2026
Annual Convention
In-Person
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Las Vegas, NV
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Dec 7-10
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Breaking the Mold: Exploring Opportunities as A Relief Equine Technician
Explore a different path in equine veterinary medicine! Join Eli Olind, 2026 AAEVT Past President, and Bryce Morgan, AAEVT Regional Contact, for an engaging presentation about the opportunities, flexibility, and realities of working as a relief equine technician. Hear firsthand perspectives, ask questions, and discover how relief work could open new possibilities for your career.
Monday, Dec 7
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3:00 - 4:00 pm
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Mandalay Bay, second floor ABCD
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Sponsored by Altano
Anesthesia Society - Open Topics
Join AAEVT Anesthesia Society Chair Lindsey Schoelen for an interactive discussion focused on equine anesthesia. Connect with fellow technicians, share experiences, ask questions, and exchange practical insights around the challenges and considerations that come with anesthesia in equine practice. This is an opportunity to learn from one another and build connections with colleagues who share an interest in anesthesia.
Monday, Dec 7
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4:00 - 5:00 pm
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Mandalay Bay, second floor ABCD
AAEP Welcome Reception
Before embarking on days of medical discovery, kick off your journey with drinks and hors d’oeuvres among friends old and new. You never know who you’ll meet or where connections might lead.
Monday, Dec 7
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5:30 - 7:00 pm
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First-Time AAEVT Attendees Welcome Reception
Are you attending our AAEVT Annual Conference for the First Time? We'd love to meet and for you to engage with similar attendees ahead of our Key Note Address! Sponsored by Plasvacc
Tuesday, Dec 8
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9:30 - 10:30 am
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Keynote Address: A Positive Change Agent
Join keynote speaker Andi Davison for “A Positive Change Agent,” an honest and uplifting look at navigating the highs, lows, and emotional demands of a career in veterinary medicine. Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a licensed veterinary technician, practice co-owner, and leader within university teaching hospitals, Andi brings a deeply personal perspective to the challenges veterinary professionals face. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health
Tuesday, Dec 8
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10:30 am - Noon
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General Membership Meeting & Luncheon
AAEVT members are cordially invited to attend our General Members Meeting. The Executive Board will provide a summary of the year’s projects and outline initiatives for 2027. Member/Regional Contact of the Year and the Deb Reeder Innovation awards will be presented, along with the 2026 Scholarship winners. This is an important opportunity for you to network and stay involved in our Association as we build and grow our community. We hope to see you all there!
Tuesday, Dec 8
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12:00 - 1:30 pm
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Second Annual "Members' Choice Award"
Be part of the excitement! During registration, members will have the chance to explore innovative companies and new products designed to advance our profession. Each participant will then give a short presentation during the Member Luncheon, showcasing their product or service. Following the presentations, members will cast their vote to decide this year’s Members’ Choice Industry Challenge Winner. Don’t miss your chance to learn, engage, and help spotlight the next big idea in our industry!
Tuesday, Dec 8
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during Membership Meeting
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AAEVT Social & Scholarship Raffle
Join us for an evening of celebrating our Association! Here’s your chance to network with other members, reconnect with friends, bump into old classmates, get some face-time with your Board members, and just have fun. We will also be hosting our annual Silent Auction and Raffle – the proceeds of which directly go toward providing Scholarships for you and your peers in 2027. What an amazing way to connect and give back!
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim
Animal Health
Tuesday, Dec 8
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5:30 - 7:30 pm
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The Trade Show
Explore and shop an expansive marketplace showcasing the latest technologies, products and services to improve your practice…and pick up some free swag too!
AAEVT Booth #2512 (near the AAEP Connect Center)
Tuesday, Dec 8: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm + Trade Show Reception (4:30-6:00 pm)
Wednesday, Dec 9: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday, Dec 10: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
AAEP Vet Story Night
Join us for new and seasoned veterinary storytellers, including a surprise storyteller who will provide a little magic, during this one-of-a-kind evening. Proceeds support the mission of The Foundation: Transforming the lives of horses!
Host Sponsors: Merck Animal Health
Tuesday, Dec 8
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8:00 - 10:30 pm
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$35 AAEVT Member ticket price
CareCredit Lunch n' Learn
*RSVP ticket pre-selected during registration required for this event.
AAEVT Educational partner, CareCredit, presentation
Wednesday, Dec 9
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12:00 - 1:00 pm
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Merck Lunch n' Learn
*RSVP ticket pre-selected during registration required for this event.
AAEVT Educational partner, Merck, presentation
Thursday, Dec 10
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12:00 - 1:00 pm
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AAEP/AAEVT Joint Roundtable:
“Top of License: A Community Discussion on Technician Utilization, Retention & the Future of Equine Practice”
This collaborative panel brings veterinary professionals together for an open conversation on better utilizing technicians’ full skill sets to build stronger, more resilient and dynamic teams. Join the conversation, share perspectives, and explore practical ways to create a more sustainable future for equine practice.
Thursday, Dec 10
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1:00 - 2:30 pm
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Lagoon A
Lunch n' Learn: "Leg Up" Roll Out
*RSVP ticket pre-selected during registration required for this event.
AAEVT Educational partner, Merck, with present the roll out of their new "Leg Up" Program, exclusively for AAEVT Members.
Presented by Drs. Cara Wright & Chrissie Schneider
Saturday, Dec 2
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12:00 - 1:00 pm
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Room 17 AB
AAEP After Party
*RSVP ticket pre-selected during registration required for this event.
Dust off your boots for an unforgettable night! Enjoy live country music from the Rustyn Vaughn Lee band, show off your two-step moves on the dance floor, and attempt to outlast the mechanical bull—all while celebrating with colleagues and friends. Whether you’re sporting your favorite cowboy hat, boots, or denim, this is one celebration you won’t want to miss!
Thursday, Dec 10
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8:00 - 10:30 pm
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