They came, they learned, they looked, and they even laughed. More than 4,000 animal health professionals descended on Boston in October for the inaugural Tufts Animal Expo, hosted by the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and a roster of supporting organizations and associations ranging from the Delta Society to the New York and Massachusetts veterinary medical associations.

Organizers envisioned an interdisciplinary conference where all parties with an interest in animal health could meet under one roof. As it turned out, one roof wasn’t enough, as the conference overflowed the Hynes Auditorium, Boston’s largest convention facility, and spread into nearby hotel ballrooms and even the New England Aquarium.

“Something for everyone” is a noble premise, but often a tough bill to fill. Organizers designed “tracks” of one-, two-, and three-day lectures so that mini-conferences were in session for in-depth study of a subject, such as integrated veterinary medicine or the human-animal bond. Alternately, individual lectures on specific topics or species were available if attendees preferred hopscotching around the Back Bay neighborhood. A trade show with 192 exhibiting companies was open for four consecutive days, and evenings were highlighted with lively “Meeting of the Minds” forums focusing on particular subjects germane to the future of animal health.

Within species tracks, lectures were identified as being appropriate to veterinarians, technicians, therapists, animal groomers, or students, with opportunities for crossover and co-mingling among professionals