Precision Animal Systems<\/a> (PAS) Symposium – created a much-needed sense of \u201cnormalcy\u201d and provided a valuable exchange of knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits Abound<\/h2>\n\n\n\nEnthusiasm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
One of the largest benefits of bringing three target audiences together in person was the interaction between various industry attendees. During coffee breaks and lunch, inside the poster presentation hall, even during the conference itself, people were meeting around tables and engaging in collaborative discussions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those in attendance included animal production industry nutrition professionals, academic and industry professionals with a primary focus on animal health and nutrition using precision technologies as well as those with a primary focus on the application of precision technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEach symposium retained its unique identity but allowed for meeting the needs of all of our participants. [We were able to] combine three separate conferences into one global summit of compatible interests,\u201d Dr. Ferket adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While overall attendance was lower compared to prior conferences, 175 participants were enthusiastically engaged both virtually and in person. For many of the 85% of those participants who attended in person, this was the first business trip and first time gathering with colleagues since the pandemic began in early 2020. Dr. Ferket considers this the \u201cmost joyous part of the whole event. Because of enthusiasm, [there was] a unique spirit of what it means to be part of an academic and industry community where people get together to exchange ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n