Registration is now open for the 2020 American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Economic Summit, the only event focused solely on the economic challenges and opportunities of veterinary medicine. The summit, which takes place October 26-28, will be held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 has not only altered the format of this year’s event; it is also increasing the momentum of change in the veterinary profession, leading practices to overhaul their operations and implement new or expanded services such as telemedicine, curbside service and other innovations.
In this context, the 2020 AVMA Economic Summit will focus on a theme of transformation through collaboration. Speakers and attendees will examine the effects and experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, discuss how the profession has found new ways to safely deliver needed services, look at what's needed for veterinarians to thrive in the post-pandemic world and explore how the profession can come together to accelerate advancement.
In addition, CE sessions will discuss other current trends and innovations on a full range of business and economic topics, including:
- Incorporating value in your pricing strategy
- How to use powerful, effective language when talking with clients
- Consumer trends and attitudes and what’s changing
- Operating during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
- What to expect from the economy and strategies to help you thrive
Summit participants will leave with actionable insights into how the future of the veterinary profession might look and how decisions today can influence their practices and the profession tomorrow.
Featured Speakers
Attendees at the 2020 AVMA Economic Summit will gain insight from the following distinguished featured speakers:
- Transformation in action: Leadership lessons, Richard DeLuca Jr., executive vice president, Merck; president, Merck Animal Health: Join Rick DeLuca in a conversation about the veterinary industry's most pressing challenges and opportunities. Talking with Dr. Christine Royal of Merck Animal Health and AVMA Chief Economist Matt Salois, DeLuca will discuss what he's learned about business transformation, and how innovation and a customer mindset have helped shape his approach and success as a leader. Practice owners, business managers, and industry leaders will come away with actionable insights to apply to their work environments..
- The language of trust in a world of turmoil and skepticism, Michael Maslansky, J.D., author and CEO, Maslansky and Partners: In today's consumer environment, it's not enough to have a good story to tell. You need to be able to tell a good story. Michael Maslansky has done more than a decade's worth of research into what it takes to communicate with a skeptical public. His insightful analysis will help attendees understand why many communicators fail and what you can do to make your communications more effective. Gain insights into new words and techniques for your organization to use in times of crisis, in advertising and public relations campaigns, and when communicating with clients and customers.
- The post-pandemic economy and small business survival, Dambisa Moyo, Ph.D., bestselling author and economist: This is a rare chance to hear from Dambisa Moyo, world-renowned economist, best-selling author, and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. In an interview with AVMA Chief Economist Matt Salois, she'll discuss what the future economy will look like in the post-pandemic world, barriers to financial recovery and economic growth, and what actions and policies are needed to overcome those barriers. Learn how small businesses—including veterinary practices—can survive in these challenging economic times, and what you can do to prepare for our economic future.
- Why understanding customer value is important for pricing strategically, Utpal Dholakia, Ph.D., professor, Rice University: Of the numerous business decisions we make, none affects a practice's revenues and profits as significantly as a pricing decision. Learn the importance of incorporating a compelling value proposition in your pricing strategy. Discover what drives clients' perceptions of value, how to predict changes in them, and how to influence those perceptions.
In addition to these speakers, new research will be shared on the state of the profession and how the pandemic has impacted the profession. This research can help inform practices on the current landscape and what’s working best in these times, as well as how pet owners have changed their behavior and a look at purchasing trends.
Even though the summit is virtual, the AVMA has created plenty of opportunities for networking and interaction, through discussion groups and other opportunities to engage with speakers. Some sessions will give members an opportunity to discuss how to leverage key takeaways in their practices.
To learn more about the 2020 AVMA Economic Summit, including registration information, visit avma.org/EconSummit.
For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell) or [email protected].
