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Best (English-language) veterinary conferences 2026 worldwide

  • Writer: CoVet
    CoVet
  • Oct 19
  • 17 min read

Updated: Nov 12

Planning your 2026 continuing education requires knowing which conferences deliver real value for your role and schedule. This guide organizes the year's top English-language veterinary conferences by country and chronological conference dates, helping DVMs, veterinary technicians, and practice managers quickly compare events based on location, role fit, and focus areas.


Each entry shows whether conferences emphasize clinical veterinary continuing education or include substantial practice management tracks. You'll also find conferences addressing operational efficiency, AI in veterinary medicine, and workflow optimization that can help reduce veterinary burnout through better documentation practices and team utilization.


The list covers large veterinary meeting and expo events like VMX alongside smaller specialty veterinary CE conferences with focused learning environments. Hybrid and virtual conference access options are noted where available.


Stop choosing between engaging at conferences and taking notes.  Let CoVet capture everything automatically while you focus on networking and learning that transforms your practice Try it out for free


Quick links to regions: United States • Europe • Asia-Pacific • Middle East • FAQ



United States veterinary conferences 2026

US conferences range from massive expo-style events with 1,000+ CE hours to focused specialty gatherings, typically offering both in-person and virtual access with tiered pricing for different veterinary roles.



VMX – Orlando, January 17–21

Detail

Info

Dates

January 17–21, 2026

Location

Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL

Registration / Pricing

- Early “World Classic” rate $225 (through October 31) 

- After that, prices increase; for instance, full 5-day access goes to $595 (veterinarians)

- One-day passes, student/resident, nurse/tech pricing tiers also exist 

- Virtual-only and virtual add-on options also offered

Program / Content / Agenda

- VMX 2026 will offer 1,200 hours of CE across hundreds of program tracks

- Topics span small animal, large animal, exotics, practice management, wellness, leadership, human resources, technology/trends, telehealth, and more 

- Learning formats include hands-on workshops, masterclasses, meet-the-professor luncheons, and breakfast/lunch/evening sessions 

- Additional fees may apply for some workshops and masterclasses 

- The expo hall features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new tools, equipment, products, and services 

- Virtual participation is possible (on-demand and scheduled sessions) via VMX Virtual platform

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals (doctors, specialists) who want a broad spectrum of CE across species and topics

  • Clinic teams (vets, nurses, technicians) — with tracks specifically for nurses/technicians, support staff, and management

  • People aiming to catch up on emerging trends, technology, telehealth, workflow improvement, and practice leadership

  • Anyone who wants both in-person networking and virtual flexibility



What you’ll learn

  • A broad update across your field of interest (not just niche topics)

  • Fresh ideas for operations, business, leadership, and wellness

  • Connections with vendors and peers

  • Flexibility to attend sessions aligned to your specialization (small animal, exotics, etc.)



AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference – Chicago, January 8–10

Detail

Info

Dates

January 8–10, 202

Location

Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 

Registration / Pricing

We were unable to locate a confirmed pricing breakdown for VLC 2026 on the official site. For reference, in 2025 the cost was listed at $365 for attendees. (Connext)

Program / Content / Agenda

- The conference blends CE sessions, AVMA governance meetings, and networking opportunities aimed at leadership development. 

- Topics often include leadership skills, mentorship, communication, culture in the workplace, and aspects of association governance. 

- The 2025 schedule featured sessions like “To Fix or Not to Fix (Your Team),” “Creating a Culture of Mentorship,” “Pay Attention to What I Meant, Not What I Said,” etc. 

- Some sessions are tiered (e.g. “Rising Leader,” “Experienced Leader”), small-group activities, and workshops.

