Conference wrap-up: our animal health regulatory affairs conference highlights, takeaways and more

This year’s Animal Health Conference at K-State Olathe featured speakers from the FDA and USDA, as well as industry professionals who were able to provide support, guidance and networking opportunities for our attendees. 

If you’ve been thinking about attending an animal health conference, our annual event provides you with the perfect opportunity to strengthen your knowledge.  

In addition to presentations on key issues impacting the world of animal health, the conference provides networking opportunities and leadership workshops. 

Day 1 of the conference included a full schedule with: 

• Introductions
• Overview of Regulations
• Opening Keynote: An Introduction to Veterinary, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Pesticide Regulatory Affairs 
• USDA Panel Discussion on Reduction on Animal Testing  
• Bioequivalence and Biowaivers  
• CMC Overview 
• Initial Submissions to CVB 
• CVM Drug Approval Process 
• USDA Overview and Licensing 
• Speaker Panel and Wrap-up 

Throughout the day, attendees had opportunities to network, ask questions and choose sessions that most impacted their personal careers. 

After the day’s events concluded, attendees had the chance to attend optional off-site dinners with industry experts for additional networking. 

Day 2 of the conference included: 

• Breakfast with our Student Services team, as well as an overview of key animal health programs and CE opportunities on campus 
• Keynote: “John Gamgee, Animal Health Leadership, and You: Lessons Learned from Two Septembers in History”  
• Ensuring Efficacy: Essential Strategies for Designing Veterinary Clinical Trials 
• Industry Perspective of Pharmacovigilance 
• Outlines of Production 
• Failure Mode Effectiveness Analysis 
• Lunch with Student Services and Faculty 
• Professional Skills Workshop: Building and Understanding Emotional Intelligence: Generations and Timeless Leadership 

The day concluded with additional off-site social and networking opportunities.  

The second day enabled attendees to dig deeper into industry-specific skills, including leadership skills. 

In addition to regular sessions, attendees participated in a half-day workshop designed to dive deep into what emotional intelligence is and the role it plays in leadership. 

Day 3 was our final day of the conference, and included even more in-depth offerings.  

Attendees began the day with a breakfast session that included industry professionals. This panel was moderated by Doug Shane, teaching assistant professor of animal health, and provided attendees with a chance to discover how they can work more effectively with other companies and organizations within the animal health world. 

Additionally, attendees participated in workshops and sessions that included: 

• CRO Selection and Oversight 
• FDA/EPA Shared Compliance  
• USDA CVB Inspection Process  
• FOIA Discussion and Differences (FDA)  
• VICH and International Overview Panel  
• FDA Inspections 
• Deviations, Investigations, Root Cause Analysis, CAPAs  
• USDA Pharmacovigilance  
• Case Study Breakouts: Labeling and the FDA  
• Case Study Breakouts: Writing an Outline for Production (USDA) 

The day ended with concluding remarks and dismissal. We loved seeing so many incredible professionals on campus, and we can’t wait for you to come back for your next professional development training event. 

 If you’re looking for additional learning opportunities at K-State Olathe, be sure to explore our 2025 Leadership Series. This program is called Management Strategies: Pathways to Leadership, and it provides attendees with the opportunity to dive deeper into their communication, leadership and career skills. 

Additionally, our campus offers a variety of animal health programs, including graduate-level programs and professional development webinars, workshops and seminars.