The Complete Guide to Veterinary Conferences (Updated for 2023!)
Ready to add some veterinary events to your calendar? In this ebook, we’ve rounded up all the best veterinary conferences in 2023 from across the globe.
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How to get more out of veterinary conferences
Veterinary conferences are chaotic in the best way possible. Brimming with fascinating talks, cutting-edge industry technology, and a plethora of networking opportunities, veterinary conferences offer a ton of value for convention newbies and seasoned veterans alike.
But to successfully navigate the mayhem, you’re going to need a plan of attack. Here are seven tips to help you get the most out of veterinary conferences in 2023.
1. Reach out to attendees ahead of the event
Veterinary conferences are busy. With attendee numbers often measured in the thousands and such a broad range of things to see and do, you’re unlikely to cross paths with specific people by chance.
Don’t leave networking up to fate. Before attending any conference, identify any speakers and attendees you’d like to connect with and make it a point to reach out to them ahead of the event. Even if your schedules don’t line up, you’ll have at least broken the ice, which will make it easier to connect with them further down the track.
2. Map out your conference schedule
Some conferences offer hundreds of hours of lectures, labs, presentations, and workshops, all happening simultaneously in dozens of different rooms spread across a massive venue. You could just impulsively bounce around from event to event, but to really make the most of the conference experience it’s a good idea to put together a bit of an itinerary before the event.
Convention organizers usually release the schedule long before the conference takes place, so be sure to check it out and jot down the events that you think will add the most value to your practice, patients, and career. While you can always adjust your schedule when you’re at the conference, going into the event with a rough game plan ensures that you won’t miss out on anything important.
3. Create a plan of attack for the exhibit hall
Most conferences boast a bustling exhibit hall, where you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with suppliers showcasing a staggering range of the latest veterinary tech and innovative products.
It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re shuffling from booth to booth, so we recommend putting together a list of the exhibitors that you’re most interested in meeting and prioritize them before you inevitably get sidetracked. Vendors often offer attractive discounts and details that are only available at conferences, so schedule some time to talk to distributors. And no exhibit hall experience is complete without walking away with a mountain of swag, so be sure to save some space in your suitcase for the trip home!
4. Network, network, network
You’re going to be surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of fellow veterinary professionals, so make sure you make the most out of it! Register for the various networking events, introduce yourself to new people, and hand out your business cards to everyone you meet.
Many conferences offer social events outside of regular conference hours, which can be an excellent way to meet people in a more relaxed environment. If you’re interested in furthering your professional relationships, take a moment to follow up with your new connections after the conference with a quick email.
5. Understand your remote learning options
Many conferences moved to a virtual format in response to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing measures. Although in-person events are now back on the menu, some conferences (particularly the larger ones) are still providing virtual events, giving you the option to attend remotely or in person.
If you’re not quite ready to travel, or if you like the convenience of accessing learning resources online and experiencing things at your own pace, remote attendance may be the way to go. Bear in mind that the events, schedules, and CE opportunities provided at an in-person conference may be different from those available virtually, so be sure to check out event details beforehand to avoid disappointment.
6. Book in some time to relax and unwind
Veterinary conferences are jam-packed with things to do - but that doesn’t mean you need to be rushing about every day from dawn till dusk. Sure, you’ll naturally want to take in as much as you can while you’re at the event, but conferences are also a good opportunity to take some to relax, recharge the batteries, and get reacquainted with your passion for veterinary work. So, make sure you deliberately leave some space in your schedule to just breathe and take it all in.
7. Share your learnings with the team
If you’ve been productive and managed your time well, you’ll walk away from the conference with a bunch of new ideas to enrich your practice. Once you’re back in the clinic, be sure to book in some time with the rest of your team to share your key takeaways from the event and discuss how these insights could be applied to your practice. Sharing your knowledge helps solidify what you’ve learned and elevates your team - both of which contribute to running a more profitable practice and delivering exceptional patient care.
Takeaway
Attending a veterinary conference is the perfect opportunity to learn, network, and rejuvenate. Equipped with the tips in this article, you’ll be fully prepared to get the most out of your next veterinary conference in 2023.
Best veterinary conferences in North America
After a couple of years of COVID-induced disruptions, in-person veterinary conferences are back and better than ever before.