URL


Best for

  • Veterinarians (associate, owner, or leadership-aspiring) who want to sharpen leadership, communication, and organizational skills

  • People already involved (or desiring involvement) in association work or governance (state VMAs, committees, boards)

  • Rising professionals who aim to take on leadership roles in practice or the profession

  • Individuals who want to bridge the “soft skills” gap (mentorship, culture, team dynamics)



What you’ll learn

  • Practical frameworks for leadership, communication, mentoring, and team culture

  • Understanding of how governance, policy, and AVMA processes work

  • Tools to influence your practice or organization from a leadership perspective

  • Networking with vets and professionals who share interest in leadership and organizational change



Midwest Veterinary Conference – Columbus, February 26–28

Detail

Info

Dates

February 26–28, 2026

Location

Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio

Registration / Pricing

Pricing for 2026 has not yet been published. In prior years, MVC has offered in-person, virtual, and hybrid options, with tiered pricing depending on number of days and membership status.

Program / Content / Agenda

• 300+ hours of CE across 20+ tracks for veterinarians, technicians, hospital staff, and exotics • Workshops, labs, and hands-on sessions (some require additional registration) • Large exhibit hall with nearly 200 exhibitors in recent years • Hybrid format with both in-person and virtual learning options

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary team members at all levels (veterinarians, technicians, support staff)

  • Practices wanting a cost-effective conference with a wide breadth of CE

  • People who prefer a hybrid model (attend in person or virtually)

  • Teams planning to attend together for shared learning



What you’ll learn

  • Practical CE content tailored to your role (clinical, technical, or operations)

  • Hands-on skills from labs and workshops to take back to your clinic

  • Exposure to new products and services in the exhibit hall

  • Networking and collaboration opportunities with peers and industry professionals



WVC Annual Conference – Las Vegas, February 15–18

Detail

Info

Dates

February 15–18, 2026

Location

Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

Registration / Pricing

- Early limited-time rate: $98 (for full conference registration) 

- Note: the $98 base registration does not include paid workshops or hands-on labs 

- Premium Pass option available with upgrades, reserved seating, and hotel packages

Program / Content / Agenda

• 900+ RACE-approved CE hours 

• Over 60 hands-on labs, workshops, and small-group sessions (additional fees apply) 

• Drop-in and exhibit-hall CE “learning hubs” integrated into the exhibit space 

• Topics cover small animal, food animal, equine, exotics, practice management, and technician-specific tracks 

• Labs include advanced skills such as ultrasound, surgery, and dentistry, held at Viticus education centers with shuttle service 

• Full daily schedule not yet published

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals (doctors, specialists) seeking deep clinical CE across many species

  • Technicians and nurses wanting hands-on skill development

  • Individuals who like to combine lectures with labs and leverage the exhibit hall for learning

  • Teams wanting to spread across specialty tracks while still being under one conference umbrella



What you’ll learn

  • Cutting-edge, practical clinical updates across small animal, food animal, equine, and exotics

  • New techniques via labs and workshops that you can apply immediately

  • Concepts in practice management, leadership, and client communication

  • Exposure to new products, technologies, and research in the exhibit hall

  • Networking and cross-disciplinary insights from a broad veterinary audience



ACVIM Forum – Seattle, June 11–13

Detail

Info

Dates

June 11–13, 2026

Location

Seattle, Washington

Registration / Pricing

We were unable to find a published registration pricing breakdown as of now.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Specialty Symposium on June 10 (pre-conference) 

• Sessions across cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology, small animal internal medicine 

• Multispecialty tracks covering business, leadership & communications, education & research, and wellbeing 

• Dedicated tracks for veterinary technicians 

• Hundreds of scientific research abstracts 

• Hybrid access: in-person, livestreamed sessions, on-demand content through October 2026 

• Session formats include panel discussions, workshops, interactive lectures, and hands-on labs 

• Some sessions or labs may require additional registration or fees

URL


Best for

  • Specialists and aspiring specialists in veterinary internal medicine

  • Veterinarians, candidates, or technicians wanting deep, research-driven CE

  • Professionals who want cutting-edge updates in diagnostics, therapeutics, and subspecialty medicine

  • Those interested in bridging clinical expertise with leadership, research, and wellness topics



