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Veterinary conferences provide veterinarians with opportunities to meet continuing education requirements, network with other veterinary professionals, and learn about the latest veterinary research and technology. While many veterinary conferences adopted a virtual format in 2020 and 2021, some are planning to meet in person in 2022 (COVID-permitting, of course).
We’ve compiled a list of the 50 best veterinary conferences to attend in 2022. Most are generalized and will appeal to all veterinarians, while others are geared toward specific specialties and interests. In addition to this list, Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a vet practicing in Idaho, suggests, “The big one is the AVMA convention if you want to get involved on a national level. Otherwise, your state VMA will be a great source of more localized information and fees will help support causes that may be pertinent to your area specifically. Conferences put on by your local veterinary school will also provide that same information to keep you up-to-date locally.”
Here are the veterinary conferences we recommend considering as you plan your continuing education and professional development opportunities for 2022. Most are in the USA. A few are virtual, and a few are in Canada or in other countries around the globe. We’ve listed the veterinary conferences below in chronological order based on the announced dates for 2022 (if available) or the dates they were last held, as many conferences hold annual events around the same time each year:
January – March 2022
AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference
January 6-9, 2022
Chicago, Illinois
The AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference is designed to promote leadership development for veterinarians and others in the profession. You’ll have the chance to earn over 30 continuing education units and improve your leadership skills. Some of the educational sessions will be available virtually for those who cannot travel or who would prefer to learn online. Over 600 attendees are expected.
Cost: TBA
Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX)
January 15-19, 2022
Orlando, Florida
VMX is being held in sunny Orlando, but they are also offering a virtual option, which will be available from January 15 to March 15, 2022. There are six different learning tracks offered, including Large Animal, Small Animal, Exotics, Practice Management, Nurse/Technicians, and Personal-Development Wellness. You’ll also be able to choose from hands-on workshops in areas like Critical Care, Imaging, and Orthopedics. This is one of the most customizable conventions, offering a potential of over 900 CE hours between in-person and virtual options.
Cost: $495 to $924
Ocala Equine Conference
January 21-23, 2022
Ocala, Florida
The Ocala Equine Conference is hosted by the Florida Association of Equine Practitioners and is held in the “horse capital of the world,” Ocala, Florida. There are seminars on topics like alternative imaging techniques for horses, pre-purchase exams, risk management for veterinarians, and gastric ulcers in horses. You can also take courses on equine podiatry, pharmacology, endemic equine viruses, and more. Attendees can accumulate up to 26 CE hours.
Cost: $195 to $445
Oklahoma Veterinary Conference
January 27-29
Norman, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Veterinary Conference offers the chance to mingle and get to know fellow veterinary professionals, as well as up to 20 continuing education units. There’s also an exhibition hall and an awards ceremony. Speakers include Beau Whitaker, Emily McCool, Joelle Craig, and Sheilah Robertson. Veterinarians, students, vet techs, and practice staff are all invited; there is programming available for everyone in these categories.
Cost: Free to $565
Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Winter Meeting
January 28-30, 2022
New Orleans, Louisiana
At the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association Winter Meeting, you’ll have the option of several different tracks, including for Companion Animals, Large Animals, and Alternative Medicine. In addition, veterinary technicians also have a track dedicated to them on Saturday and Sunday. In 2021, over 300 veterinarians attended the meeting, so you should get in plenty of face-time with other professionals in your field from all over the country.
Cost: Free to $485
Crossroads Veterinary Conference
February 3-5, 2022
Noblesville, Indiana
Earn up to 20 hours of continuing education units at the IVMA Crossroads Veterinary Conference. In addition to workshops, you can enjoy a large marketplace, the IVMA membership meeting, the Indiana Animal Health Foundation Silent Auction, and a talk from Keynote Speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, who is known not only for her work in animal behavior but also her advocacy for people with autism.
Cost: Free to $640
IVMA Winter Conference
February 9-10, 2022
Altoona, Iowa
After being held virtually in 2021, the 2022 Iowa VMA Winter Conference is expected to be held in person in Prairie Meadows, Altoona, Iowa. While the program for the 2022 conference is not available at the time of this writing, previous conferences have offered several tracks and sessions on local and national veterinary topics, practice management, team building, small animals, and large animals.
Cost: TBA
International Conference on Veterinary Dermatopathology and Allergy
February 15-16, 2022
London, England
The International Conference on Veterinary Dermatopathology and Allergy is geared toward veterinarians who have an interest or specialty in skin biology, endocrine disorders, immunotherapy, allergy testing, skin disease of many different species, and new diagnostic approaches and therapies for skin and allergic conditions in animals. This event provides an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to present, learn, and discuss the latest trends and innovations in these areas of focus.
