Canada's Largest Joint Veterinary Gathering to be held at Metro Toronto Convention Centre

22/03/2011 Canada

TORONTO, March 16 /CNW/ - From March 24 - 27, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), will host the largest international veterinary conference in Canadian history at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Toronto will be host to approximately 3,600 companion animal veterinarians, managers, practice owners and technicians from around the world.

"Toronto is a world class city and the MTCC is the ideal place to host this joint conference," said Jason Merrihew, AAHA Spokesperson. "We are looking forward to providing top notch continuing education and a one-of-a-kind experience to all of this year's conference delegates."

In addition to providing critical continuing education for veterinary professionals in areas such as pain management, neurology, anesthesia, behavioral issues, pet overpopulation, AAHA and OVMA will also be celebrating World Veterinary Year. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the first veterinary school that was opened in Lyon, France in 1761. In honour of this, Mayor Rob Ford has also proclaimed March 21-27 as "Veterinary Week" in Toronto.

"We are delighted to be welcoming this group of professionals to Toronto and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre," MTCC President & CEO Barry Smith said. "Teaming up with its Canadian partner means an increased opportunity for sharing new ideas, improving quality care and implementing new standards that will undoubtedly benefit all attending." The local economy will benefit from over $9.4 million in delegate spending.

About the MTCC

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is Canada's #1 convention and trade show facility. Since its opening in 1984, the MTCC has hosted approximately 15,000 events and entertained over 40 million guests. For further information, please visit www.mtccc.com.

About the AAHA

The American Animal Hospital Association is an international organization of approximately 6,000 veterinary care teams, comprised of more than 47,000 veterinary professionals, who are committed to excellence in companion animal care. Established in 1933, the Association is well-known among veterinarians for its leadership in the profession, high standards for veterinary practices and pet health care, and most importantly, its accreditation of companion animal practices. For more information about AAHA, visit www.aahanet.org.

About the OVMA

Founded in 1980, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association represents thousands of veterinarians across Ontario in private practice, government, academia, industry and public service. Its mandate is to advance and promote excellence in the veterinary profession in Ontario, and contribute to the betterment of animal health and the protection of human health. For more information about OVMA, visit www.ovma.org

For further information:

For media inquiries:
Melissa Carlaw, OVMA Manager of Communications and Public Relations
905.580.6345, mcarlaw@ovma.org

Jason Merrihew, AAHA Associate Public Relations Manager
720.963.4479, Jason.Merrihew@aahanet.org

Christine Tse, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Marketing Manager
416.585.8106, ctse@mtccc.com