What you’ll learn

  • Latest advances in cardiology, neurology, oncology, nutrition, and more

  • Evidence-based insights from scientific research abstracts

  • Best practices in communication, leadership, wellness, and professional development

  • Practical take-homes you can integrate into specialty-level internal medicine care



VETgirl U – Salt Lake City, June 18–21

Detail

Info

Dates

June 18–21, 2026 (pre-conference master classes on June 18)

Location

Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah

Registration / Pricing

Pricing for 2026 has not yet been published.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Master classes such as acid-base disturbances and cytology offered ahead of the main conference 

• Two main education tracks: one for veterinarians and one for veterinary technicians 

• TED-talk style, case-based sessions led by veterinary experts 

• Meals and refreshments included 

• Networking reception, swag, evening events, and built-in networking opportunities 

• Master classes require separate registration from the main conference 

• Conference hours: June 19–21 (7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and until noon on June 21)

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals (veterinarians and technicians) seeking clinically relevant, case-based CE

  • Clinicians who prefer concise, high-impact sessions in a TED-talk style format

  • People who enjoy combining education with networking in a boutique-style setting

  • Attendees looking to deepen skills in diagnostics, decision-making, and clinical reasoning



What you’ll learn

  • Real-world, case-based insights you can apply immediately in practice

  • Advanced topics in cytology, acid-base balance, diagnostics, and more (via master classes)

  • Interaction with top voices in veterinary medicine on emerging trends and problem-solving

  • Connections, community, and shared learning across veterinarian and technician tracks



AVMA Convention – Anaheim, July 10–14

Detail

Info

Dates

July 10–14, 2026

Location

Anaheim, California

Registration / Pricing

We could not find a confirmed registration pricing breakdown for 2026 at this time.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Five days of CE, sessions, workshops, panels, and networking as part of the main convention 

• Opportunity to submit abstracts for lectures, dry labs, workshops (abstracts due October 3, 2025) 

• Educational tracks aimed at newcomers and experienced professionals • Exhibitor hall showcasing veterinary products, services, and innovations 

• Integration of general sessions, specialized tracks, and possible hands-on or workshop components 

• Some sessions or labs may require additional fees or registration

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals (doctors, technicians, staff) across all specialties

  • Individuals wanting a comprehensive CE experience with a wide variety of sessions

  • Attendees who want to mix general sessions, specialty tracks, and interact with exhibitors

  • Those interested in presenting research, networking broadly, or exploring new tech/products



What you’ll learn

  • Broad updates and deep dives across many areas of veterinary medicine

  • New research, clinical advances, and innovations across species and disciplines

  • Insights into practice management, leadership, wellness, and operational strategies

  • Connections with vendors and industry partners

  • Exposure to a large, diverse audience and the big-picture trends shaping veterinary medicine



New York Vet Show – New York City, November 2026

Detail

Info

Dates

November 2026 (exact dates not yet published)

Location

Javits Convention Center, New York City

Registration / Pricing

Registration pricing for 2026 has not yet been published. In prior years, the event has offered early-bird rates, student discounts, and exhibitor passes.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Two-day conference featuring CE tracks across small animal, practice management, vet tech, and specialty medicine 

• Large exhibit hall with vendors, service providers, and new product showcases 

• Sessions tend to be shorter, practical, and clinically focused 

• Dedicated vet tech program 

• Networking events and career opportunities built into the program

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals seeking an efficient two-day CE event in a major metro hub

  • Veterinarians and vet techs looking for practical, everyday clinical updates

  • Hospital managers and practice owners interested in management and operations tracks

  • Attendees who want to combine CE with networking and exhibitor exploration in a shorter timeframe



What you’ll learn

  • Concise, clinically relevant CE designed for busy practitioners

  • Updates in practice management, leadership, and client communication

  • Exposure to emerging products, technologies, and services in the exhibit hall

  • Opportunities to connect with peers, industry professionals, and career resources



Europe’s veterinary conferences 2026

Europe's veterinary conferences blend clinical CE with strong practice management tracks, often featuring hybrid attendance and RACE-approved continuing education credits for international delegates.