Cost: 100 to 500€
Vet Vacation CE Crested Butte, Colorado
February 16-18, 2022
Crested Butte, Colorado
The Vet Vacation CE in Crested Butte, Colorado, combines skiing with education. You’ll learn about veterinary oncology from a knowledgeable speakers, including Dr. Larie Allen, who will speak about soft tissue surgery, and Dr. Zachary Wright, who will speak about mast cell tumors, sarcomas, and much more. You’ll earn 15 hours of CE in between skiing, hitting the spa, and relaxing in the pristine environment.
Cost: $795 to $925
Midwest Veterinary Conference
February 17-19, 2022
Columbus, Ohio
Each year, thousands of veterinary professionals attend the Midwest Veterinary Conference. While attendance was roughly halved in 2021, the typical number of participants is over 6,000. Sessions are geared toward not only vets and techs but also office managers, shelter staff, and trainers. Choose from tracks related to equine medicine, holistic medicine, anesthesia, birds, practice management, public health, and so much more.
Cost: Free to $475
Music City Veterinary Conference
February 18-20, 2022
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
The Music City Veterinary Conference is held for veterinarians, technicians, practice managers, and students who live and practice in Tennessee. Featured sessions touch on canine heartworm, supporting early-career veterinarians, and skin masses. There are also opportunities to have your rabies titers checked and to attend the awards and business meeting. The exhibit hall is full of vendors, many of which will offer discounts. In other words, there’s something for everyone.
Cost: $25 to $545
Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
February 24-27, 2022
Roanoke, Virginia
At the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association conference, you’ll have the chance to accumulate 15 hours of continuing education units. There are several tracks available, including small animal, food animal, equine, and technician. The final registration information about fees, schedule, speakers, and workshops available will be decided later this year. Rooms for the event are currently available at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Cost: TBA
Texas Veterinary Medical Association
February 26-March 4, 2022
Round Rock, Texas
The Texas Veterinary Medical Association has announced that the 2022 conference will be held in person. This conference is not only for veterinarians and students, but also technicians, suppliers, and practice managers. Topics include mast cell tumors, avoiding surgical site infections, telemedicine, gallbladder disease, and much more. In between sessions or at the end of each day, participants are invited to enjoy the “World’s Coolest Indoor Waterpark Resort” at the Kalahari Resort & Convention Center.
Cost: Free to $565
WVC Annual Conference
March 4-6, 2022
Las Vegas, Nevada
The WVC Annual Conference is looking forward to welcoming a variety of veterinary professionals. They’ll be offering a range of workshops designed to help everyone get the continuing education units they need. There will be programs geared toward small animal, avian, exotics, equine, and food animal veterinarians, as well as practice managers, technicians, and students. Breakfast seminars, a learning lounge, workshops, and symposia will be offered.
Cost: Free to $760
University of Georgia Veterinary Conference and Alumni Weekend
March 11-12, 2022
Athens, Georgia
The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine will be hosting their 58th annual conference and alumni weekend in March. There will be 15 hours of continuing education available in large and small animals. There will be more information available in early 2022, and registration will open in January.
Cost: TBA
Vet Vacation CE San Diego
March 18-20, 2022
San Diego, California
You can earn 15 continuing education units in combination with exploring some of the sights in sunny San Diego when you attend Vet Vacation CE. The topics will be on internal medicine and dermatology, and you’ll enjoy discussions led by Dr. Robert Armentano and Dr. Natalie Theus. The workshops will conclude by early afternoon, giving you time to check out the San Diego Zoo, the waterfront, Balboa Park, and much more.
Cost: $795
Spring Veterinary Conference
March 25-27, 2022
Virtual
The Spring Veterinary Conference, held virtually and hosted by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, will be offering three tracks for participants: Small Animal, Food Animal, Equine Animal, and Technician. Workshop topics range from equine colic and reproductive technologies in livestock to abdominal imaging in small animals and setting up your practice for success. Attendees have the opportunity to earn up to nine CE units.
Cost: TBA
ASVM Meet
March 28-30, 2022
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The International Meet on Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine is for not only veterinarians but also scientists, academics, researchers, and anyone else interested in animal science. This event is held in Dubai and is limited to only 200 attendees. Over 35 countries will be represented, and there will be over 18 keynote and plenary talks on 16 or more topics. The workshops will include plenary talks, oral presentations, and planned lunch table conversations.
