Conference Location
Where does the Midwest Veterinary Conference take place?
Each year, the MVC is located at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio—on the near-north side of downtown Columbus, easily accessible by Interstates 70 and 71. The address is 400 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. Please visit the GCCC Web site for more information.
Housing
What are the Conference hotels and how can I make a reservation?
The MVC has reserved blocks of rooms in seven nearby hotels at a discounted rate. For 2011, you are able to make your own reservations directly as the use of Experience Columbus has been discontinued. You may make your reservations online; the links provided on this Web site will take you directly to the Conference's designated room blocks with the group codes already entered in. You may also call the hotels directly to make your reservation using the phone numbers provided; please be sure to use the group code specified. To make a reservation or to view a list of the Conference hotels, please visit the Travel & Hotels page.
If I have to change or cancel my hotel reservation, can I call the hotel directly?
Yes, you may call the hotels directly. Please visit the Travel page for the phone number of each hotel.
Where can I get a hotel if the Conference hotels are booked?
Please watch the Travel & Hotels page for any updates and any potential overflow hotels, or visit Experience Columbus for additional nearby hotels. Notices about hotel updates will also be posted on the MVC Facebook page as well as on Twitter.
Travel & Parking
How do I get to the Greater Columbus Convention Center?
• From Port Columbus International Airport: I-670 West, Exit 4-B to the Convention Center
• From the North: I-71 South to I-670 West (exit 109-A), Exit I-670 at exit 4-B to the Convention Center
• From the South: I-71 North to I-70 East to Fourth Street Exit; North on Fourth to Nationwide Boulevard
• From the West: I-70 East to Fourth Street Exit; North on Fourth to Nationwide Boulevard.
• From the East: I-70 West to Fourth Street Exit; North on Fourth to Nationwide Boulevard.
Please click to a printable map and directions to the Convention Center.
What transportation is available from the airport?
• Taxis: You'll find taxis available in the ground transportation area of the terminal on a 24-hour basis. The approximate fare into downtown Columbus is $25. For more information, contact the Taxi General Manager at 614-239-TAXI or by e-mail.
• COTA: Port Columbus is served by Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) public bus service, available to take you almost anywhere in the city. For routes, fares, and schedules, please visit the COTA Web site.
• Rental Car Companies: Alamo 800-GO-ALAMO, Avis 800-331-1212, Budget 800-527-0700, Dollar 800-800-4000, Enterprise 800-325-8007, Hertz 800-654-3131, National 800-CAR-RENT, Thrifty 800-367-2277
Is parking available at or near the Convention Center?
Yes, there are multiple parking lots adjacent to or near the Convention Center that offer daily and hourly rates. Rates and availability for each lot differ. For information on each lot and a printable map, please visit the Convention Center Web site.
What should I bring with me?
In addition to your standard travel items, please be sure to bring the following:
- Session notes: There will not be a notes printing station on site at the Conference, so please remember to print your notes before arriving.
- Confirmation materials: This includes your registration confirmation, badge and any tickets you ordered. Please note that there will be a $10 badge replacement fee should you forget or lose your badge, so remember to keep it safe!
- Notebook: The MVC will provide a small notes-taking section in the back of your on-site program, but please bring additional paper if you take detailed notes.
What is the Conference attire?
Attire for the MVC is business casual. You may wish to dress in layers, as Convention Center and hotel meeting rooms can be cool.
Can I bring my pets?
We love them as much as you, but Convention Center regulations and health codes prohibit pets being brought into the Midwest Veterinary Conference. In keeping with the law, only assistance dogs are permitted. Please help us not disappoint your pet by making them have to go home early!
Will there be shuttle service available?
Yes. For guests at the Hyatt on Capitol Square, there will be a complimentary shuttle to and from the Convention Center.
On-Site Services
Does the MVC offer on-site child care?
Yes, Kiddie Corp is providing on-site child care. Please note that pre-registration is necessary.
What ages of children can attend the child care and how much does it cost?
The program offered by KiddieCorp at the MVC accepts infants as young as 6 weeks old up to children 12 years of age. The cost to participate is $7 per hour, per child with a two-hour minimum per child per day.
Where and when will the child care be available?
The KiddieCorp program will be located in the Harrison Room of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, conveniently connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center via covered walkway. Please be sure to register in advance. Program hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Will there be food or beverages available to attendees?
The MVC provides complimentary coffee in the morning, and water stations are available throughout the day. The Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency offer several dining venues on site, and dozens of local restaurants are within walking distance of the Convention Center.
Do you have an employment opportunity board?
