JUNE 1 – 5, 2022
The Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference is a CE event unlike any other. White sand beaches and a world-class golf & beach resort create an environment that attracts the best speakers. Outstanding CE in an unrivaled setting has contributed to ECVC’s amazing growth and popularity. Join us and see why so many attendees return year after year.
Breakfast and refreshment breaks are provided for CE attendees.
Conference Sponsors
Dr. Vernard Hodges & Dr. Terrence Ferguson
Becoming the Critter Fixers: Why Mentorship Matters
Dr. Vernard Hodges is a proud graduate of Fort Valley State University and the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hodges is founder of multiple successful veterinary hospitals, but he practices primarily at Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, GA. Dr. Hodges and Critter Fixer were so successful, they caught the attention of the National Geographic Channel. He stars in a television show called “Critter Fixers: Country Vets” on National Geographic Wild and Disney+, which will air its third season in March 2022. Dr. Hodges started a real estate company, which has grown to a multi-million-dollar business comprised of several apartment complexes and commercial properties. He started writing a blog that ultimately led to his writing a bestselling book: “Bet on Yourself: From Zero to Millions.” In addition to his businesses, he started the Dr. Hodges “It Takes A Village” Charity Foundation in 2011. In 2021, the Foundation launched the “Vet for a Day” program, which targets children aged 12-15 to help them gain the tools to enter the veterinary profession. Dr. Hodges and the Foundation are partnering with Zoetis in 2022 to make Vet for a Day a nationwide program. Dr. Hodges has won numerous awards for his business acumen and his community service. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and enjoys spending time with his four dogs and watching sports with his 17-year-old son, VJ.
Dr. Terrence Ferguson is a native of Talbotton, Georgia. His love of animals began as a child growing up in rural West Georgia. After rescuing several neighborhood strays, Dr. Ferguson developed a love of animals. With his family’s encouragement, Dr. Ferguson embarked on a career in Veterinary Medicine. His summers were spent volunteering with local veterinary clinics. After graduating from Central High in Talbotton, Georgia, Dr. Ferguson matriculated to Fort Valley State University in Fort Valley, Georgia in the fall of 1987. During his tenure at FVSU, Dr. Ferguson interned with The US Fish and Wildlife Service at two of their Wildlife refuges including Patuxent Wildlife Refuge in Laurel, Maryland and Alaska Wildlife Refuge on the Kenai Peninsula. After completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Technology, Dr. Ferguson applied and was accepted to the prestigious Tuskegee School of Veterinary Medicine in 1994. He graduated in 1998 with his DVM. In his spare time, Dr. Ferguson follows his true passion by volunteering, coaching and mentoring Central Georgia Students involved with the Peach County Youth Organization, where he also serves as Treasurer. He also serves as a trustee at Beulahland Bible Church, in Warner Robins and Macon, GA. Dr. Ferguson and his wife Kimberly reside in Byron, Georgia with their two children, Terrence, II and Nicole, and their dog Caesar.
Special Events
Exhibit Hall Opening
Wednesday
Exhibit Hall Welcome Grand Opening
FREE to attend!
This is a great opportunity to get a first look at the Exhibit Hall and visit our wonderful vendors!
This event is sponsored by the ECVC Industry Council.
Thursday
Visualize it: Salty breeze, floating in the pool, a cool beer in your hand and not a care in the world. Beer by the Pool starts at 1:30, generously sponsored by Dan Scott & Associates!
Beer by the Pool
Golf Outing
Friday
Join your colleagues and save on greens fees on Friday afternoon while you play 18 holes on Baytowne Golf Course, one of the Southeast’s finest greens.
Be sure to thank the sponsors at each hole – golfers will save more than $100 off of ticket price, thanks to these companies!
Location
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W
Miramar Beach, FL 32550
(850) 267-8000
All education sessions will be held in the Baytowne Conference Center adjacent the Grand Sandestin Hotel.
Discounted Rates through May 2, 2022
2022 Registration Pricing
Below are the late registration rates, beginning May 3.
Students
- $100
-
- DVM Student: $100
- Tech Student: $100
- (Limited to space available)
- —
Techs/Staff/Managers
- $415
-
- Technician/Staff 2-Day: $415 (SAT-SUN)*
- Upgraded Full Vet Tech/Staff: $595
- Exhibit hall access only: $25
*includes access to Professional & Tech tracks only.
Greatest Value
Full Vet Registration
- $595
-
- FULL REGISTRATION (4 Days)
- VMA Member: $595
- Non-Member: $745
2-Day Vet Registration
- $495
-
- 2 Day DVM REGISTRATION
- VMA Member: $495
- Non-Member: $545
The 2022 Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference has been approved for 101 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval, with 20 hours available to an individual attendee. AAVSB RACE approval #20-863951.
For attendees that are are licensed in a state(s)* that does not accept state VMA-sponsored continuing education or requires RACE approval, you will need to take further action once you have received your ECVC certificate of attendance in order to get RACE credit. *The following states do not accept state VMA-sponsored CE: South Dakota, Hawaii.