10 tips to get the most out of a veterinary conference
Attending a veterinary conference takes time and planning — from selecting the right event to handling logistics and ensuring your patients are well cared for while you're away. But the preparation doesn’t stop once you’ve booked your flight and hotel.
With a little extra planning, you can maximize the value of your conference experience, make meaningful connections, and return with fresh insights to improve your practice.
Whether you’re attending to earn CE credits, stay on top of industry trends, or explore cutting-edge technology, here’s how to make the most of your time.
1. Bookend the trip
Turn your conference into a mix of professional development and self-care. Arriving a day early gives you time to adjust, explore the area, and start the event feeling refreshed rather than rushed. If arriving early isn’t an option, consider staying an extra day to unwind and reflect before jumping back into your busy schedule.
2. Make a plan before you go
Conferences can be overwhelming, especially with multiple tracks and limited seating for popular sessions. Review the schedule ahead of time and identify key sessions that align with your interests and career goals. If a session has limited capacity, register early.
Also, check out the exhibitor list. HappyDoc will be attending multiple conferences this year — stop by to see how AI-powered veterinary documentation can transform your practice.
3. Select sessions that provide the best ROI
Not all sessions are created equal. Prioritize those that:
- Fit your current role or future career aspirations
- Offer insights into practice management or leadership
- Help you earn CE credits (and confirm how they’re awarded)
Missing out on essential CE credits due to poor planning is frustrating — double-check requirements ahead of time to ensure you're maximizing both your learning and your professional certification needs. There’s nothing worse than attending a session you should get CE credit for and don’t, and with a little work on the front end, you can make sure that you get the credit you’ve rightfully earned.
4. Build your network
Conferences are an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. As exhausting as mixers and networking events can be after a long day, they’re just as valuable as the sessions themselves.
Be ready to introduce yourself, ask open-ended questions, and engage with speakers or panelists after their talks. A quick conversation can lead to valuable insights — or even your next career move.
5. Schedule one-on-one meetups
Networking isn’t just about big events. Reach out to colleagues, speakers, or exhibitors in advance and set up individual coffee chats, lunches, or informal meetups.
Many professionals are open to pre-scheduled meetings, and reaching out via LinkedIn or the conference app can help you secure time on their calendars before it fills up.
6. Buddy up to tackle more
With so many overlapping sessions, you won’t be able to attend everything. But you can divide and conquer with a friend or colleague. Plan in advance who will attend which sessions and swap notes afterward.
Bonus tip: Take digital notes and share them directly so both of you can reference key insights later.
7. Invest in your future self
Many conferences offer free or discounted career-boosting services, from resume reviews to professional headshots. These resources are often underutilized but can provide a serious return on investment.
Remember, all tools to support your career growth are worthy of your limited conference time.
8. Make connection easy & follow up
Bring updated business cards (or use digital alternatives like Dot or HiHello), and if you’re job hunting, have an updated resume handy.
The real magic of networking happens after the conference, so be sure to follow up. Send LinkedIn requests with a personalized note or jot down quick reminders on business cards to remember key details. A thoughtful follow-up can turn a brief interaction into a lasting professional relationship.
9. Visit vendors & ask questions
Exhibitors are there to showcase the latest veterinary innovations—many of which could make a huge difference in your practice. Instead of just grabbing swag, take time to explore solutions that align with your needs.
This is especially true of vendors offering tools or services that could help your practice. As we mentioned, HappyDoc will be at several conferences this year, and we’d love for you to come say hello!
As with all technology, be sure to ask questions to make sure it is the right fit for you and your practice, and request demos to fully understand new products and what is being sold to you.
10. Prioritize self-care to stay energized
Conferences are exciting but exhausting. Long days packed with sessions, networking, and vendor visits can take a toll. Stay hydrated, pack healthy snacks, and schedule short breaks to recharge.
If possible, build in downtime — whether it’s a quiet moment in your hotel room, a short walk outside, or an early night to catch up on sleep. A well-rested, energized you will absorb more from the event and make better connections.
Transform your practice with HappyDoc
HappyDoc helps you transform your entire approach to patient care. Your clinic's staff will have a personalized AI scribe that listens, takes notes, integrates with your software, and files the data away in the appropriate spot. HappyDoc works alongside you so you can be free to focus on what matters—your patients.
Schedule a demo to find out how your clinic can operate at its full potential, providing the highest level of care to every patient, every time.