The Career Opportunities Center is located in the back of the Exhibit Hall in the 200 aisle. There will be boards available for attendees to post job listings, and if you require a table, these are available to OVMA members at no charge, first come, first serve. MVC personnel are not available to set up displays or post jobs. Those who would like to use this center should set up their own display.
Are there rooms to conduct interviews?
No, unfortunately the MVC does not have interview rooms available. Please make meeting area arrangements on your own.
Is a coat check available?
Yes, a coat check is available each day of the Conference just outside of Exhibit Hall C of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Attendees may check coats and luggage, if need be. Approximate cost of checking a coat and/or luggage is $2 per item.
Will Titer Testing be available?
Yes, Titer Testing is available at the Midwest Veterinary Conference. Location of the testing is in the Wellness Center in the Exhibit Hall at the beginning of the 800 aisle. The Wellness Center will be open Thursday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost for the testing is $50. Payment can be made in cash or checks made payable to MedOhio Occupational Health Centers. The lab work will be sent to Kansas State University for "endpoint" results determination. All results will be mailed to each individual in a self-addressed envelope.
Notes & Recordings
How do I access the online notes/presentations?
All paid registrants receive complimentary access as part of their registration. The login and password information will be included with your initial registration confirmation. If you need to retrieve this information, please contact the OVMA office.
Will I be able to obtain any printed notes on-site?
No, printing stations will not be available for printing notes on-site. However, a business center is available in the food court area below the Hyatt as well as a Kinko's is located a few blocks away.
Will audio recordings be available for purchase?
Yes, the MVC has partnered with Dove Convention Services, an audio recording company, to capture the audio for sessions in which the Speaker has granted approval to audio record. Dove will have a booth located just outside of Exhibit Hall C in the Greater Columbus Convention Center where attendees can purchase the audio recordings in a variety of formats.
Social Events & Activities
Does the MVC provide any social events or activities?
Yes, the MVC offers the MVC Live event and the MVC Sunday Lunch. For more information about times, locations and ticket prices, if any, please visit the Events section of the Web site.
For families of attendees, the Auxiliary to the OVMA offers Family Fun Time during the day on both Friday and Saturday. To learn more about this activity, visit the Auxiliary Events section of the Web site.
What social events are available outside of the Conference?
The Columbus Blue Jackets will host the Phoenix Coyotes on Friday, Feb. 25. You can find a discounted ticket order form, as well as other events going on during your stay in Columbus, on the Visiting Columbus page.
What activities and social events are available to students?
For OVMA and OAVT Student Members, registration is free. For non-member students, there is a registration fee of $20. Registration for the Conference provides access to over 400 hours of scientific educational programming, complimentary Sunday Lunch, networking and mentoring opportunities that will put you a step ahead in your veterinary career. Plus, students have access to the Exhibit Hall with hundreds of veterinary products and service providers.
Veterinary students are invited to attend the Thursday evening Student Appreciation Reception, and all attendees are welcome to purchase tickets to the MVC! Live Saturday evening entertainment.
MVC Volunteer Opportunities
Are there any volunteer opportunities at the MVC?
Yes. The MVC staff is seeking volunteers to preside over one or more sessions during the Conference.
What is a Session Presider, and what do they do?
A Session Presider serves as an ambassador of the MVC to the Speaker. Presiders introduce the speakers of their selected sessions using an introduction prepared by the MVC staff and, in the event of a problem, assist in locating appropriate staff to resolve A/V equipment or room issues.
Who can be a presider?
Any 2011 MVC registered attendee—including students.
What is the time commitment of a Session Presider?
Volunteers usually preside for a morning (8 a.m. to noon) or afternoon block of sessions (1 to 5 p.m.), but we will gladly accept any level of commitment.
What’s in it for me?
To show our appreciation for your efforts as an MVC Session Presider, you receive the following:
- Access to Speaker Dining Room on the day you preside.
- Networking with experts in your future profession.
- Session Presider ribbon for MVC badge.
- Recognition for volunteer service in on-site program.
- Recognition for volunteer service in the OVMA's newsletter, The Observer.
How do I become a 2012 MVC Session Presider?
Online sign-up for presiding will begin in early 2011.
Who can I talk to if I have any questions concerning presiding?
Contact Aimee Ruble by e-mail or by phone at 800.662.6862.
Location Maps
Click below to view:
Greater Columbus Convention Center
GCCC Floor Plans - interactive maps
GCCC Floor Plan - PDF
GCCC Area Map - PDF
GCCC Food Court & Shops - PDF
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Hyatt Regency Floor Plan
Hyatt Regency Area Map - PDF
|
