Wow! What a great VHMA annual conference in Charlotte! It was wonderful to see so many managers in one place, sharing, learning, and racing around from session to session.
Full disclosure: This blog is NOT the one I started three weeks ago. I had initially planned to share my thoughts leading up to the conference and my hopes and dreams of what it would mean for me as both a practice manager and VHMA's board president. As it turned out, a blog about what I hoped would happen was overshadowed by how fantastic the conference was.
After all these years of attending VHMA meetings, I am still amazed by the smiling faces and old friends who make my job such a joy. And talk about breaking records…VHMA had a record attendance of 688, 511 management professionals and 177 industry representatives. Over 200 CVPMs at this year's conference!
Charlotte was a gracious host city, and we used the history of NASCAR's roots there to build the theme of "Racing Toward Success."
How the Race Played Out
We took a test drive on Wednesday with our pre-conference meeting, which had over 30 participants, and a CVPM question-writing session with record numbers of attendees. Your board of directors spent the day meeting and discussing many of the newest benefits coming for our members (keep reading for more insights).
As is our tradition, the conference moved into high speed on Thursday morning with engaging motivational keynote speakers and my welcome message. It was a thrill to look out at a totally packed ballroom. The morning sped by like we were truly racing to see how much we could fit into the day.
Three tracks of classes ensured that learning experiences were created for all managers, regardless of experience. A crucial pitstop for all was the exhibit hall, filled with innovative and informative vendors, corporate sponsors, and an electric vibe. What a great way to start things off!
Updates, Big News, and A Night to be Remembered
The wrap-up of day one was far from a wrap-up; it was a rev-up as attendees sped into the Annual Membership Meeting, many with wine glasses in hand. That's when I got to share how far we have come and where we are heading. I am not on any sort of speaking tour, but it was exciting to be the one to share with our members the great things that we are doing for them as members and some big news about initiatives that we are adding to VHMA to position members for the winners' circle!
If the big night that followed at the NASCAR Hall of Fame had your wheels spinning too much to recall everything I spoke about, allow me to share the big highlights:
- I announced the launch of VHMA's new Career Center, which is focused on managers. The site launched at the end of August and will serve as a resource for managers looking to hire and job seekers in the market for a new position. Go check it out. We will be adding more tools to the site as we gather information from the postings and needs of our members.
- I shared that a new certification, the Certified Veterinary Office Manager (CVOM), will be launched in 2025! Yes, this is a significant announcement! This certification is for professional managers with different management responsibilities than CVPMs who seek validation of their knowledge and experience. Program information will be announced at the end of the year, and we will open the program for applications in the spring of 2025. Watch for more details headed your way soon!
- I recognized some standout individuals. As I see it, this is one of the perks of being the president: I got to acknowledge the Practice Manager of the Year, our Emerging Leaders, and, of course, the annual recipient of the President's Award. If you think winning an auto race is thrilling, I would argue that this part of my role is even better.
- I highlighted our high-speed stats! In non-racing terms, I used my presentation time to share our growth as an association. We ended July with over 4,600 members, and it was another record year for CVPMs.
- Last but not least, I paid tribute to a legend by announcing the Mark Opperman Scholarship, named after an iconic founder of both VHMA and the CVPM. His name will always be remembered as an influential pioneer in veterinary management.
Weekend Warriors & High-Speed Learners
The fast pace of learning and networking continued through a weekend of outstanding speakers and classes.
They all motivated us to try new things in our hospitals and address some things we have been putting off as we race around in our daily worlds.
In short, the Annual Conference's theme, “Racing Toward Success,” was exactly that for me. I am hopeful it was for you, too.
Meet me on the speedway in 2025! Mark your calendars for the Management Exchange, which will be held February 20-22 in Nashville, and what is sure to be our biggest Annual Conference, which will be held September 4-6 in New Orleans.Until then, keep that engine of ideas and great vibes running!
Still in High Gear,
Scott Zimmerman