As we focus on the mission of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians to increase the knowledge of swine veterinarians; protect and promote the health and well-being of pigs; advocate science-based approaches to veterinary, industry, and public health issues; promote the development and availability of resources that enhance the effectiveness of professional activities; create opportunities that inspire personal and professional growth and interaction; and mentor students, encouraging life-long careers as swine veterinarians, the capstone for each of these objectives is our Annual Meeting. While focused effort on the mission is continuous throughout the year, it is at the Annual Meeting that we all can gather to increase our knowledge, meet as committees, engage student members, and celebrate the successes of all our members.
The Annual Meeting takes significant investment of time, talent, and financial support for it to be successful each year. The process begins years in advance starting with the selection of a location for the meeting by the AASV Board of Directors. At the fall 2022 board meeting, locations for the Annual Meeting have been set through 2027. The size of the Annual Meeting is not large enough to use major convention centers but is too large for some hotels to accommodate. The board decision on future meeting locations is made after evaluating location information from multiple cities acquired by the AASV executive director.
The contract with the hotel requires guaranteed food and beverage and lodging night minimums from AASV for the use of the meeting facilities at the hotel. If the contracted requirements are not met, AASV is responsible for payment of the difference to the hotel. With scheduled breaks, receptions, and meals, typically the food and beverage requirements are met. For the most recent meeting, food and beverage expenses were approximately two-thirds of the meeting costs. You would be amazed how much a gallon of coffee, a served luncheon, or a doughnut costs! Room night requirements are usually met. However, for the 2021 meeting in Indianapolis, AASV failed to meet the room night requirement and was responsible for an additional payment of $24,000 (negotiated down from over $40,000). Our attendance was down slightly, likely the result of continued travel restrictions for some as we returned to an in-person meeting. Attendees choosing to stay at other locations also contributed to missing the minimum contracted nights. As you finalize your plans to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting, I hope that you will make your lodging reservations at the meeting hotel to assist AASV achieving the minimum room night requirement.
To all the past and present sponsors of the Annual Meeting and those who participate with a technical table, whose support directly offset expenses for the Annual Meeting, thank you for your support! With the loss of sponsorship for the Monday luncheon for 2023, the AASV Foundation Board of Directors has committed to cosponsor 50% of the cost with AASV in lieu of holding their usual separate Foundation luncheon on Sunday. The announcement of foundation grants and recognitions will take place during the Monday luncheon, along with the usual student scholarship awards. The AASV Budget Committee recommended increases in the 2023 Annual Meeting registration fees, which was approved by the board. These increases reflect the increasing costs to host the meeting including food, beverage, and audio-visual support and loss of sponsorships for the meeting.
Dr Bill Hollis and the program committee have put together another tremendous program for the Annual Meeting using input from the post-meeting survey that will provide high value to all attendees. I am looking forward to the Annual Meeting at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora (Denver), Colorado. See you there!
Mike Senn, DVM, MS
AASV President