Dear Colleagues,

After much discussion and careful deliberation, we've made the difficult decision to cancel the AVMA Convention 2020 (July 31-August 4). This applies to all meetings related to the Convention, including the Cannabis Symposium.

Our top priority has always been the health, safety, and wellbeing of the veterinary community. With so much uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe this is the only way to protect all our annual convention attendees, vendors, speakers, and exhibitors. Though this decision wasn't easy to make, we believe it's the right one.

We know that many people plan well ahead for the AVMA Convention, and we wanted to let you know of our decision as soon as possible to allow you to make necessary changes to your schedule and travel plans. All attendee registration fees will be refunded, and we will be communicating those details separately.

For those that may have booked travel but not yet registered, please follow up with your travel agent or air carrier directly. Any hotel reservations made through the official AVMA block will be cancelled by AVMA. If you booked your hotel outside the official AVMA block you'll need to follow up with the hotel directly. If you have any questions regarding the convention, please contact us at convention@avma.org or 800.248.2862

While we're disappointed that we had to cancel our Convention, we're exploring virtual conference options as an alternative meeting. We'll be sending more details about that in the coming weeks. We're also looking forward to the AVMA Convention returning stronger than ever to Minneapolis in 2021.

We encourage you to visit avma.org/Coronavirus to keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 information, as well as tools and resources to help you, your team, and your practice during this time.

We continue to be inspired by the strength, flexibility, and support the veterinary community has exhibited during this crisis, and we thank all veterinary professionals during this unprecedented time. Now more than ever before, the AVMA is proud to serve you and the veterinary profession. We are truly powered by you.

Sincerely,

John Howe, DVM
President, American Veterinary Medical Association
 
Rena Carlson-Lammers, DVM
Chair, Board of Directors, American Veterinary Medical Association
 
Janet D. Donlin, DVM, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, American Veterinary Medical Association