Activities
Conservation Field Trip: Horicon Marsh: Boats, Birds, and Biologists
Saturday, August 8, 4:00-9:00 p.m. (buses will stage at 3:45 p.m. , depart at 4:00 p.m. )
$60 per person
Maximum people: 74 (minimum number required); register by July 24
Horicon Marsh is a 32,000-acre wetland and is considered the largest freshwater marsh in the United States . The refuge provides critical habitat for ducks, cranes, egrets, herons, marsh birds, and shorebirds as well as several endangered species. Horicon National Wildlife Refuge supports the largest number of nesting redhead ducks in the eastern United States . Altogether, 227 species of birds call the refuge "home," along with white-tailed deer, red fox, river otters, muskrats, snapping turtles, garter snakes, and other animals.
Our trip will include a one-hour boat tour on the marsh. Following the tour, we will sit down to dinner at the newly-built International Education Center , a facility dedicated to education about wetland conservation. Biologist Bill Volkert will treat us to a discussion of the challenges facing the marsh and local bird populations. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the education center and its efforts.
Price includes round trip transportation, guided boat tour, guest speaker, entrance into Center, and your complete dinner: beef stroganoff, lasagna, green beans almandine, potatoes au gratin, garlic bread, salad, soda, and dessert. Please remember that August is hot, and that you will probably encounter mosquitoes during your time outside. Dress for the heat and wear comfortable clothing. Free bug spray will be provided on the bus ride to the park.
Conference Kick-off Event: Milwaukee County Zoo
Sunday, August 9, 6:00-9:30 p.m. (buses stage outside hotel at 5:45 p.m. )
$50 per person; children under 3 at no charge
Join us for the very popular Kick-off Event on Sunday night at the Milwaukee Zoo and enjoy a night of networking, great food, and fun! The Zoo is a serene home to more than 1,800 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles with more than 350 species represented. Recognized as one of the country’s finest zoological attractions, the Milwaukee County Zoo serves as a resource to educate, entertain and inspire. It is among the top zoos in the nation and is an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ( AZA ).
Our group will enjoy exclusive access to the Peck Welcome Center , Aviary, Primates of the World Exhibit, and the Animal Hospital . The Aviary and hospital will be open until dusk (approximately 8:00 p.m. ) and dinner will be served in a casual, buffet style for several hours to give you ample time to enjoy your visit. The Primate Exhibit will remain open during the entire event and features seven species of monkeys and the Apes of Africa Exhibit. This exhibit houses Western lowland gorillas and bonobos. The complex was designed to closely represent the West African rain forest. It provides the gorillas and bonobos with surroundings that are similar to their natural environment.
The Animal Health Center has dedicated clinical facilities, including surgery, treatment, and radiology rooms that can accommodate animals weighing as much as 2,000 pounds. It also holds a clinical laboratory accommodating diagnostic testing for hundreds of animal species. Stop by for a tour!
Your Kick-off Event ticket includes round trip transportation between the zoo and hotel, parking, cash bar, entrance into the zoo/exhibits/health center, buffet dinner, drinks (non-alcoholic), and dessert. Dinner food includes: gourmet meat and vegetarian dishes to choose from, seasonal vegetables, red dill potatoes, dinner rolls, salad with dressings, homemade cookies and brownies. The gift shop will be open for your shopping pleasure!
The Kick-off is always a very popular activity. Sign up on your conference registration form and prepare for a fun filled evening!
Guest Registration
$130 per adult; $125 per child (age 5-12); children under 5 are no charge
ATTENTION SPOUSES AND GUESTS —Join other guests and enjoy the Milwaukee City tour and lunch at the famous Public Market!
Milwaukee is a fun place to visit, and with the conference hotel located downtown, you are sure to enjoy the area while others are in sessions! Your fee includes many activities during the conference week: Guest Tour, entry into the exhibit hall, the Ice Cream Social, President’s Reception, one continental breakfast, and Wednesday lunch. Sarah Welch, spouse of AAV Treasurer Dr. Paul Welch, will be the Guest Program Hostess this year and is excited to share with you a fun filled week of activities!