Whether you’re interested in networking with industry peers, obtaining CE credits, or getting up close and personal with the latest veterinary innovations, you’re sure to find something that resonates with you in one of these upcoming veterinary conferences.
Ready to add some events to your calendar? We’ve rounded up all the best veterinary conferences in North America.
Conference | Dates | Location |
January 14-18, 2023 | Orlando, Florida | |
February 16-18, 2023 | Columbus, Ohio | |
February 16-18, 2023 | Roanoke, Virginia | |
February 19-22, 2023 | Las Vegas, Nevada | |
Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Annual Conference | April 20-23, 2023 | Orlando, Florida |
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum | June 15-17, 2023 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
July 6-9, 2023 | Québec City, Québec | |
July 14-18, 2023 | Denver, Colorado | |
August 25-27, 2023 | Kansas City, Missouri | |
International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS) | September 7-11, 2023 | Denver, Colorado |
September 27-28, 2023 | San Antonio, Texas | |
September 21-23, 2023 | Phoenix, Arizona | |
September 20-23, 2023 | San Diego, California | |
September 21-24, 2023 | San Antonio, Texas | |
October 9-11, 2023 | Atlantic City, New Jersey | |
October 18-21, 2023 | Reno, Nevada | |
American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Surgery Summit | October 11-14, 2023 | Louisville, Kentucky |
October 14-17, 2023 | Banff, Alberta | |
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Conference | October 12-15, 2023 | Memphis, Tennessee |
November 8-9, 2023 | New York City, New York | |
Nov 29-Dec 3, 2023 | San Diego, California | |
December 1-3, 2023 | Long Beach, California |
Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX)
When: January 14-18, 2023.
Where: Orlando, Florida.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 48.5.
VMX is one of the biggest veterinary conferences in the world and a perennial favorite among animal healthcare professionals.
Featuring 350 compelling live speakers, 1,200 total hours of CE , and hundreds of program tracks happening throughout the five-day event, VMX offers valuable learning opportunities for every member of your team. Explore the industry’s largest veterinary marketplace, where you’ll discover hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest industry innovations, or network with the 10,000+ veterinary professionals that attend VMX.
2023 marks VMX’s 40th anniversary. Expect throwback prices for in-person attendees and a virtual component for those who can’t make it to Orlando.
Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC)
When: February 16-18, 2023.
Where: Columbus, Ohio.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 19.5.
The MVC is the most highly anticipated veterinary conference in the Midwest. Hosted at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the MVC offers more than 300 hours of thought-provoking lectures, workshops, and hands-on labs, making it the perfect place for veterinary professionals to fulfill their CE requirements.
In addition to an abundance of learning opportunities, the MVC also features a range of nationally and internationally renowned speakers, a bustling exhibit hall brimming with cutting-edge vendors, and a fantastic calendar of social events where you can let your hair down and connect with fellow industry professionals.
Virginia Veterinary Conference (VVC)
When: February 16-18, 2023.
Where: Roanoke, Virginia.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 15.
The VVC is an annual veterinary conference held in Roanoke, Virginia. The 2023 edition of the event will be hosted at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, starting with a welcome reception on Thursday evening followed by keynote speeches and educational sessions kicking off on Friday morning.
Attendees can earn up to 15 CE credits across a variety of tracks, including small animal, food animal, equine, technician, and public practice. Registration covers access to CE sessions, the exhibit hall, conference meals, and online speaker proceedings.
Western Veterinary Conference (WVC)
When: February 19-22, 2023.
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 40 for technicians; 48 for veterinarians.
The WVC is the biggest veterinary conference on the West Coast. The event is a mainstay in the calendar for more than 12,000 veterinary professionals, who gather in Las Vegas to learn, network, and explore.
Boasting a busy schedule of industry seminars, hands-on labs, and hundreds of CE hours, the WVC offers a wide range of learning opportunities, as well as a fantastic lineup of networking events and 400+ industry-leading exhibitors.
In true Las Vegas fashion, the WVC also provides access to some world-class entertainment and the chance to explore the best dining, spas, and nightlife that Sin City is famous for.
Florida Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA) Annual Conference
When: April 20-22, 2023.
