The Early Bird Deadline is extended to Monday, May 1st and so is your chance to win your registration and 3 nights hotel!  The hotel booking deadline is May 10th.
SYMPOSIUM NEWS - Issue 4
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Wow, April is almost over and June will be here before we know it!  

The official Early Bird Deadline is April 30th - we realize that is a Sunday, so we have extended it until Noon MDT on Monday, May 1st.  The deadline to make your reservation at the host hotel is May 10th.  

We've got you covered, you can complete both with only 2 clicks from this email.
Early Birds have a chance to WIN! 
CATA Scholarship for Registration and 3 nights hotel!

The Canadian Allied Trades Association (CATA) has generously offered a bonus scholarship to one lucky Symposium Registrant!  

Register for the Symposium before the Early Bird deadline and book your room at the Hyatt and you will be automatically entered to win your registration fee and 3 nights accommodation.   The prize will be drawn on Tuesday, May 2nd and announced through Symposium News on Friday, May 5th. 

(prize is not transferable and does not include transportation or workshops that may have been booked)
A few words from the locals

There is a strong and active local symposium committee in Calgary, who have been planning for almost two years now.   We asked them to pause and tell us  " What are you most looking forward to?"  Here is what they told us...
Michelle Gillespie, Calgary CALAS Symposium Chair

I'm particularly excited about two workshops happening at this Symposium. The first one is workshop 105 "Training Simulators in Veterinary Medicine", which will give participants hands-on experience with cutting edge training simulators including full-sized livestock models as well as mind-boggling plastinates of various anatomical features. It's a "Body-Worlds" exhibition of research animals! The other workshop I am very excited about is Workshop 301: "Working on Empty: What to do When Compassion Fatigue Replaces Compassion Satisfaction in Your Work". This workshop will cover an important topic that any individual who has worked in the animal care field will understand. Who among us hasn't felt the strain of compassion fatigue from time to time?  I'm hoping Kathy can give me some pointers.
Colleen Geary Joo - Calgary CALAS Workshop Chair

I am very happy that we have partnered with the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society for a workshop (#107 - Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation).  Spring will be in full swing in Calgary and this will be a unique opportunity for CALAS attendees to gain some hands on experience working with wildlife.  I am sure there will be a lot of information and techniques that can be translated into our own daily work.   Attendees will also be introduced to feeding techniques with newborn and juvenile mammals (bottle feeding a baby squirrel?) - How can you resist?!!

Michael Brunt- Workshop Presenter

Our team is passionate when speaking to people about the amazing work our profession does.  We want to share this passion with you!!! You will learn the best words and phrases to use in conversations, be provided with key knowledge points and facts to correct common myths and inaccuracies, and be introduced to international resources.  We want you to shape this discussion with us!!!  Join us -  Empowering Yourself in Outreach- Workshop # 109

Brittany Munro Calgary CALAS Organizing Committee

I am very excited for the Rat Tickling workshop - #202.   I read an article recently that said that these techniques make the rats so happy that their ears blush and they giggle, although we can't hear it. I think that this workshop will help me become a great source of enrichment for the rats I work with.

I am  also tickled to be part of the Social Committee!  I can't wait for the Saturday Social where I will be dressing the part and greeting you at the door of the Speakeasy!

Trish Lindsey Calgary CALAS Organizing Committee

I am really looking forward to attending my first CALAS Symposium. As well as being able to help "behind the scenes" during a conference, I can see how much work, people power, and organization is put into running a symposium.  I am also very excited to assist in the wet lab Rat Tickling.  Since I am one of our team members that teaches in our IAUTP program, I think this will be of great benefit to add to our current program.     The Compassion/Fatigue talk is also a great event to use within a work environment and home/personal life.
Dean Brown, DVM Calgary CALAS Organizing Committee

I am most looking forward to the Calgary Stampede Tour.   Being a native Calgarian,  I have grown up with a deep appreciation for the traditions of the Calgary Stampede.   There has been some controversy in the past about the treatment of animals in events like this.  I think what many people are not aware of is the very strong animal care and animal welfare policies that are in place and the hard work and research involved with ensuring these policies are enforced and refined.   I am looking forward to symposium attendees seeing these policies in action and hearing about the strong animal welfare program at the Calgary Stampede.

Molly Chisholm, Workshop Presenter, Calgary CALAS Organizing Committee

I am super excited to have this opportunity to co-present the Ergonomics Workshop (#205). By bringing my years of experience in the LAS environment to compliment Laura's occupational therapist and ergonomic knowledge together, we have created a workshop that not only adapts ergonomic principles to the LAS environment, but will show technicians and mangers alike, ways to apply it in real time. This is going to be a workshop well worth attending! Can't wait to see you there!
Hyatt Regency Hotel Calgary

The Hyatt is filling up fast, but we have added some extra rooms! 

The CALAS discount rate is $220 per night (plus tax).   The rate includes complimentary internet access in the guestroom and $10 per night self-parking (subject to space availability).

Click here to make your reservation today.   
Discount rates are available until Wednesday, May 10th, or until sold out.