Cost: $449 to $849
37th World Veterinary Association Congress
March 29-31, 2022
United Arab Emirates
Veterinarians and allied health professionals from all over the world will be meeting in the UAE for the 37th World Veterinary Association Congress. This annual conference moves to a different country each year; last year’s event was held in Taiwan. There’s a wide range of topics covered, including canine and feline surgery, poultry medicine, aquatic medicine, epidemiology, food hygiene, and more.
Cost: $200 to $1,125
April – June 2022
Austin Vet Show
April 5-6, 2022
Austin, Texas
The Austin Vet Show offers two days that are jam-packed with sessions in various tracks. Veterinary professionals can earn a total of 17 continuing education units while networking with peers and enjoying the city of Austin. Some topics include using CBD and the role of anesthesia. Speakers include Dr. John Thomason, Dr. Audrey Cook, and Dr. Adesola Odunayo. Lunches and beverages will be included.
Cost: TBA
Vet Vacation Austin, Texas
April 7-9, 2022
Austin, Texas
This Vet Vacation conference combines sessions in veterinary ophthalmology and dermatology with the backdrop of the City of the Violet Crown. Veterinarians and technicians will get 15 hours of approved continuing education units. The speakers are Dr. Ashley Bourgeois on dermatology and Patricia E. Mundy on ophthalmology. Participants will stay at The Driskill, which is an historic downtown hotel close to the entertainment district.
Cost: $795 to $925
Veterinary Cancer Society
April 9-12, 2022
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Originally scheduled for April of 2021, the Veterinary Cancer Society conference was postponed to April 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference will focus on topics like immunotherapy, targeting altered genes in oncology, and clinical trial data relating to different types of cancer. There will be some breakfast and lunch presentations, as well as keynote speakers and abstracts. Those staying at the hosting Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa will have meals and beverages included.
Cost: $300 to $725
Mountain Veterinary Conference
April 10-13, 2022
Cherokee, North Carolina
The Mountain Veterinary Conference offers over 20 continuing education units for veterinary professionals. At the time of this writing, the schedule is still being developed, but sessions will include topics such as bee medicine and essential oils. This conference is located within an easy drive of Atlanta, Nashville, and Birmingham, so there’s plenty to do within a reasonable radius in between workshops or before and after the conference itself.
Cost: $200 to $425
Global Conference on Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine
April 11-13, 2022
Virtual/Porto, Portugal
Academic researchers, scientists, and veterinary professionals are invited to the Global Conference on Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine. This conference is being held in Portugal, but the sessions will also be available virtually for those who cannot or would prefer not to travel. Some of the topics covered will include animal nutrition, equine science, animal cloning, gene mapping, aquatic animal health, and animal endocrinology.
Cost: TBA
ABVP Symposium
April 21-24, 2022
Chicago, Illinois
The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners will be holding their symposium in Chicago. The details of the symposium have not been released at the time of this writing, but they have been holding successful events with speakers, seminars, and exhibition halls since 2004. The last one to be held in person, in 2019, offered 25 continuing education units to each veterinarian or technician attending.
Cost: TBA
International Conference on Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
April 22-23, 2022
Boston, Massachusetts
The International Conference on Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology draws researchers and veterinarians from all over the world. This spring’s event will be held in Boston, but there is also a digital component, where participants can attend the sessions virtually and access the reading material in a digital format. There will be other international conferences happening the same weekend on a variety of health- and science-related topics.
Cost: 250€ to 450€
Global Summit on Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine
April 28-30, 2022
Tokyo, Japan
The ASVM2022 is being held in Tokyo, Japan. Here, researchers and veterinary professionals will discuss ideas and trending topics in the field of animal science. The event is expected to attract people from all over the world. There will be oral and poster presentations, awards, keynote and plenary speakers, workshops, and more. Attend as a presenter to present your work or as a listener to learn from others.
Cost: $200 to $899
Eastern European Regional Veterinary Conference
May 4-7, 2022
Ljubljana, Slovenia
After being postponed in 2020 and 2021, the Eastern European Regional Veterinary Conference is back and will be meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The official language of the conference will be in English, but the lectures will also be translated into Slovenian. Pre-conference workshops include surgical eyelid procedures and nerve blocks for oral examinations. Other topics throughout the event will include gastroenterology, neurology, cardiology, and internal medicine.