Where: Orlando, Florida.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
The FVMA Annual Conference aims to deliver world-class continuing education for every member of the veterinary team.
The annual conference offers hundreds of hours of CE sessions, lectures, wet labs, and workshops, along with a lineup of distinguished speakers and over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in veterinary technology.
In 2023, the FVMA Annual Conference will be held at the beautiful Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, located just minutes away from the magic of Walt Disney World Resort.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM)
When: June 15-17, 2023.
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 34.5 for technicians; 37 for veterinarians.
Interested in veterinary internal medicine? This is the event for you.
The ACVIM Forum is an annual event where members of the college’s six specialties - cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology, and small animal internal medicine - can connect with other specialists, general practitioners, technicians, students, interns and anyone else interested in internal medicine.
The four-day event is jam-packed with outstanding educational sessions, as well as abundant networking opportunities and a buzzing exhibit hall showcasing the latest developments in the veterinary world.
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Convention
When: July 6-9, 2023.
Where: Québec City, Québec.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 28.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association is the voice of the Canadian veterinary profession. The organization hosts the annual CVMA Convention, which will be held in Québec City in 2023.
The event follows a hybrid format, offering access to a total of 100 CE hours for in-person attendees and 40 CE hours for virtual attendees, as well as plenty of social events and opportunities to network with industry experts and fellow convention goers.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention
When: July 14-18, 2023.
Where: Denver, Colorado.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 38.
After a COVID-19-induced hiatus, AVMA Convention returned to an in-person event in 2022. In 2023, the convention will take place in Denver, Colorado, where attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the AVMA Convention’s renowned CE labs, workshops, panels, and lectures, led by some of the industry’s leading veterinary experts.
With a broad range of content areas on offer - including companion animal medicine, practice management, public and corporate practice, veterinary technology, and more - the AVMA Convention provides something for everyone. Beyond CE opportunities, the convention is also the perfect place to deepen your professional connections, take part in various social events, and rekindle your passion for veterinary medicine.
Fetch Kansas City
When: August 25-27, 2023.
Where: Kansas City, Missouri.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 18.
Fetch dvm360 Kansas City is an innovative education experience for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and managers.
Hosted at the beautiful Kansas City Convention Center, the conference delivers 10 educational tracks covering just about every aspect of veterinary medicine, including companion animal, equine, exotic, and large animal sessions.
With over 120 learning sessions, an exhibit hall with more than 100 exhibitors, and an incredible lineup of inspiring keynote speakers, there’s something for the whole team at Fetch dvm360 Kansas City.
International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS)
When: September 8-12, 2023.
Where: Denver, Colorado.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 39.
IVECCS is one of the largest veterinary specialty conferences in the world. In 2023, the event takes place at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, conveniently located a stone’s throw away from Denver International Airport.
The event offers veterinary professionals more than 39 hours of industry-leading CE, an array of workshops, labs, and lectures, and a lineup of incredible speakers from across the veterinary industry.
Don’t miss the exhibit hall, where you can get hands-on with some of the latest products and technology from the industry’s leading innovators, or get involved with the many social and networking events on offer.
VetForum USA 2023
When: September 27-28, 2023.
Where: San Antonio, Texas.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
VetForum is a global, invite-only conference series that aims to be the most efficient way to meet industry decision makers.
The USA iteration of the event showcases some of the industry’s most innovative products and services, along with the opportunity to learn from a wide range of thought leaders and best-in-class practitioners.
The conference’s signature speed meeting sessions are the ideal way to network and discover new solutions to the industry’s most pressing issues.
Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) Conference
When: September 21-23, 2023.
Where: Phoenix, Arizona.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 16.5.
The VHMA Conference is one of the few events aimed squarely at practice managers.
In 2023, the event will be hosted at Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa, a charming hotel located a short walk from some of the city’s hottest attractions. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to hone your management skills through a plethora of educational sessions, panel discussions, and networking events, with the possibility of earning up to 16.5 CE hours over the three-day event.
Be sure to check out the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour, where you can enjoy some complimentary drinks and snacks while exploring the latest and greatest veterinary innovations.
Connexity
When: September 20-23, 2023.
Where: San Diego, California.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
Connexity is the annual conference of the American Animal Hospital Association. The event focuses primarily on companion animal medicine as well as the business skills needed to run a successful veterinary practice.
