Session Presiders & Assistants
Would you like to be more involved in the Midwest Veterinary Conference? Are you looking for an opportunity to connect with experts in your field and maybe even meet with speakers one-on-one? If so, becoming a Session Presider or Assistant is the perfect way to take your Conference experience to the next level!
A Session Presider serves as an "ambassador" to one or more Speakers. Presiders introduce the speaker before the session. (Don’t worry, we will prepare a short speech for you!) In the event of a problem, Session Assistants help to locate appropriate staff to resolve A/V equipment or room issues. Together, Presiders and Assistants help make the session run smoothly by troubleshooting any issues so the Speaker can continue his or her presentation.
As a Presider, you not only help execute one of the largest veterinary conferences in America, but also the following:
- Free lunch! Presiders have access to Speaker Dining Room on the day they preside.
- Complimentary parking! The OVMA validates parking for Presiders.
- Networking opportunities! Meet and greet with experts in your future profession.
- Education! You'll be able to sit in on the sessions you're presiding over.
- Recognition! You'll get a Session Presider ribbon for your MVC badge, which you can proudly wear during the Conference, and you'll receive recognition for your volunteer service in the on-site program and in the OVMA's post-Conference edition of The Observer.
- SCAVMA Points! Volunteer for three hours, get one SCAVMA point. Volunteer for six hours, get two SCAVMA points.
Assistants also get the satisfaction of helping out at this huge Conference, as well as:
- Complimentary parking! The OVMA validates parking for Presiders.
- Networking opportunities! Meet and greet with experts in your future profession.
- Education! You'll be able to sit in on the sessions you're presiding over.
- Recognition! You'll receive recognition for your volunteer service in the on-site program and in the OVMA's post-Conference edition of The Observer.
- SCAVMA Points! Volunteer for three hours, get one SCAVMA point. Volunteer for six hours, get two SCAVMA points.
More questions? Read the Volunteering FAQs or contact the OVMA.
Volunteer your cat or dog
If your cat or dog is well-behaved and sociable, consider volunteering him or her as a demonstration animal for one of the MVC's Wet Labs. You will be able to attend the lab along with your pet and observe the lecture and demonstrations. Students who volunteer for a wet lab will receive free parking and an appreication gift.
The MVC needs demonstration animals for the following labs:
- Lab A: Tools for Behavior Modification: Gentle
Leader and Easy Walk Harness (Thursday, Feb. 24, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
Need: 12 dogs - Labs D & F: Using Clicker Training to Resolve Behavior Problems (Friday, Feb. 25, 1:30 – 3 p.m. or 3:30 – 5 p.m.)
Need: 4 dogs for each session - Lab K: Secrets of Reading and Handling Dogs and Cats (Saturday, Feb. 25, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
Need: 6 dogs and 6 cats
If the OVMA does not achieve maximum attendance in each lab, the number of animals needed may be lower than shown above. In the event this happens, volunteers will be selected based on the order in which they signed up (i.e. first come, first served). To view which labs still need animals and to sign up, please click the "Volunteer Now" button above.