Veterinary Conferences in 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Here is an overview of 2024's conferences to help reignite and invigorate your passion for veterinary medicine.

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1. Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX)

Last year's crowd at VMX drew record numbers—27,000 veterinary professionals attended the popular conference—and we can expect nothing less than the same greatness in 2024. The 2024 VMX theme is "Show of Shows," with a larger-than-life, old-timey feel. The sheer size of VMX means the conference offers unparalleled networking and CE opportunities for all veterinary professionals.

When and where: January 13–17, in Orlando, Florida

For more information: Visit the VMX 2024 website for details.

2. Western Veterinary Conference (WVC)

WVC is celebrating its 96th year in 2024, and the Viticus Group is marking the occasion with a $96 registration fee. If you've been wanting to get away to Las Vegas, this year is your chance. WVC, which draws around 15,000 people each year, is one of the largest major conferences and offers CE for every interest and need, plus unprecedented nightlife after the 345,000-square-foot exhibit hall closes.

When and where: February 18–21, in Las Vegas, Nevada

For more information: Visit the WVC 2024 website for details.

3. Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC)

MVC is hosted annually by the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and draws regional crowds of more than 5,000 attendees wanting a high-quality CE event without extensive travel. MVC prides itself on offering consistently low registration fees for more than 300 hours of CE, plus networking and social opportunities.

When and where: February 22–24, in Columbus, Ohio

For more information: Visit the MVC 2024 website for details and to sign up for updates.

4. Fetch DVM360

DVM360 hosts several Fetch events throughout the year in different cities, with Fetch Charlotte kicking off in March. Fetch conferences focus on providing a broad range of CE topics, with a special emphasis on caring for veterinary professionals' mental and physical health and well-being. If you can't attend the Charlotte conference, look for events in Kansas City and Atlantic City in the fall.

When and where: March 15–17, in Charlotte, North Carolina; August 23-25, in Kansas City, Missouri; October 14-16, in Atlantic City, New Jersey

For more information: Visit the Fetch DVM360 website for details and updates.

5. Vet Show

Vet Show, brought to you by CloserStill Media, hosts large regional conferences in cities across the globe, including Chicago, Reno, and New York. The shows boast a unique, time-saving format with practical, staggered lectures in theaters on the expo floor, allowing you to maximize your time away from practice. Chicago Vet kicks off the Vet Show 2024 lineup in May, with dates for the Wild West and New York shows to be announced.

When and where: May 16–17, in Chicago, Illinois

For more information: Visit the Vet Show website for details and updates on upcoming shows.

6. AVMA Convention

Who better to host a convention than the U.S. veterinary organization with the largest membership? The AVMA convention is a five-day event that attracts upward of 7,000 attendees to its expansive exhibit hall and educational programs. Although the 2024 speakers and programming are yet to be announced, the AVMA never disappoints.

When and where: June 21–25, in Austin, Texas

For more information: Sign up for the AVMA Convention newsletter for monthly updates and be the first to know when registration opens.

7. AAHA Con

As an industry leader, AAHA attracts globally recognized speakers with a focus on progressive, relevant topics. Although AAHA's previous conferences have mostly covered management topics, the newly minted AAHA Con offers something for everyone with networking, hands-on learning, and thought leadership.

When and where: September 12–14, in National Harbor, Maryland

For more information: Visit the AAHA Con 2024 website for details.

8. NAVC Hive

This year, NAVC introduced a new conference concept called Hive, which aims to provide unique, affordable, and focused events for the veterinary community. The inaugural event in October 2023 challenged veterinary technicians and nurses to collaborate on pertinent issues, as well as celebrate the profession and its members. Additional events have not yet been announced, but keep your eyes peeled for more from NAVC Hive in 2024.

For more information: Visit the NAVC Hive website for updates.

2024 promises an exciting lineup of veterinary conferences with a greater focus on stepping outside the standard conference box and providing unique opportunities to advance the profession. For those unable to attend the conferences in person, keep in mind that many offer online options in real-time or on-demand formats to meet busy veterinary professionals' needs.