Cost: 50€ to 170€
Chicago Vet Show
May 12-13, 2022
Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Vet Show will offer up to 20 hours of continuing education units to veterinarians and technicians. There is also a track for practice managers. Some of the speakers will include Dr. Jason Pieper, Dr. Saki Kadotani, Kara Burns, Dr. Christopher Snyder, and Dr. Kelley Thieman. The schedule, presentations, and other details are still to be decided. The event will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Cost: TBA
NAVC Institute
May 21-27, 2022
Orlando, Florida
Veterinarians and veterinary nurses and technicians will learn a lot at the NAVC Institute Conference. This conference consists of four full days of hands-on learning in immersive courses on topics like anesthesia, orthopedic surgery, small animal ultrasound, and behavioral medicine. Top experts teach the courses, and they’re split into small groups so everyone gets an opportunity to participate. You’ll have the opportunity to gain 24-34 CE units.
Cost: Varies, discounts available
International Conference on Veterinary Epidemiology and Medical Ethics
May 23-24, 2022
Virtual/Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The International Conference on Veterinary Epidemiology and Medical Ethics will take place in Montreal, Canada, but it will also be held in a digital format for those who cannot or prefer not to travel. This is a venue for veterinarians, scientists, researchers, and scholars to present their findings and learn from one another. Some of the topics include diabetes mellitus in rats, orthodontic traction of dogs, and behavior models of mice.
Cost: 100€ to 450€
Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference
June 1-5, 2022
Miramar Beach, Florida
The Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference combines continuing education units, a big exhibit hall, and the beautiful white sand beaches of Miramar Beach in one four-day event. The sessions are over by 1 pm each day to give attendees ample time to mingle and enjoy the surroundings. Registration and exhibition information will be available in early 2022, but last year’s speakers included Dr. Andy Roark, Dr. Erica Behling-Kelly, and Dr. Erik Hofmeister.
Cost: TBA
PACVET 2022
June 2-5, 2022
San Francisco, California
The Pacific Veterinary Conference is a four-day conference held in the popular vacation city of San Francisco. The event offers over 200 sessions, raffles in the vet expo, an awards ceremony, a President’s reception, and much more. In addition to the extensive array of in-person sessions available, there will also be virtual options as well as a hybrid option for those who are unable to travel or who would prefer to attend from home.
Cost: $195 to $705
ACVIM Forum
June 23-25, 2022
Austin, Texas
The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum is a hybrid event. The in-person workshops and events will be held in Austin, but there will also be digital workshops available for those unable to travel. The event kicks off with a symposium on June 22, and the virtual interactive event will take place in September. The sessions come in a variety of formats, including case discussions, round tables, hands-on labs, workshops, and lectures.
Cost: TBA
South Carolina Association of Veterinarians
June 26-29, 2022
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The South Carolina Association of Veterinarians will be holding their 2022 event in Myrtle Beach. The SCAV is known for providing South Carolina vets with the resources and education they need to improve medicine in the state. They also act as a liaison between veterinarians, pet owners, government, and agriculture. The details for the 2022 conference have not been released as of the time of this writing.
Cost: TBA
July – September 2022
2022 CVMA Convention
July 21-24, 2002
Virtual/Halifax, Nova Scotia
The 2022 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association will host their conference for Canadian and international veterinarians. During the event, the CVMA Summit and the National Issues Forum will also take place; all convention delegates are eligible to attend these as well. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual model is available. At the in-person event, 100 CE units are possible, and at the virtual event, 40 CE units are possible.
Cost: TBA
AVMA Convention
July 29 – August 2, 2022
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation is still working out the details of the 2022 convention, which will be held in Philadelphia at the end of July and beginning of August. In 2021, the event was held virtually, and over 300 CE units were available. Stay tuned for more details to come soon!
Cost: TBA
International Conference on Veterinary Dentistry and Dental Health
August 8-9, 2022
Virtual/Montreal, Quebec, Canada
The International Conference on Veterinary Dentistry and Dental Health is open to veterinarians, researchers, scientists, and scholars who have an interest in veterinary dentistry. In addition to the in-person event being held in Montreal, there will be a virtual option for those unable to travel. Some of the topics to be explored include veterinary ethics, surgery instruments, nutrition, and statistics and research.
Cost: 100€ to 450€
New England Veterinary Conference
September 2022
Location: TBA
The New England Veterinary Medical Association hosts a conference each year, but details are not out yet for the 2022 event. The 2021 event was held in Portland, Maine. Keep your eye out for the date, location, and other details as they become available sometime in 2022.
