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WSAVA Congress 2008

WSAVA 2008 Dublin Congress Highlights

The beautiful and lively city and people of Dublin, Ireland welcomed 2,870 attendees representing 86 countries during the 33rd WSAVA Congress held from August 20-24, 2008. The top countries of attendee origin, contributing over 100 delegates each, were Ireland, the United Kingdom, The USA, Australia, Canada, France, and Germany. The Congress was suitably held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), which was founded in 1731 to promote the development of agriculture, arts, science, and industry in Ireland, and housed on grounds that cover 40 acres in the heart of Dublin. The continuing education (CE) program was comprised of 235 Congress lectures (including 4 State-Of-The-Art Lectures or SOTALs) accommodated into 8 streams presented by 75 world-renowned veterinary scientists covering over 20 disciplines. This was complemented by 27 oral or poster Abstract presentations and 3 Pre-Congress meetings that provided 14 additional lectures in the areas of veterinary emergency and critical care, feline, and avian medicine. As well, the Animal Welfare track continues as a Congress highlight, attracting more attendees year-over-year, with an additional track on hereditary diseases organized by the WSAVA Committee of the same name, and an update on the tremendous accomplishments of the GI Standardization Group, presented by Dr Robert Washabau. The Congress was supported by WSAVA Prime Partner Hill’s, and Partners Fort Dodge, Nestle Purina, Pfizer, Novartis, and Bayer who joined the 135 exhibitor strong Exhibition Hall.

Evenings were spent meeting old friends and making new ones at a variety of lively social events. The Opening Ceremonies took place on Thursday, August 21 at the RDS and featured the dynamic Irish musical group Electric Ceili, opening addresses from a variety of dignitaries, presentation of the WSAVA Awards (see later), and a parade of Irish dog breeds. This was followed by a cocktail party on the RDS grounds while enjoying a live sheepdog trial demonstration and a display from the Irish Pony Club. Friday night played host to the Gala Evening, which began with a champagne reception in the airy conservatory overlooking the lake on the leafy grounds of the University College Dublin campus, followed by a 5-course banquet at O’Reilly Hall. After dinner festivities including the passing of the Presidential Chain of Office from out-going President Dr Brian Romberg to incoming president Dr. David Wadsworth and culminating in a lively evening of dancing to the sounds of “Boogie Nights”, Ireland’s number 1 party band. On Saturday night, attendees were treated by event sponsor Merial to a traditional evening of Irish food and Celtic music on the grounds of the historic Trinity College, home of the famous Book of Kells. Guests mingled in an eclectic mix of rooms comprising the College’s dining halls from the gothic, arched, low-ceiling ground floor, multiple small private dining rooms, the 3-level, balconied atrium, and the great dining hall. The Closing Ceremonies wrapped up the Congress on Sunday afternoon and featured an engaging presentation highlighting next year’s Brazil Congress, featuring Brazilian dancers. The Dublin Congress was a tremendous event, complimented by many pre, congress, and post-congress tours arranged by the Congress Organizing Committee, all of which will leave attendees with many fond and lasting memories.

For more Congress 2008 news and pictures, visit the WSAVA Congress photo Gallery

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WSAVA Assembly Meeting

WSAVA President Dr. Brian Romberg, chairing his last Assembely meeting as WSAVA president, welcomed the Assembly members after a 12-month hiatus since the last assembly meeting in Sydney, Australia on August 19, 2007.