London Vet Show – November 2026

Detail

Info

Dates

November 2026 (exact dates not yet published)

Location

ExCeL London, United Kingdom

Registration / Pricing

Pricing for 2026 has not yet been announced. In past years, early-bird rates and discounted team bundles have been available.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Two-day event with multiple CE tracks covering small animal, equine, farm, and exotics 

• Practice management, leadership, and business-focused sessions • Strong exhibitor presence with 400+ suppliers and partners 

• RACE-approved CE for international attendees 

• Sessions designed to be concise and practical, often 20–30 minutes long

• Networking opportunities and professional development workshops

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals from the UK, EU, and abroad seeking concise CE across multiple disciplines

  • Practice owners and managers looking for business, financial, and leadership insights

  • Veterinary nurses and technicians who want role-specific training and networking

  • Teams that want to maximize CE variety in a short, cost-effective event



What you’ll learn

  • Short-form, practical CE covering clinical and management topics

  • Insights on practice management, financial health, and team utilization

  • Exposure to a large exhibit hall of suppliers, service providers, and technology innovators

  • Opportunities to expand your professional network across Europe and globally



BVA Live – Birmingham, June 11–12

Detail

Info

Dates

June 11–12, 2026

Location

NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom

Registration / Pricing

Pricing for 2026 has not yet been published. In previous years, discounted early-bird rates and team packages were offered.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Two-day event co-hosted by the British Veterinary Association 

• CE streams covering small animal, farm, equine, and exotics 

• Business and practice management tracks 

• Vet tech and nurse-specific sessions 

• Exhibit hall featuring suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and service providers 

• Networking events and career development opportunities

URL


Best for

  • UK-based veterinary teams wanting accessible CE and networking without international travel

  • Vets, nurses, and technicians across disciplines looking for clinical updates

  • Practice owners and managers seeking business, leadership, and operational strategies

  • Attendees who want a focused, two-day learning experience paired with exhibitor access



What you’ll learn

  • Concise CE sessions across multiple disciplines

  • Updates in practice management, leadership, and team utilization

  • Insights from BVA leaders on policy and professional issues

  • Opportunities to connect with peers, exhibitors, and professional networks within the UK



BEVA Congress – September 2026

Detail

Info

Dates

September 2026 (exact dates not yet published)

Location

ICC Birmingham, United Kingdom

Registration / Pricing

Registration pricing for 2026 has not yet been released. In past years, BEVA members received reduced rates, with options for students and vet nurses.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Europe’s largest equine veterinary conference 

• Scientific sessions covering equine medicine, surgery, reproduction, and sports medicine • Practical workshops and hands-on wet labs 

• Dedicated vet nurse program 

• Abstract presentations and cutting-edge equine research 

• Networking events and social activities, including the popular gala dinner • Large exhibit hall with equine-focused suppliers and service providers

URL


Best for

  • Equine veterinarians seeking in-depth CE and exposure to the latest research

  • Equine nurses and technicians looking for tailored educational sessions

  • Practitioners wanting hands-on learning via labs and workshops

  • Professionals interested in networking with global equine specialists and suppliers



What you’ll learn

  • Advances in equine medicine, surgery, reproduction, and sports medicine

  • Practical skills through hands-on labs and workshops

  • Insights from scientific abstracts and equine research leaders

  • Opportunities to connect with international equine professionals and industry partners



WSAVA World Congress – Warsaw, October 13–15

Detail

Info

Dates

October 13–15, 2026

Location

Warsaw, Poland

Registration / Pricing

Registration pricing for 2026 has not yet been announced. In past congresses, early-bird discounts, student rates, and reduced fees for attendees from developing nations were offered.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Global small animal veterinary conference hosted by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association 

• Multidisciplinary scientific program covering medicine, surgery, oncology, cardiology, dermatology, and more 