Cost: TBA
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
September 10-13, 2022
West Palm Beach, Florida
Those interested in holistic medicine might be interested in attending the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association convention in South Florida. In addition to the regular track, there will also be one for equine medicine, as well as one that’s not yet announced. While the topics for the 2022 convention have not been decided yet, some of the topics from the 2021 convention included raw food, lameness in horses, and veterinary spinal manipulation.
Cost: TBA
Connexity 2022
September 15-17, 2022
Nashville, Tennessee
The details of Connexity 2022 haven’t been released yet, but it will be held in Nashville in mid-September. In 2021, it was held in Scottsdale, Arizona and included a lot of fun and relaxation in addition to continuing education. Some of the workshops included a hands-on session on anesthesia crises, an “escape room” based on the veterinary ER, and an exhibit hall set up with the atmosphere of a carnival. Watch for the details of the 2022 event, coming soon!
Cost: TBA
New York State Veterinary Conference
September 30-October 2, 2022
Albany, New York
The New York State Veterinary Conference will take place at the end of September and first days of October. There are not many details available at the time of this writing, but they will come out at some point during 2022. Watch for them as the year progresses.
Cost: TBA
October – December 2022
Wild West Vet
October 12-15, 2022
Reno, Nevada
Wild West Vet is sponsored by Vet Show. Few details other than the venue are available, but more information will be coming soon. The 2021 event featured topics such as rabbit dentistry, cyberbullying and your team, choosing the correct sutures, sedation strategies, and controlling bleeding. Sign up for the Vet Show newsletter to learn more about this conferences as the details are made public.
Cost: TBA
American Association of Feline Practitioners Conference
October 27-30, 2022
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The American Association of Feline Practitioners Conference is planning to meet in person in 2022, but there may also be a hybrid option. This decision will be made in early 2022. The theme of this conference is “Enriching Feline Care & the Veterinary Experience,” and it will include information on interacting with and treating cats for illnesses like a sebaceous cyst while also educating their caregivers. There will also be medical topics covered.
Cost: TBA
WSAVA/FIAVAC 2022
October 29-31, 2022
Lima, Peru
The 47th World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress & XVIII FIAVAC Congress will take place in Peru in 2022. The details for this conference have not been released yet, but it will be an opportunity to interact with international veterinarians while enjoying the nature, food, and culture of this South American country. The 2021 conference took place virtually, so this is an exciting chance to get back together in person.
Cost: TBA
NC Veterinary Conference
November 2022
Location TBA
The North Carolina Veterinary Conference is held annually, but details for the 2022 event have not yet been announced. Still, this is one worth waiting for! The 2021 convention took place in Raleigh and provided 116 CE units for veterinarians and 136 units for vet technicians. There were also opportunities available for paraprofessionals. Seven different tracks were available, including those for small animals, equines, animal welfare, livestock, and public practice.
Cost: TBA
New York Vet
November 3-4, 2022
New York City, New York
The New York Vet conference, sponsored by Vet Show, is a two-day event that offers 16 continuing education units for veterinarians and veterinary technicians. There will be three tracks for veterinarians, a vet tech track, workshops, and a business theater. The details aren’t available at the time of this writing, but the 2021 conference covered a wide range of topics, including epilepsy in dogs, arrhythmias, joint supplements, fistula repair, and feline infectious disease.
Cost: TBA
West Indies Veterinary Conference
November 6-11, 2022
Basseterre St. Kitts, West Indies
After being canceled in 2021, organizers of the West Indies Veterinary Conference are planning an in-person event in November 2022. This will coincide with their 40th anniversary, so it will be worth making the trip if you can travel. This will be a five-day event where veterinarians can enjoy discussions, lectures, social events, and an exhibition hall. The details are not worked out yet, so watch for them to become available soon.
Cost: TBA
American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention
December 2022
Location: TBA
The American Association of Equine Practitioners puts out an annual convention, the most recent event taking place in December 2021. It has not been decided whether there will be virtual options as well as the in-person option in 2022, and the other details of the 2022 event have not been decided yet. In 2021, however, dry labs and intensive sessions were offered. Topics were and will be relevant to equine veterinary medicine.
Vet Vacation CE Florida Keys
December 5-7, 2022
Duck Key, Florida
Combine your need for continuing education units with your desire to spend some time in the sunny Florida Keys at the Vet Vacation CE event being held in December. The topics covered will be internal medicine and veterinary dentistry, and these sessions will be over by 1 pm each day to afford you plenty of time to enjoy the sand and surf surrounding you. You’ll be in the middle of the Keys, and Key West is located about one hour away.
Cost: $795
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