No matter your role in veterinary medicine—vet, tech, nurse, manager, student, or industry pro—2026 is stacked with conferences to choose from.
But don’t stress; we’ve narrowed it down to some standouts. These events put people first, pack in CE, and encourage new connections. You’ll find the Instinct crew at some of the big ones (like VMX, WVC, ACVIM, and IVECCS), so come say hi!
Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to see where we’re headed next!
This blog will be updated as more information becomes available.
1. Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX)
Hosted by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), VMX kicks off the year as the world’s largest veterinary conference. Attendees can expect cutting-edge CE, well-known speakers, a vast catalog of hands-on workshops, an enormous exhibit hall featuring prizes, puppies, and new product launches, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across the profession.
When: January 17-21, 2026
Where: Orlando, Florida
More Information: navc.com/vmx-event
2. Western Veterinary Conference (WVC)
The WVC Annual Conference is one of the largest and longest-running veterinary education events in the U.S., held annually in Las Vegas. With hundreds of hours of CE across lectures, hands-on labs, and informal sessions, it offers something for every member of the veterinary team. Attendees can explore a 500,000-square-foot exhibit hall packed with the latest products and services, enjoy sponsored social events, and enjoy all Vegas offers.
WVC is also home to the Viticus Center, a cutting-edge, off-site facility that specializes in hands-on training for advanced skills like ultrasound, dentistry, and surgery.
When: February 15-18, 2026
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada
More Information: viticusgroup.org/wvc-conference
3. WVC Nashville
For the first time, WVC is expanding beyond Las Vegas. This new event will offer a full lineup of CE sessions, hands-on workshops, and evening social events—all set in the heart of Music City. As part of the expansion, the Viticus Group is also opening a brand-new Education Center in Nashville, bringing its renowned hands-on training in areas like ultrasound, dentistry, and surgery to the Southeast.
When: August 15-18, 2026
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
More Information: viticusgroup.org/wvc-nashville
4. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC)
Regardless of role, all veterinary professionals can benefit from leadership training, which improves the communication and relationship skills that make veterinary practice both challenging and rewarding. The AVMA VLC combines leadership-focused CE sessions, AVMA governance meetings, and networking to help veterinary professionals strengthen essential nonclinical skills.
When: January 8-10, 2026
Where: Chicago, Illinois
More Information: avma.org/events/veterinary-leadership-conference
5. AVMA Convention
The AVMA Convention delivers high-quality CE in a just-big-enough setting that rotates locations each year, perfect for those who want to keep learning while exploring new cities. The program features a broad mix of clinical and nonclinical content. In addition, it also provides space to engage with the broader challenges and conversations shaping the veterinary field, making it a solid choice for professionals who want to stay informed and involved beyond the exam room.
When: July 10-14, 2026
Where: Anaheim, California
More Information: avma.org/events/avma-convention
6. Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC)
Hosted by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, the MVC is a regional veterinary conference that continues to grow each year. It offers all veterinary team members educational sessions, networking opportunities, and social events. Thanks to its location near the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, MVC regularly features many Buckeye professors and researchers, adding academic depth to a speaker lineup that already includes respected experts from around the globe.
When: February 26-28, 2026
Where: Columbus, Ohio
More Information: mvcinfo.org
7. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum
ACVIM’s annual conference is focused on specialist-level learning in cardiology, large animal internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, oncology, and small animal internal medicine, as well as multispecialty topics including business, leadership, and communications, education and research, well-being, and more. The 2025 ACVIM Forum will feature over 600 sessions, including scientific lectures, hands-on workshops, and research abstracts.
When: June 11-13, 2026
Where: Seattle, Washington
More Information: acvim.org/home
8. VETgirl U
VETgirl U offers practical, high-impact CE for veterinary professionals, covering small animal medicine, surgery, emergency care, and practice management. The conference features interactive lectures, hands-on labs, and case discussions tailored to real-world clinical needs. It is also family-friendly, offers great swag, and sells out every year, making early registration a must for those who want to be part of the experience.
When: June 18-21, 2026
Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
More Information: web.cvent.com/event/7b331883-4a89-44c9-92b5-01ec8d553514/summary
9. Fetch dvm360
Fetch dvm360 Conferences deliver clinical, management, and wellness education through multi-track sessions designed for veterinarians, technicians, and managers. Originally held in Kansas City, Fetch has expanded to multiple locations and includes smaller, topic-focused meetings. Attendees can customize their experience with lectures, hands-on labs, and interactive workshops. With both in-person and virtual options, Fetch supports professional development and personal well-being through flexible, accessible learning formats.
When: Multiple dates across 2026, see below
Where: Charlotte, Nashville
- Charlotte, North Carolina: March 13-14, 2026
- Nashville, Tennessee: May 29-30, 2026
- More dates likely to be added
More Information: dvm360events.com
10. International Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Symposium (IVECCS)
IVECCS offers over 40 hours of continuing education focused on the latest advancements in veterinary emergency and critical care. Designed primarily for emergency and specialty professionals, the event includes lectures, workshops, and hands-on labs tailored to the fast-paced, high-acuity world of emergency and critical care.
Attendees can also explore an exhibit hall packed with cutting-edge products and services from industry partners, many of which are directly relevant to emergency and specialty practice.
When: TBA
Where: TBA
More Information: iveccs.org
11. Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS)
SWVS offers veterinary professionals in the Southwest region and across the country an opportunity to engage in continuing education, exhibits, interactive labs, and social activities. This event is a joint effort by the Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas VMAs, alongside the Oklahoma Veterinary Technician Association, the Arkansas Veterinary Technician Association, and the Veterinary Team Association of Texas.
When: September 17-20, 2026
Where: San Antonio, Texas
More Information: swvs.org
12. FelineVMA (formerly AAFP)
Veterinary professionals are invited to attend this immersive, distraction-free event focused on feline medicine. The conference features sessions covering Feline Nephrology, Urology, and Dentistry. Connect with colleagues, engage with expert speakers, and explore the latest in feline care.
When: September 24-27, 2026
Where: Fort Lauderdale, FL
More Information: catvets.com
13. New York Vet Show
This show offers a comprehensive program curated by Clinician’s Brief, featuring four clinical tracks, a veterinary technician track, a USDA National Veterinary Accreditation theater, and sponsor-led workshops. In a convenient 2-day format, veterinary professionals can earn up to 16 hours of RACE-approved CE while engaging with leading thinkers, visionaries, and practitioners in small animal medicine—all in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of New York City.
When: TBA
Where: New York, New York
More Information: newyork.vetshow.com
14. Veterinary Innovation Summit (VIS)
VIS convenes veterinary professionals, industry leaders, and innovators to explore emerging trends and transformative technologies shaping the future of veterinary medicine. Unlike traditional conferences, this event does not include clinical CE. Instead, it features innovators from both veterinary and non-veterinary professions.
The summit includes thought-provoking keynotes, interactive sessions, and a startup pitch competition, creating a platform for groundbreaking ideas and collaborative discussions. Topics span artificial intelligence, emerging practice models, and next-generation wearables, offering attendees a forward-looking view of the evolving landscape of animal healthcare.
When: TBA
Where: TBA
More Information: veterinaryinnovationcouncil.com/veterinary-innovation-summit
15. American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) Symposium
The annual ABVP symposium is open to all veterinary team members looking for clinically relevant, high-quality CE in a less crowded, more focused environment. The symposium features hands-on workshops and lectures on topics in companion animal, equine, food animal, exotics, fish, and shelter medicine.
When: April 9-12, 2026
Where: Boston, Massachusetts
More Information: abvp.com/symposium