• Practice management and wellness tracks 

• Sessions delivered by leading global experts 

• Poster sessions and scientific abstracts 

• Exhibit hall with international suppliers and veterinary organizations 

• Networking and cultural events connecting professionals worldwide

URL


Best for

  • Small animal veterinarians seeking a truly international CE experience

  • Veterinary professionals interested in learning global perspectives and best practices

  • Specialists and general practitioners alike looking for multidisciplinary CE

  • Teams wanting to connect with colleagues and suppliers from around the world



What you’ll learn

  • Updates across all major areas of small animal practice

  • Insights into global standards of care and international collaboration

  • Advances in both clinical practice and practice management

  • Opportunities to network with a diverse international community



ICARE Exotics – Portugal, April 11–15

Detail

Info

Dates

April 11–15, 2026

Location

Portugal (specific city/venue not yet published)

Registration / Pricing

Pricing for 2026 has not yet been released. In prior years, ICARE has offered member, non-member, and student tiers.

Program / Content / Agenda

• International Conference on Avian, Reptile, and Exotic Mammal Medicine • Sessions focused on exotic animal medicine, surgery, and husbandry 

• Scientific abstracts and research presentations 

• Practical wet labs and workshops 

• Networking opportunities with specialists in exotic species 

• Exhibitors showcasing exotic-focused products and services

URL


Best for

  • Veterinarians specializing in avian, reptile, and exotic mammal medicine

  • Clinicians seeking advanced, species-specific CE beyond small animal practice

  • Veterinary students and residents interested in pursuing careers in exotics

  • Professionals wanting to collaborate with a niche, global community of exotic animal experts



What you’ll learn

  • Advances in diagnosis, treatment, and surgery for exotic species

  • Practical husbandry and welfare considerations for avian, reptile, and exotic mammals

  • Insights from cutting-edge research and case presentations

  • Networking with specialists, researchers, and product providers in the exotic medicine field



Asia-Pacific veterinary conferences 2026

Asia-Pacific conferences emphasize global collaboration and feature strong representation across companion animals, production medicine, and public health, with many offering early bird registration discounts.



WVAC (World Veterinary Association Congress) – Tokyo, April 21–24

Detail

Info

Dates

April 21–24, 2026

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Registration / Pricing

Pricing for 2026 has not yet been announced. WVAC typically offers early-bird rates, student/resident discounts, and lower fees for delegates from developing countries.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Global veterinary conference hosted by the World Veterinary Association • Multidisciplinary program across companion animals, production animals, equine, and public health 

• CE sessions spanning clinical updates, one health, food safety, and welfare 

• Poster sessions and oral abstract presentations 

• Exhibits from global suppliers, pharma, and organizations 

• Networking and cultural events highlighting the host country

URL


Best for

  • Veterinary professionals worldwide seeking a global CE and networking experience

  • Practitioners wanting exposure to both clinical and public health perspectives

  • Academics, researchers, and policymakers with interest in one health and global veterinary medicine

  • Teams interested in cultural exchange alongside professional development



What you’ll learn

  • Updates across multiple species and disciplines, from companion animals to livestock

  • Insights into one health, food safety, and global animal welfare initiatives

  • Opportunities to share and learn from international colleagues

  • Exposure to the latest veterinary products, technologies, and services from around the world



WEVA Equine Congress – Bangkok, January 26–30

Detail

Info

Dates

January 26–30, 2026

Location

Bangkok, Thailand

Registration / Pricing

Registration pricing for 2026 has not yet been announced. WEVA typically offers early-bird rates and reduced fees for students and residents.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Global equine-focused veterinary congress organized by the World Equine Veterinary Association 

• Scientific sessions on equine medicine, surgery, reproduction, sports medicine, and welfare 

