It was great to see so many of you in Baltimore in October for the 2018 VHMA Annual Meeting and Conference. The two and a half days flew by!
To those that attended the conference, please know that I appreciate your involvement and the effort required to leave your practices, clients, patients and families for several days to take part in this event. I feel privileged to lead this unique association of professionals who are committed to staying on top of changes and advances in the industry and using this knowledge to benefit patients, clients and practices. It’s the way we live The VHMA Life. It is how we remain motivated, connected and inspired.
At the conference, participants and presenters were enthusiastic, engaged, involved and represented a unique mix of expertise, positions in the industry and years of experience. This diversity, open-mindedness and willingness to share contributed to the meeting’s dynamic learning environment.
Post-conference evaluations revealed that for attendees, the conference was a worthwhile experience. Attendees stated that they can directly apply what they have learned to their jobs and believe it will help them be more efficient at work. Definitely a worthwhile investment!
I was pleased that our Program Committee incorporated a nice mix of industry experts and non-industry experts this year. It is easy to become entrenched in an industry-wide way of thinking and governed by artificial boundaries that constrain actions and solutions. By exposing managers to experts from outside the industry, we encourage participants to explore unconventional approaches. Businesses around us are changing at a rapid pace. Like it or not, non-veterinary businesses impact what we do. As leaders, we have an obligation to be aware and understand a broad view of the business environment so that we can continue to remain relevant.
Thank you to all of the conference attendees who thoughtfully shared their feedback. As we plan future programing your feedback will help us improve what and how we do things.
I am thankful for the support and commitment of our members!
Jim Nash, MHA, CVPM
VHMA President