Attendees can earn CE credits across a range of medical topics, including medicine, end-of-life care, neurology, working dog guidelines, endocrinology, and antimicrobial resistance; and non-medical topics, including clinic finances, communications, team recruitment and retention, remote work and using technology, and design thinking.
Southwest Veterinary Symposium
When: September 21-24, 2023.
Where: San Antonio, Texas.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 28.
Southwest Veterinary Symposium is a collaboration between the Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association, the Texas Veterinary Team Association, and the Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas Veterinary Medical Associations.
The four-day event is held annually in the fall in the southwest and features continuing education, interactive labs, exhibits, and a busy social calendar. Southwest Veterinary Symposium is geared towards a wide range of veterinary professionals, including DVMs, RVTs, hospital personnel, and veterinary and technician students.
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Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC)
When: October 9-11, 2023.
Where: Atlantic City, New Jersey.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 16.5 hours.
With a rich history spanning more than 30 years, the annual ACVC remains one of the best ways for veterinary professionals to learn, get inspired, and connect with leading service providers.
Registration gives you access to dozens of educational tracks, engaging continuing education sessions, a thriving exhibitor hall, lecture notes, and an abundance of networking opportunities, including breakfast, lunch, coffee breaks, and receptions.
Wild West Vet
When: October 18-21, 2023.
Where: Reno, Nevada.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 36.
Every year, Vet Show hosts four veterinary conferences in different locations throughout the U.S., including Wild West Vet, which is held in Reno, Nevada.
Spread over four days, the event provides back-to-back CE sessions led by a fantastic line-up of local and international speakers, as well as plentiful opportunities to build professional connections with industry peers and more than 180 leading veterinary suppliers.
In 2023, Wild West Vet returns to Peppermill Resort Casino, which is providing special room rates for event attendees. This, coupled with the affordable ticket price, makes Wild West Vet accessible for veterinary professionals of all backgrounds.
American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Surgery Summit
When: October 11-14, 2023.
Where: Louisville, Kentucky.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
Passionate about veterinary surgery? Here’s one event you won’t want to miss.
The annual ACVS Surgery Summit is a celebration of the art and science of veterinary surgery and delivers a world-class program of continuing education for the entire veterinary team.
This year, the event will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn from industry-leading presenters in a range of seminars covering the latest developments in veterinary surgery, including patient care, diagnosis, pain management, and anesthesia and analgesia, as well as preoperative care and postoperative care.
CanWest
When: October 14-17, 2023.
Where: Banff, Alberta.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 19.
CanWest is regarded as the most informative veterinary event in western Canada. The annual event takes place at the beautiful Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a historic resort nestled in Banff National Park.
Here, you’ll discover an engaging educational program spanning five consecutive learning tracks, including companion animal, equine, food animal, veterinary technologist (RVT), and veterinary team.
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Conference
When: October 12-15, 2023.
Where: Memphis, Tennessee.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 32.5.
The AAFP conference is one of the most comprehensive veterinary events dedicated to feline care. Hosted at the Renasant Convention Center in Memphis, the theme of this year’s event is ‘The Ins and Outs of Feline Nutrition and Gastroenterology,’ which aims to elevate the standard of care that cats receive.
The conference covers a broad range of topics, including interactions, techniques, and tips for educating caregivers, as well as many medical subjects. Regardless of your role in the practice or your level of experience with cats, AAFP’s educational program ensures that everyone who attends will expand their feline knowledge.
New York Vet Show
When: November 8-9, 2023.
Where: New York City, New York.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
One of four annual Vet Show-sponsored conferences, the New York Vet Show strikes the balance between fun, quality, and convenience.
The conference packs a lot into just two days - including three clinical tracks, a business theater, a veterinary track, and a range of sponsor-led workshops - making it the perfect event for veterinarians who don’t want to take a lot of time out of their busy schedule.
At the New York Vet Show, you can earn hours of RACE-approved CE, while engaging with some of the most respected thought leaders in the world of small animal medicine.
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American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention
When: November 29-December 3, 2023.
Where: San Diego, California.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
The AAEP Convention is a must for any veterinary professional interested in equine medicine.