• Practical workshops and hands-on wet labs 

• Poster sessions and oral abstract presentations 

• Exhibit hall featuring equine-focused suppliers and service providers 

• Networking and cultural activities connecting equine vets worldwide

URL


Best for

  • Equine veterinarians seeking international CE opportunities

  • Specialists and residents interested in advanced equine medicine and surgery

  • Veterinary nurses and technicians working with equine patients

  • Professionals looking to connect with global equine experts and suppliers



What you’ll learn

  • Advances in equine medicine, surgery, reproduction, and sports medicine

  • Hands-on skills through labs and workshops

  • New research and scientific insights from posters and oral abstracts

  • Networking with colleagues and suppliers across the global equine community



AVA Annual Conference – Brisbane, May 18–21

Detail

Info

Dates

May 18–21, 2026

Location

Brisbane, Australia

Registration / Pricing

Registration pricing for 2026 has not yet been published. AVA typically offers early-bird discounts, student/resident rates, and team packages.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Australia’s largest veterinary conference organized by the Australian Veterinary Association 

• Multidisciplinary program covering small animal, large animal, equine, exotics, and public health 

• Practice management, business, and leadership tracks 

• Hands-on workshops and wet labs 

• Poster sessions and research presentations 

• Exhibition hall with suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and service providers 

• Networking events, social functions, and opportunities to connect with the Australian and international veterinary community

URL


Best for

  • Veterinarians across Australia and internationally seeking diverse CE opportunities

  • Practice managers and owners interested in business and leadership development

  • Veterinary nurses and technicians who want role-specific training and networking

  • Researchers, academics, and policymakers engaging in public health and one health discussions



What you’ll learn

  • Broad clinical updates across companion animals, livestock, equine, and exotics

  • Insights into practice management, leadership, and client communication

  • Hands-on skills through workshops and labs

  • Exposure to new products and services in the exhibit hall

  • Opportunities to network with veterinary professionals from Australia and abroad



Middle East and large-animal veterinary conferences 2026

This region hosts specialized conferences focusing on production animals and ruminant medicine, drawing international experts and offering comprehensive continuing education in livestock health management.



World Buiatrics Congress – Istanbul, September 6–10

Detail

Info

Dates

September 6–10, 2026

Location

Istanbul, Turkey

Registration / Pricing

Registration pricing for 2026 has not yet been announced. Previous congresses have offered early-bird rates, student/resident discounts, and reduced fees for attendees from developing countries.

Program / Content / Agenda

• Global conference dedicated to cattle and ruminant medicine 

• Sessions on bovine health, production medicine, reproduction, surgery, and nutrition 

• Presentations of cutting-edge research and scientific abstracts 

• Practical workshops and wet labs for bovine practitioners 

• Networking with specialists, researchers, and industry representatives worldwide 

• Large exhibit hall featuring cattle-focused pharmaceutical, nutrition, and technology companies

URL


Best for

  • Large-animal veterinarians, especially those in cattle and ruminant practice

  • Specialists, residents, and academics focused on bovine medicine and research

  • Veterinary students with an interest in production animal medicine

  • Industry professionals and suppliers in the cattle and ruminant health sector



What you’ll learn

  • Advances in bovine medicine, reproduction, nutrition, and herd health management

  • Practical techniques through hands-on labs and workshops

  • Exposure to the latest global research in cattle and ruminant health

  • Networking opportunities with an international community of large-animal experts




How to get the most from veterinary conferences


Before you go: Review the agenda and balance clinical sessions with practice management tracks. You'll often find the most valuable insights come from business content that addresses staff utilization and workflow challenges.


Capture everything: Tools like your veterinary AI scribe can record lecture notes while you focus on participating. No more choosing between engaging and taking notes.


Work the exhibit hall strategically: Vendor conversations reveal practical solutions you won't hear in sessions. Schedule specific times rather than rushing through between talks.


Mix session types: Large presentations provide broad updates, but hands-on labs deliver immediately applicable skills. Split coverage across team members to maximize what you bring back.


Factor in real costs: Early bird registration saves money, but hotel and travel add up quickly. The investment pays off when you return with strategies that reduce veterinary burnout and streamline operations.


