How to Get the Most Out of a Veterinary Convention

(Without Needing a Post-Trip Nap That Lasts Three Days)

AVMA Washington, D.C. | July 18-22, 2025

Whether it’s your first big vet med conference or you’re a seasoned swag-collector with a lanyard full of name tags, conventions like the AVMA Convention in Washington, D.C. are an incredible opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and – let’s be honest – eat snacks that aren’t stale and from your clinic’s breakroom drawer.

But with so many CE sessions, vendors, networking events, and badge-scanning chaos, how do you make the most out of it without burning out by Day 2?

We’ve got you.

1. Go in With a Plan (but Stay Flexible)

You could absolutely wing it…or you could:

• Check the schedule in advance and mark a few must-attend CE sessions.
• Highlight topics that apply directly to your role or your practice’s pain points (burnout, workflow, tech, client comms – we see you).
• Leave space for spontaneous discoveries. Some of the best learning happens in hallway chats and vendor booths.

Pro tip: Create a “Must Learn” + “Nice to Learn” list. Your brain will thank you later.

2. Wear Good Shoes. Drink the Water. You Know the Drill.

You’ll be walking…a lot.

Hydration and arch support will be your best friends. Also, snacks.

Bonus: If you come prepared with breath mints and a portable charger, you’ll basically become the conference superhero.

3. Talk to the People at the Booths (Yes, Even the Ones Without Glitter Pens)

Some booths are giving away adorable swag, some are offering tools that could seriously upgrade your clinic’s workflow, and others are offering both!

Case in point: We’ll be there! (With adorable clip-on pets waiting for you!)

Swing by the VetReceptionists.com booth (#1155) and say hi!

We’re real humans, not robots…and we’ll be there to show you how virtual reception can actually work for your clinic.

No pressure. No weird sales pitch. Just solutions, conversation, and adorable swag for you to take home.

4. Yes, Meghan Trainor is Performing; No, This is Not a Drill.

We know you’re there for the CE credits…

But also…MEGHAN TRAINOR is handling the concert event!

So pack your dancing shoes and mentally prepare for a serotonin boost that cannot be prescribed.

This is the kind of work-life balance we’re talking about.

Work hard, sing louder.

5. Think Beyond the Credits

Yes, you’re technically there for education. But also:

• Reconnect with your “why.” The lectures that make you emotional? Lean in.
• Vent (professionally) to others who get it. You’re not alone in the stress.
• Collect fresh ideas to bring back to your clinic – and don’t forget to actually share them when you return.

6. Pack Light, Leave Room for Swag

Seriously. You’ll end up with more tote bags than you have arms.

In Summary…

If you’re heading to the AVMA Convention, remember:

• Learn what you can
• Rest when you need to
• Talk to vendors (we’re fun!)
• Scream-sing “All About That Bass” with a thousand other vet professionals
• Take what you learn and bring it home to make your daily work life smoother, saner, and more sustainable.

And don’t forget: Come say hi to us at booth 1155! We’re ready to chat about how we can make life at your front desk a whole lot easier.

Let’s meet, laugh, learn – and maybe help you finally stop playing phone tag with pet parents every. single. day.