The guest tour will be a great city tour! A coach bus will drive our group around the city of Milwaukee , where we will view many of the city’s landmarks, including the famous Usinger’s Sausage Company, Mader’s German restaurant, popular Water Street , the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and St. John’s Cathedral. Our tour will then follow Wisconsin Avenue past the US Bank Building , the tallest building in Wisconsin , and then continue on to the lake front, where we view the shoreline of Lake Michigan with its parks, marinas and beaches. As we drive through the Historic North Point Residential District, you will be able to view the beautiful Victorian homes, Watertower and War Memorial.
A highlight will be our stop at the Art Museum where we will watch the beauty of the “wings” open. Unprecedented in American architecture, the Burke Brise Soleil, is a moveable, wing-like sunscreen that rests on top of the Museum’s vaulted, glass-enclosed Windhover Hall. The “wings” open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. most days of the week.
We will take a short ride past the campus of Marquette University and then depart the bus for a stroll of the famous beer baron dwelling— Pabst Mansion . Next we will pass the home of the Milwaukee Brewer’s baseball team ( Miller Park ), Potawatomi Casino, and the new Harley Davidson Museum . We will stop at the Historic Third Ward where you will be able to shop and have lunch on your own. Be sure to stop at the Milwaukee Public Market for a real treat!
For those who want to call it a day, the bus will stop at the hotel for your departure. Or, if you wish, you may continue on to the Miller Brewery tour. Founded in 1846 by Charles Best, the Plank Road Brewery produced 300-barrels of beer its first year. Purchased ten years later by Fred Miller, today the brewery has grown into America ’s 2nd largest brewery. Our tour includes a walking tour of the packaging, shipping, brew house, and caves, then ends at the Hospitality Center for a sampling of draft beer!
Tour Includes: Transportation on motor coach, guided city tour, mansion admission, Miller tour, and gratuity.
Guest Program Itinerary at a Glance Monday, August 10 Tuesday, August 11 Free to explore Milwaukee , Lake Michigan , and other greatattractions on your own. Wednesday, August 12 |
President’s Reception
Wednesday, August 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
As the last event of the AAV Main Conference, this reception will be a festive gala designed to provide time for visiting with other registrants. The reception will include a brief program that features the installation of new AAV officers. Music will play as you enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and a pasta buffet that includes garlic bread and salad (cash bar available). Dr. Ron DeHaven will present a brief AVMA topic and also assist in handing out the first "AAV Speaker of the Year Award". Don’t miss this exciting announcement of the winner, voted on at the 2008 conference in Savannah .
Karaoke open to all from 9:00-11:00 p.m.
At 9:00 p.m. we will have a live DJ helping the crowd to get involved with our own, private karaoke party! It is sure to be an evening you’ll remember as you reflect on memories with old comrades, network to meet new friends, and maybe even sing a song!
ARAV Closing Event at the Milwaukee County Zoo and Annual Auction
Friday, August 14, 4:00-9:30 p.m. (buses stage outside hotel at 3:45 p.m.)
$45 per person; children under 3 at no charge
Join your colleagues for the closing event at the Peck Welcome Center in the Milwaukee County Zoo, considered among the finest zoos in the country. The Milwaukee Zoo is situated on 200 wooded acres and is home to approximately 2,500 animals. Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo and visit the Aquatic & Reptile Center and the new Animal Health Center . Return to the Peck Center for the Silent Auction and enjoy a wonderful picnic meal. The evening will end with the live auction. Ticket cost includes round trip transportation, parking, entrance, gratuity, and picnic dinner.
To donate an item to the ARAV Auction, please contact Dana Varble at vegasvet03@yahoo.com .
