Your big idea could make a big difference to veterinary practices across the country through AAHA’s inaugural Big Idea Exchange program.

The Big Idea Exchange shines a spotlight on veterinarians who want to share innovative ideas they have implemented at their practices.

To enter, veterinarians must submit their ideas on the Big Idea Exchange page by Dec. 31. Entrants whose ideas are chosen will get the chance to demonstrate their idea to peers in a five-minute presentation at the 2013 AAHA yearly conference in Phoenix, as well as possibly have their ideas featured in an edition of Trends magazine.

By encouraging veterinarians to share what is working well for them, AAHA hopes other practices can benefit by utilizing some of the same tips and tricks, said John Fritschler, AAHA director of education.

“AAHA knows that the best ideas on how to increase your practice’s success come from the lessons learned by your peers,” Fritschler said. “The Big Idea Exchange is a fun and quick way to share and get recognition for these great ideas that were implemented. Please submit an idea for consideration or plan on learning from your peers at our awesome conference in Phoenix!”

Big ideas can cover virtually any topic that has to do with improving a veterinary practice, but AAHA posed several sample questions to get veterinarians on the right track. Those questions include:

• Have you done something to greatly improve the operations of the practice?
• How have you retained and engaged valuable members of the practice team?
• Did one action in particular significantly impact the profitability of the practice?
• Have you created a campaign that attracted many new clients?

AAHA staff will consider all ideas that are submitted by Dec. 31 and notify the winners during the first week of January 2013.

For more information and instructions on how to submit ideas, visit the Big Idea Exchange page on the AAHA website.