I just returned from the Central Veterinary Conference (CVC) hosted by Advanstar publishing in Kansas City.

I’ve been attending this conference for many years and had grown accustomed to the floor plan and where our clients and prospects were traditionally located.  Last year, Terry Reilly of Advanstar announced to me they were going to re-format the show by grouping like exhibitors within common areas on the floor.  Terry explained how many trade show organizers were beginning to employ this strategy in recent years, and how this was the first attempt in the animal health industry.  I was intrigued and looked forward to this year’s event. (more…)

Dean LePoidevin | Post a Comment

• 
   Print
• 
   Email
• 
• Share
• 
   Permalink

I’m in my office, the phone rings and I take the call. It’s someone I don’t know calling from a publication that I don’t know. I read my fair share of B2B publications in the animal health, pest control and material handling business to stay on top of our client’s industries. But this was a publication that had nothing to do with any of our client’s businesses, or was of interest to our marketing communications agency. The caller insisted that I wanted this complementary publication and just needed to verify my address – I’ve heard that one many times before. One thing was clear to me – valuable resources were being wasted on getting a magazine into the hands of somebody…anybody…even though I wasn’t a good fit. Why did the caller assume I wanted what he/she was offering? (more…)

Karen Enriquez-Wagner | Post a Comment

• 
   Print
• 
   Email
• 
• Share
• 
   Permalink

When I was young, I used to try to get my cat to wear clothes, but she was never a runway spectacle. Now I don’t think I could get my cats to wear anything for a New York minute.

These cats are dressed for success, raising money for cat rescue and adoption. Animal Planet’s “Must Love Cats” recently featured the event on their show.

What a great way for cats to show their charm. I can hardly wait until the next show in August. 

 Here are some additional images from the event – also featured in the Gothamist.

Julie Meidam | Post a Comment

• 
   Print
• 
   Email
• 
• Share
• 
   Permalink

When I learned about pet insurance, I decided this was something I wanted to get for OJ, our 10-year old cat. Similar to car or life insurance, I wanted to have it – but also hoped I wouldn’t need it. It was a way for us to have peace of mind knowing that this member of our family would get the best medical treatment should something arise; his health wouldn’t be based on a financial decion. (more…)

Karen Enriquez-Wagner | Post a Comment

• 
   Print
• 
   Email
• 
• Share
• 
   Permalink

Dean with his latest family addition, Rizzo

My last post touched on the process my wife and I had been going through while attempting to adopt a dog.  I also mentioned how I prefer larger breeds, and that she wanted a smaller dog.

Well, as most every reader of MERGE would have guessed, my wife’s preferences won out…meet Rizzo, our dachshund-schnauzer combo.  Described often as “so ugly he’s cute,” Rizzo has very quickly won both of us over.  (more…)

Dean LePoidevin | Post a Comment

• 
   Print
• 
   Email
• 
• Share
• 
   Permalink

Or so I thought.  My wife and I lost our chocolate Labrador last spring to cancer and have just now gotten to the point where we’re emotionally ready to replace him.  Given our busy lifestyles, we are looking for a dog to adopt as opposed to getting a puppy and starting his or her training from “scratch.”

My wife and I truly love dogs and eagerly look forward to the next addition to the family.  We agree on how important a dog is to all of us, but disagree on breed selection.  I admit to being quite fond of big dogs, while she really wants a smaller dog this time around.  Armed with this information, my wife has taken on the initiative to find our next furry friend. (more…)

Dean LePoidevin | Post a Comment

• 
   Print
• 
   Email
• 
• Share
• 
   Permalink