Veterinary Conferences to Attend in 2021 (Both Virtual and Live!)
Veterinary conferences were faced with certain challenges in 2020 as they were forced to go virtual. State licensing boards adjusted their continuing education (CE) requirements, allowing virtual hours instead of live classes, and meetings were adapted to provide learning opportunities in the face of the pandemic.
Looking at the year ahead, with the pandemic raging on but promising vaccines in the works, meetings scheduled for early 2021 will be offered virtually, with later events planning to offer live sessions. Here's what we currently know about the 2021 conference lineup.
Fetch dvm360
Last year, Fetch dvm306 combined several canceled events into two virtual meetings, and early 2021 will follow the same format.
When: Feb. 25–27, June 20–22, and July 22–25, 2021
Format: The February event will be virtual, whereas the June and July meetings are expected to be in-person events in Indianapolis and Baltimore, respectively.
For more information: Find details on the Fetch dvm360 website.
Midwest Veterinary Conference (MVC)
MVC 2021 will be held using a virtual platform to provide a meaningful and unique conference experience, complete with a virtual exhibit hall and CE and networking opportunities. According to the MVC website, this will allow attendees to participate whenever, wherever, and "wearever"—but, you may want to turn your camera off if you choose to attend in your cat pajamas.
When: February 2021
Format: MVC will be fully virtual in 2021.
For more information: Learn more on the MVC website.
Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX)
VMX has moved from its previously planned January conference to June, due to ongoing travel restrictions. Featured speakers include Marty Becker, DVM, Stephen Cital, RVT, Temple Grandin, Cathleen Mochal-King, DVM, and many other big names you won't want to miss.
When: June 5–9, 2021
Format: VMX 2021 will be offered as a hybrid meeting. Registrants can attend live sessions in Orlando, Fla., or virtually. Most registration packages include on-demand access to recorded sessions for 90 days following the conference.
For more information: Check out the NAVC website.
American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum
The 2020 ACVIM On Demand just wrapped up its virtual offerings at the end of 2020, and the ACVIM forum planning committee is currently working to adjust program timelines and organize their approach for next year's meeting.
When: June 2021
Format: ACVIM's 2021 format is still to be determined.
For more information: Stay tuned to the ACVIM website for details.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Convention
The AVMA plans to return to a full in-person conference in 2021.
When: July 30–Aug. 3, 2021
Format: AVMA's 2021 in-person convention will be held in Minneapolis.
For more information: Keep an eye on the AVMA website as details about the 2021 meeting unfold.
Western Veterinary Conference (WVC)
The WVC has been pushed to the fall to give attendees more time to adjust to post-pandemic circumstances and make travel more convenient. Las Vegas weather will be perfect in September, and you'll likely be ready for a post-pandemic vacation (fingers crossed!).
When: Sept. 6–9, 2021
Format: WVC attendees can enjoy live sessions in Las Vegas, or they can attend virtually.
For more information: Watch the Viticus Group website for details.
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Connexity by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Limited to AAHA members, Connexity will host an in-person 2021 conference. Connexity offers practice management CE for hospital owners and managers that focuses heavily on improving practice culture and well-being in the veterinary field.
When: Sept. 22–25, 2021
Format: AAHA members can join the Connexity 2021 in-person event in Scottsdale, Arizona.
For more information: Details about the 2021 meeting are yet to come, but keep an eye on AAHA's website for updates and information.
Uncharted
Only for Uncharted members (membership is $699/year or $65/month), the Uncharted 2021 conference is planned to be an in-person event focused on growth and targeted toward "anyone obsessed with growing a business or brand in veterinary medicine."
When: April 22–25, 2021
Format: Uncharted members can join the in-person event in Greenville, South Carolina.
For more information: Visit the Uncharted website to join Uncharted and find details about the meeting.
Virtual conferences may not seem exciting, but 2020 proved that the veterinary field can bring inspiration in new and unexpected ways. Here's hoping that we will be on the other side of the pandemic by mid-year and we'll see each other again at in-person conferences in the summer and fall.
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