Change is never easy.  Real change won't happen without leaders who know how to manage risk, build trust and deal with resistance without getting off track.

Do you have what it takes?

Find out in "Leading Change: Diversity and Risk Communications in Veterinary Colleges," a half-day leadership seminar from author and award-winning Georgetown University Professor Robert J. Bies, sponsored by the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC). 

Bies, a management professor and founder of the Executive Master's in Leadership Program at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, will present two interactive sessions, each featuring discussions based on real examples provided by veterinary college deans who will also provide feedback and recommendations.

In session one, Professor Bies will provide a framework for leading change in the area of diversity and identify "best practices" for leading diversity initiatives in organizations, including colleges.  He will examine the challenges of change management through a case study and analysis of AAVMC's DiVersity Matters initiative.

In session two, Bies will deal with managing risk communications as they relate to administrative decisions and actions undertaken by deans, with a particular focus on dealing with resistance or conflict.

Whether you're a faculty or staff member, student, veterinary professional, or simply interested in augmenting your leadership skills, please join us for these engaging sessions that will help you deal with resistance to change and other practical challenges that you are likely to face both now and in the future.

Also related to diversity, this year's conference will feature an award and symposium to honor Iverson Bell, DVM, for his outstanding leadership and promotion of diversity in veterinary medicine.

What: AAVMC Annual Conference

When: Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13 
Where: Westin Alexandria, Alexandria, Virginia

Register for the conference before Friday, Feb. 11 to receive the $50 discounted rate of $550. Special $125 early registration rates apply for veterinary students.

Access the online registration.

Please remember that hotel reservations for the Westin Alexandria must be made separately through the hotel.  Registering for the conference does not automatically confirm a hotel reservation.  When calling the Westin Alexandria at 703-253-8600, please mention you are with the "AAVMC 2011 Annual Conference" to receive the discounted rates listed below.  There are limited rooms within the block, which are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  The deadline for reserving a room at the discounted rate is February 16, 2011. After that date, room rate and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Room Rates: Single and Double Rooms - $209/night.

Room rates will be subject to the prevailing sales tax, currently at 12.5 percent, as well as a $1 per night occupancy tax.

Please feel free to contact the AAVMC's Project Manager Matt Grogg at 202-371-9195 ext 110 or email him at mgrogg@aavmc.org with any questions or concerns.

We look forward to seeing you in March!