Network with purpose: Connect with peers facing similar challenges. The conversations often matter more than the formal sessions.


Stop choosing between engaging at conferences and taking notes. Let CoVet capture everything automatically while you focus on networking and learning that transforms your practice. Try it out for free


How to choose the right veterinary conference for your role


DVMs: Prioritize conferences that balance clinical updates with practice management content. Look for events offering subspecialty tracks in your area of interest while including business sessions on efficiency and team leadership. Consider your CE requirements and whether you need broad updates or deep specialty focus.


Veterinary technicians: Seek conferences with dedicated RVT/CVT tracks and hands-on labs. Many large conferences now offer parallel programming specifically designed for technicians, covering both clinical skills and career advancement. Check if the conference offers virtual conference access if travel budgets are limited.


Hospital managers: Focus on events with substantial practice management tracks covering staff utilization, client communication, and operational efficiency. Look for conferences addressing signs of compassion fatigue and team wellness strategies.


Cost considerations: Factor in registration, hotel and travel, and time away from the clinic. Early bird registration can significantly reduce costs. Compare the cost per CE hour across different events.


Virtual vs in-person: Hybrid events offer flexibility, but in-person networking often provides the most value for practice managers and team leaders. Virtual options work well for clinical updates but miss the collaborative problem-solving that happens during breaks and meals.


Team attendance: Sending multiple team members to the same conference builds shared knowledge and implementation strategies when you return.


Relevant post: From local SEO to paid ads, this guide on veterinary marketing walks veterinary practices through high-impact marketing tactics that actually deliver new patients.


Final thoughts: conferences as a strategic investment for your clinic

Veterinary conferences deliver value beyond individual CE credits. They're strategic investments in your team's development and your clinic's efficiency. When staff attend sessions on practice management and workflow optimization, you're addressing root causes of veterinary burnout that affect retention and patient care.


The real ROI comes from implementation. Conference insights about staff utilization and technology adoption can transform daily operations. Teams that attend together often report better collaboration when they return.


Pair new knowledge with tools that support immediate application. When your team learns about improved documentation practices, having veterinary dictation software or customizable SOAP notes already in place means you can apply insights right away.


Networking often proves as valuable as formal sessions. Connections lead to ongoing collaboration and practical solutions to common challenges.

Budget for conferences as you would any essential practice investment. The cost typically pays for itself through improved efficiency, better retention, and enhanced patient outcomes.



Frequently asked questions about veterinary conferences 2026


What are the largest veterinary conferences in 2026?

VMX in Orlando (January 17-21) offers the most comprehensive experience with 1,200 CE hours across hundreds of tracks. AVMA Convention in Anaheim (July 10-14) provides broad networking across all specialties. WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas (February 15-18) delivers 900+ RACE-approved hours with extensive hands-on labs. For international scope, WSAVA World Congress in Warsaw (October 13-15) connects global small animal professionals.



Which veterinary conferences offer the most practice management content?

AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference (Chicago, January 8-10) focuses specifically on leadership and organizational skills. VMX includes substantial practice management tracks alongside clinical content. Most major conferences now integrate business sessions, but look for events that specifically mention tracks on staff utilization, client communication, and operational efficiency in their programming.



Are there hybrid or virtual veterinary conferences in 2026?

Many conferences offer hybrid attendance. VMX provides virtual participation through their VMX Virtual platform. ACVIM Forum includes livestreamed sessions and on-demand content through October. London Vet Show and other European events typically offer virtual conference access for international attendees. Check individual conference websites for specific virtual options and pricing.



How do I earn CE credits at a veterinary conference?

Most conferences offer RACE-approved continuing education credits. You'll typically receive certificates for sessions attended, with credit hours varying by session length. Some conferences require additional fees for certain workshops or hands-on labs. Hybrid attendees can often earn credits through virtual participation, though hands-on components may require in-person attendance for full credit.

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