Southwest Veterinary Symposium Southwest Veterinary Symposium
september 20–23, 2012
Dallas Convention Center | Dallas, Texas
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  SWVS Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when is the Annual Symposium? Who can attend the Symposium? How many people attend the Symposium? What are the Symposium registration fees? How do I register for the Symposium? Why should I register by August 24? Can I register multiple attendees at the same time? Can I deduct the cost of attending SWVS? Why do you need my email address if I register via mail or fax? Are Symposium Proceedings included with the cost of registration? Is lunch included with the cost of registration? How many CE hours are offered at the Symposium? How do I register for Ticketed Events? Can I attend Ticketed Events only? How do I keep track of my CE to submit to my state veterinary medical licensing board? How do I receive my CE certificate? I live nearby and can't come during the day. How can I get CE? How do I book hotels or travel, and are discounts available? Why choose SWVS Official Hotels? Is shuttle service available? Where can I park at the Dallas Convention Center? What are the Exhibit Hall hours? Do I need to bring business cards? How do I get my name badge? Can I purchase guest name badges for family and friends? How do I find out if my state VMA will be holding any activities while at SWVS? Who can attend the DVM Alumni reception? What activities are available for Symposium attendees? How can I find entertainment options in Dallas? Should I bring my family to Dallas? Is childcare provided at the Symposium? What's the weather like in Dallas in September?

Where and when is the Annual Symposium?

SWVS will be held in Dallas, Texas, September 20 – 23, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Dallas Convention Center
650 S Griffin St
Dallas, Texas 75202
(214) 939-2750
www.dallasconventioncenter.com

View future Symposium dates.
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Who can attend the Symposium?

DVMs, Veterinary Technicians, Hospital Personnel, Veterinary and Technician students, Practice Managers, Office Staff and suppliers that provide products and services that support veterinary medicine are welcome at SWVS. Photo ID is required.
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How many people attend the Symposium?

Our annual 4-day conference draws more than 3,000+ Veterinary industry professionals. 
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What are the Symposium registration fees?

Registration fees will be available soon.
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How do I register for the Symposium?

ONLINE: You will be able to access our online registration system on May 16, when registration opens. (Online registration preferred)

MAIL: Send your completed registration forms to:
SWVS Registration Center
11208 Waples Mill Rd, Ste 112
Fairfax, VA 22030

FAX: Fax completed registration forms to (703) 631–6288

IMPORTANT: You may experience a small delay if you opt to mail or fax your forms. We encourage you to register online. A slight risk exists that your first selection for ticketed CE offerings may not be available if you fax or mail.
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Why should I register by August 24?

August 24, 2012, is the last day to cancel SWVS registration and receive a partial refund. It is also the last day to register and receive your Passport in the mail.
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Can I register multiple attendees at the same time?

Each attendee must register separately. If you are registering for a Partner Power Package (POP), submit a separate registration for each attendee included in the POP with a single form of payment. You will be able to select POP when registering.
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Can I deduct the cost of attending SWVS?

Registration fees are not deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, such contributions and fees may be deductible by attendees under other provisions of the IRS code. Please check with your financial advisor.
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Why do you need my email address if I register via mail or fax?

For efficiency purposes, our preferred method of sending confirmations and important information is by email. If you do not have an email address, don't worry, we can send a confirmation in the mail. Please allow 6 days to receive your mailed confirmation. If you are considering an Interactive Lab or any other CE ticketed event with limited space you may want to register online. With manual processing of forms through the mail or fax there is a chance you may not get your first selections. We respect your privacy and will not sell or give your name or email address to any third party.
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Are Symposium Proceedings included with the cost of registration?

Every professional registrant will receive a CD ROM format of the proceedings at no additional charge.

A book with DVM and technician proceedings will be available for pre-order for $45 if ordered by August 10. Advance orders are required. Simply check the box on the registration form. You will receive a ticket in your packet to pick up your copy on-site. There will be no on-site sales of the Proceedings book.
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Is lunch included with the cost of registration?

Lunch Bucks (valued at $15.00) will be provided to all registered professional attendees for Friday and Saturday to purchase food and beverages in the Exhibit Hall. The SWVS Lunch Bucks can also be exchanged for a box lunch served during the Exhibitor Satellite Sessions held from 12:30 – 1:30 pm on Friday and Saturday.
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How many CE hours are offered at the Symposium?

A total of 29 continuing education credit hours are available for the SWVS General Symposium. In addition, DVMs licensed in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas may claim 2 hours of CE for visiting the SWVS Exhibit Hall. View full details on CE credit information.
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How do I register for Ticketed Events?

Each ticketed event can be selected or entered into the registration form individually. Advance registration is required for ticketed events. The deadline to register for these events is August 10, 2012.
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Can I attend Ticketed Events only?