Now in its 69th year, the convention is the most comprehensive equine-specific veterinary event, with more than 100 hours of practical continuing education, a buzzing calendar of networking and social events, and a lively trade show featuring more than 300 suppliers exhibiting the latest industry innovations.
In 2023, the five-day convention takes place at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.
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Fetch Long Beach
When: December 1-3, 2023.
Where: Long Beach, California.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 18.
Fetch San Diego has relocated to Long Beach! Hosted at the Long Beach Convention Center, Fetch dvm360 Long Beach aims to equip veterinary professionals with the skills, tools, and insight needed for long-term success.
The conference is built around four key pillars - human connections, actionable education, fearless fun, and endless inspiration - delivering a 360-degree educational experience covering every aspect of a veterinary professional’s life.
The three-day conference boasts more than 120 sessions, 10 educational tracks, and a busy exhibit hall feature dozens of suppliers from the forefront of the veterinary space.
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The 5 best veterinary conferences in the UK
Veterinary conferences are about so much more than simply obtaining CE credits. They’re also about socializing with industry peers, exploring new ways of thinking, and taking some time to relax and reignite your passion for your work.
If you’re based in Europe (or looking for a reason to hop across the pond!) you’ll be pleased to know that the U.K. is home to a great lineup of world-class veterinary conferences. We’ve rounded up five of the best veterinary conferences in the U.K.
Conference | Dates | Location |
January 26-27, 2023 | Birmingham, England | |
British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress | March 23-25, 2023 | Manchester, England |
May 11-12, 2023 | Birmingham, England | |
September 21-23, 2023 | Bedfordshire, England | |
November 16-17, 2023 | London, England |
Society for Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) Congress
When: January 26-27, 2023.
Where: Birmingham, England.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
SPVS is a not-for-profit association with a rich history dating all the way back to 1933. The annual SPVS Congress is an opportunity for veterinary professionals to come together to learn, network, and relax in a fun environment with like-minded individuals while obtaining their CE hours. Hosted at the beautiful Hilton Birmingham Metropole, the 2023 edition of the event delivers five lecture streams, a program of fantastic speakers, and a thriving exhibition hall.
British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress
When: March 23-25, 2023.
Where: Manchester, England.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 18.
BSAVA Congress is the place to be for anyone interested in small animal veterinary medicine. The event takes place at the award-winning Manchester Central and provides a broad range of educational content for veterinary professionals, including more than 120 lectures, debates, and interactive sessions.
Collect 18 hours of CE over the three days, check out the latest industry innovations at the thriving trade show, and take advantage of the social program to unwind after a busy day of learning and networking. Most of the lectures will be recorded and made available to attendees on-demand after the event, so you can revisit your favorite lectures or catch up on anything you might have missed.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) Live
When: May 11-12, 2023.
Where: Birmingham, England.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 17.
Launched in 2022, BVA Live is a new conference that aims to provide veterinary professionals with a whole new educational experience. Primarily aimed at small animal veterinarians, the event features more than 40 world-class speakers delivering more than 70 hours of accredited education.
Your ticket grants you access to five theaters featuring small animal clinical streams, lively debates, career sessions, and exhibitor showcases, where you can learn more about innovative products and services that could transform your practice.
Vet Dynamics Conference
When: September 21-23, 2023.
Where: Bedfordshire, England.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: Unknown.
Vet Dynamics is the largest independent veterinary community in the U.K. and a leading provider of veterinary business support and continuing education.
In 2023, the annual Vet Dynamics Conference will be held at Wyboston Lakes Resort, a stunning environmentally conscious resort set in 380 cares of beautiful rural countryside. Throughout the three-day event, the Vet Dynamics team will host a series of workshops and lectures designed to inspire change and spark conversation among independent practice owners.
London Vet Show
When: November 16-17, 2023.
Where: London, England.
More info: Official website.
CE hours: 17.
The London Vet Show is Europe’s premier veterinary conference and a must-attend for veterinary professionals of all backgrounds. The event boasts an exciting lineup of more than 200 internationally renowned speakers, collectively delivering more than 100 hours of accredited continuing education covering a broad range of clinical and business topics.
In addition to educational opportunities, the London Vet Show also offers plenty of space to socialize, network, and explore more than 350 exhibitors at the forefront of the veterinary industry.
