Not all veterinary conferences are created equal. If you are looking to earn continuing education credits and actually learn something useful for your day-to-day practice, you need to be selective about where you go.
CE-focused conferences are where learning meets opportunity. These events bring together the latest in clinical advancements, hands-on workshops, and sessions taught by real experts who are in the field every day. And in 2025, there are some incredible options that give you serious ROI for your time and travel.
So if you are planning your CE credits or looking for veterinary conferences that will actually move the needle for your veterinary skills, here are the top ones to put on your radar.
Why CE Conferences Matter More Than Ever
Continuing education is not just a checkbox anymore. With rapid changes in medicine, tech, and client expectations, staying updated has become essential. Attending CE conferences gives you the tools and knowledge to:
- Learn about new treatments and protocols
- Stay compliant with licensing requirements
- Network with other professionals and specialists
- Bring fresh ideas back to your clinic
- Build your confidence in complex cases
If you are already blocking off time for a few events in 2025, this list will help you prioritize the ones that will actually deliver.
Top CE-Focused Veterinary Conferences in 2025
1. VMX 2025 – Orlando, Florida
This one is a no-brainer. VMX by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is one of the largest veterinary conferences in the world and it is loaded with CE opportunities.
You get over 1,200 hours of CE covering small animal, equine, exotics, practice management, and more. The scale of VMX is huge but it is also extremely well organized. There are wet labs, real case studies, and a massive expo hall where you can demo new products and tech.
If you want to combine fun, sunshine, and serious learning, VMX is a strong pick. You can read more about what to expect from VMX here in our full overview.
2. WVC Annual Conference – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Western Veterinary Conference offers over 900 hours of CE and is known for its quality speakers and practical focus. The sessions are engaging and often include real clinical examples rather than just textbook content.
It is a great place for vets who want advanced clinical CE but also want to explore new areas like behavior, integrative medicine, or leadership.
WVC is also known for being very accessible for solo practitioners and first-timers. Plus the location makes it easy to combine with a short vacation or team retreat.
3. AVMA Convention 2025 – Denver, Colorado
The AVMA Convention is another must-attend for CE-focused professionals. It includes a wide range of medical and non-medical CE, including legal, ethical, and public health sessions that many other conferences overlook.
What makes AVMA unique is how balanced it is. Whether you are in a corporate clinic or running your own practice, you will find sessions that match your role and challenges.
The networking events are also excellent and attract a national crowd from all corners of the profession.
4. Fetch dvm360 Conference Series
The Fetch events happen in multiple cities including Kansas City, Baltimore, and San Diego and each one offers deep CE tracks across medicine, client communication, mental health, and more.
The vibe is friendly and practical. It is perfect if you want focused learning in a smaller setting without the chaos of a mega conference.
One of the best things about Fetch is the attention to wellness. They often host mindfulness sessions, stress relief breaks, and real talk about burnout and compassion fatigue.
5. AAHA Con – Location TBA
The American Animal Hospital Association conference is tailored for companion animal practices and comes with strong CE sessions across medicine, dentistry, and practice culture.
AAHA Con also focuses heavily on accreditation standards and helps you stay ahead of regulatory trends that may affect your clinic. If your practice is AAHA-accredited or planning to be, this is one to attend.
How to Choose the Right CE Conference for You
Not every CE conference will fit your needs or goals. Here are a few things to consider before you book:
- Do you need clinical CE, business CE, or both?
- Are you looking to improve specific skills like surgery or dermatology?
- Do you prefer large events with lots of vendors or smaller workshops?
- Will you attend alone or with your team?
- What is your CE budget for the year?
If you are a solo practice owner or associate vet trying to level up your skills while still managing your time and budget, it is worth picking one or two high-impact events and going deep.
Get More From Every Conference You Attend
The biggest mistake most people make is attending conferences without a game plan. They show up, take notes, and then get buried in work when they return. No implementation. No follow-up.
Here are a few ways to make the most of your CE conference investment:
- Review the session schedule ahead of time and plan your CE tracks
- Book one-on-one sessions or labs if they are available
- Take notes that include action steps not just facts
- Connect with speakers or vendors you want to follow up with
- Schedule time post-conference to review what you learned with your team
If you use the right strategy, attending one or two of the top veterinary CE conferences in 2025 can give you a competitive edge in both your clinical skills and your business success.
Want More Veterinary Events to Choose From?
If you are still deciding which event to attend or want to see a broader list of top veterinary conferences happening in 2025 including CE-focused events and business networking opportunities you can explore our full breakdown of the best conferences for vets and practice owners right here on this updated guide to top veterinary conferences in 2025.
We will continue to update that list throughout the year with dates speakers and new locations so you never miss an opportunity to learn and grow.
Final Word
Continuing education is more than just credits. It is how you stay sharp confident and relevant in an industry that is always changing. The CE-focused conferences listed above are more than events. They are career investments.
Choose the ones that fit your goals and prepare to take your skills and practice to the next level in 2025.
Let me know when you are ready for the next cluster blog.