Due to the hands-on learning in small group settings in the ticketed events you must register for the conference (either 4-day or 1-day, on the day the event is scheduled) to attend ticketed events. Registration to SWVS is not required to attend the Design Conference or Pet First Aid Instructor Development Workshop.
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How do I keep track of my CE to submit to my state veterinary medical licensing board?

A CE Check List will be provided to each attendee for recording session attendance. This form is for you to keep and/or send to your state licensing board.
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How do I receive my CE certificate?

At the end of the Symposium, stop by the CE desk in the registration area to obtain your Certificate of Completion. Maintain the certificate along with the CE Checklist in your files. Certificates will be available on Sunday at the close of the Symposium. If you do not plan to attend the entire Symposium, you may pick up your Certificate at the end of the day you leave.
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I live nearby and can't come during the day. How can I get CE?

Evening Continuing Education sessions are offered Thursday – Saturday from 7:00 – 9:50 pm allowing you to obtain up to 9 hours of CE credit.
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How do I book hotels or travel, and are discounts available?

SWVS has negotiated and selected popular hotels with a range of prices and a variety of amenities that are either convenient to the convention center or have bus shuttle service for Conference attendees. Housing opens March 5, 2012. Travel discounts are available and detailed here.
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Why choose SWVS Official Hotels?

  • Our hotels are screened and chosen for convenience in a wide range of prices and amenities.
  • Our hotels are close to the convention center, or connected by shuttle bus routes.
  • Reservations can be made easily by using the SWVS Housing Center online.
  • Using SWVS official hotels keeps your registration costs to a minimum.

Staying at SWVS hotels offers great networking opportunities to meet colleagues and make new friends.
Housing deadline for SWVS Hotels is September 7, 2012. All housing requests must be received on or before September 7; otherwise the negotiated room rates may not be available. Learn more about SWVS official hotels!
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Is shuttle service available?

Shuttle service is available. View details.
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Where can I park at the Dallas Convention Center?

The Dallas Convention Center has two separate parking garages and three parking lots. Parking charge is $12.00 per entry vehicle, no in or out. View Parking Details.
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What are the Exhibit Hall hours?

Date Start Time End Time
Friday, September 21 7:00 am 4:30 pm
Saturday, September 22 7:00 am 4:30 pm
Sunday, September 23 7:00 am 1:30 pm

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Do I need to bring business cards?

Your name badge will have your contact information encoded in them, which most exhibitors can scan so you don't have to carry as many. Do bring some, however, to share with new friends and colleagues!
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How do I get my name badge?

Register by August 24 and your registration/passport packet will be mailed to you with your name badge(s) and ticket(s) prior to the Symposium! When registering, please be sure to clearly spell names to ensure we mail you correct badges. A fee of $25 will be charged to replace lost badges. Name badges can be picked up on-site at the SWVS Registration Center.
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Can I purchase guest name badges for family and friends?

All guests include family members or guests who are not veterinarians, veterinary technicians, office staff, or practice managers. All veterinarians, veterinary technicians, office staff or practice managers must register and pay registration fees. Additional guest badges are available for $40. This allows guests to attend non CE events, exhibits, and non-ticketed events. Guests are welcome to attend ticketed events (social only) with the purchase of a ticket for those events. Guests who wish to attend CE sessions must register and pay.
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How do I find out if my state VMA will be holding any activities while at SWVS?

All activities will be posted on this website and be available on-site. You can also contact your state VMA.
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Who can attend the DVM Alumni reception?

We invite all veterinary school alumni and current veterinary school students to join us at the annual DVM Alumni Reception.
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What activities are available for Symposium attendees?

In addition to the many CE courses offered, the SWVS experience includes a variety of networking and social opportunities. View details here.
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How can I find entertainment options in Dallas?

SWVS Concierge Services is presented to you through Ticket To The City.

Just a few highlights of what to expect from Ticket To The City:

  • On-site convention concierge booth
  • Menus available for preview
  • Help with dinner reservations & restaurant suggestions
  • Complimentary Dallas Guides, maps, directions, discount coupons for dining and sightseeing
  • Assistance with group dinners and events planning
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Should I bring my family to Dallas?

Absolutely! Dallas offers an array of activities for family members of all ages. Experience Dallas and all that it has to offer!
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Is childcare provided at the Symposium?

Childcare is not provided. Children age 17 and under do not require a name badge but must be accompanied by a registered attendee. A ticket is required for anyone over the age of 2 years at all ticketed social events. Children are not permitted in any CE sessions.
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What's the weather like in Dallas in September?

Average minimum temperature is 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius); average maximum temperature is 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius). Dallas has an average September rainfall of 3.4 inches (8.6 centimeters).
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  • Experience Dallas
Experience DallasEnjoy the best shopping in the southwest, four-and five-diamond/star restaurants, urban arts district, multiple entertainment districts and much more in Dallas!
 
 
 
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9101 LBJ Freeway, Ste 460 | Dallas, TX 75243 | (972) 664-9800 | (972) 664-9805 fax
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