ARAV Student Poster Competition
Join the Student Poster Contest to be held as part of the 16th Annual Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians Conference. All veterinary students, interns, residents, and graduate students are eligible for competition. Posters will be displayed throughout the Main Conference for viewing. At least one of the contributors/authors will be required to be present near their poster on Wednesday, August 12th for judging and questions by the ARAV Poster Committee from 12:00-12:30 p.m. The winners will be announced at the AAV Presidents Reception Wednesday evening.
The awards donated by Pfizer and ARAV are as follows:
First Place : $250 ARAV conference voucher and a copy of Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents (Second Edition).
Second Place : $125 ARAV conference voucher and a copy of Ferrets, Rabbits, and Rodents (Second Edition).
The vouchers are valid for conference registration fee for 2010/2011 or wet lab fee for 2009/2010 (subject to availability).
Poster contestants will be required to submit an abstract. Names and poster titles will appear in the program. To enter, please use this link: www.ConferenceOffice.com/aav, then click on ARAV poster contest.
More Activities
AAV Auction
Proceeds to Benefit AAV Avian Research Fund
Join us this year to participate in the fundraiser for the AAV Avian Research Fund. The auction will be held in the Exhibit Hall and consists of both a silent and live auction. We are honored that Dr. Steve Wilson has agreed to be our auctioneer again this year. Several of our exhibitors and members have already contributed items. Suppliers, along with individual members, are invited to contribute as well. Help us raise more funds than ever before! Check out your clinic or home for any new and/or unusual items to donate. To contribute, contact Dr. Tarah Hadley, Auction Coordinator, at 678-562-8403 , or by e-mail: drtarah@atlantabirdsandexotics.com.
RAFFLE
Win a Free Registration for AAV 2010!
For every $50 purchase you make in the Exhibit Hall, you will receive a ticket to enter the AAV Raffle. The raffle will be held in conjunction with the auction and you must be present to win. Prizes include free 2010 AAV Main Conference registration, free 2010 AAV Specialty Program registration, and free 2010 AAV Membership. So bring your charge cards and be ready to take advantage of special deals in the Exhibit Hall!
Focused Course Program
The purposes/benefits of this program are to:
- Provide AAV members that attend the annual conference with an AAV-recognized certificate focused on courses in selected topics applicable to avian practice.
- Provide public recognition/acknowledgement to veterinarians completing the course.
- Provide a benefit unique to AAV members attending the annual conference.
- Allow the AAV member attending the annual conference to be able to complete one or more courses in 1-3 years.
You will find a focused course program form in your conference packet. Simply complete the form after the conference and receive credit toward your certificates. Log onto the conference website to see your total credits to date. www.ConferenceOffice.com/aav
ABVP (Avian Practice) and ABVP (Exotic Companion Mammal) Diplomate Certification Preparation Workshop
Monday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners would like to invite all conference attendees to a certification workshop. Topics include application, case report presentation, and examination structure. Application handbooks, which include application materials, will be available.
Evening Research Forum
Monday, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Three to four invited scientists, researchers, or veterinarians will each make a 10 to 15 minute presentation concerning a cutting-edge, complex or controversial aspect of their research. Ample time will be provided for discussion following each presentation.
Evening Pathology Forum
Sponsored by:
PETCO
Tuesday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Student Chapter Reception (AAV, AEMV, ARAV)
Tuesday, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Paul Welch, DVM, of DVM Labs, Inc.
Hagen Avicultural Research Institute
VCA Antech, Inc.
ABVP-Avian Diplomate Breakfast
Wednesday, 7:00-8:00 a.m.
Annual breakfast for all ABVP (Avian) Diplomates.
Cyber Café sponsored by VIN
The Veterinary Information Network (VIN) will provide a free cyber café to all conference attendees. VIN is the largest online community of veterinary professionals. In addition to providing a forum for case and other collegial discussion, VIN members enjoy unlimited access to the world’s largest database of veterinary medical and practice management information and a large selection of high quality online resources and continual education.
