health. Just "follow your snout" to Century A & B on the ballroom level of the Westin Crown Center.
INTERVET STUDENT RECEPTION
Sunday, March 5
8:00 – 11:00 pm
Century C (ballroom level)
Whether you’re a veterinarian or a veterinary student, you’re invited to attend the Student Reception at the AASV Annual Meeting, courtesy of Intervet. An evening of refreshments, entertainment, and good conversation is planned for Sunday, March 5 from 8:00 to 11:00 pm in the Century C ballroom at the Westin. Once again, a posting board and registration cards will be available for use by students interested in listing themselves as seeking employment or externships in swine practice during the coming year. AASV members are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to interact with future swine veterinarians and make contacts to fill upcoming employment and externship opportunities within their practice or company!
MONDAY, MARCH 6
SPOUSE HOSPITALITY SUITE
Monday, March 6
7:00 – 9:00 am
Brookside (lobby level)
All AASV spouses are invited to this informal gathering. The continental breakfast is provided by the AASV; enjoy a pastry and coffee or juice while you make new acquaintances or visit with old friends!
AASV SPOUSE TOUR "KANSAS CITY HERE WE COME"
Monday, March 6
9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Escape your hotel room and join AASV "first lady" Denise Gillespie and other AASV spouses for a guided tour of attractions you won’t see anyplace else. You’ll experience flavors and sights unique to the area while being immersed in history and art that have local origins with far-reaching influence. We’ll begin by traveling to the historic town of Independence, Missouri, for a tour of the recently renovated Truman Presidential Museum and Library. You’ll not only become acquainted with the life of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, but also experience a period in U.S. history that changed the world forever. In addition, our visit coincides with the exhibit of the White House in Miniature, a 60′ x 20′ scale-model reproduction of the presidential residence. This traveling display, which took 35 years to research, design, and construct, features miniature reproductions of original furnishings, including hand carved chairs, crystal chandeliers, portraits, carpets, and even tiny working televisions.
After a break for lunch and some of Kansas City’s famous barbecue at the Smokehouse Bar-B-Que restaurant, we’ll spend a little time browsing the many shops in one of the area’s newest shopping destinations, Zona Rosa. This "city within a city" features many well-known merchants tucked into a few blocks of old-fashioned charm.
Before heading back to the Westin hotel, we’ll step back in time once again for a tour of the 1903 native limestone home and carriage house turned art studio of famous Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975). A painter and sculptor, Benton is especially known for his vibrant paintings and murals depicting everyday life in rural America. You will have seen one of his murals on display in the Truman Library, and more examples of his work adorn his home. His studio remains as he left it when he died at work, brush in hand, in 1975. Transportation, tour guide, admission fees, and lunch are all included in the tour registration fee. Space is still available; but register soon!
AASV LUNCHEON
Sponsored by BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA
Monday, March 6
12:00 – 1:30 pm
Crown Center Exhibit Center
After a motivating and information-packed morning, refuel with a satisfying lunch! You’ll find your lunch ticket tucked in your name badge. Luncheon sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim will be announcing the recipients of their three $25,000 Advancement in PRRS Research Award grants. In addition, the Veterinary Student Scholarships will be presented to the Student Seminar participants. Don’t miss the excitement! Sorry, additional tickets to the luncheon are not available.
AASV AWARDS RECEPTION
Sponsored by ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH
Monday, March 6
6:30 – 8:00 pm
Century A & B (ballroom level)
Enjoy a casual atmosphere along with a variety of food and beverages – there will be plenty for everyone. While you eat, watch the AASV presentation featuring information about the past 37 years of AASV (you’re sure to see some familiar faces – maybe one of them will be yours)! The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the prestigious AASV Awards, followed by the exciting AASV Foundation Live Auction. Tickets for the reception are provided to all meeting registrants (check your name badge holder). Tickets for accompanying adults are available for $10.00; children under twelve are free. Make sure to bring your tickets with you; you’ll need them to obtain your beverages.
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
AASV BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Tuesday, March 7
7:00 – 9:00 am
Liberty (ballroom level)
Fuel up for the last day of the meeting with a hot and hearty breakfast. We’ll bring you up-to-date on AASV business, and you’ll meet the new AASV officers as they are inducted into office for 2005-6. Your ticket is included with your meeting registration (you guessed it – look in your name badge holder).
FRENCH MEMBER BREAKFAST
Tuesday, March 7
7:00 – 9:00 am
Shawnee (ballroom level)
Enjoy breakfast with your French-speaking AASV colleagues. Sponsored by AASV and hosted by Dr. Luc Dufresne.
SPANISH MEMBER BREAKFAST
Tuesday, March 7
7:00 – 9:00 am
Mission (ballroom level)
Enjoy breakfast with your Spanish-speaking AASV colleagues. Sponsored by AASV and hosted by Dr. Laura Batista.