The wait is over—here’s what we have in store for you at the world’s largest veterinary conference this January!
What if the one idea you need to transform your clinic, hospital or workplace was just a game-changing session, cutting-edge workshop or inspirational event away? At VMX 2026: World Classic, we aren’t just hosting the world’s largest veterinary conference; we’re unveiling a roadmap to the future of veterinary medicine. But, wait—there’s more! Our annual conference has always been packed with groundbreaking sessions and workshops, tons of continuing education credit hours, industry-defining insights and exciting entertainment, but this year’s event has a few surprises. If you thought veterinary conferences were just about PowerPoint presentations, VMX 2026: World Classic will completely astonish you. We’re excited to provide this exclusive preview of what’s new for VMX 2026!
We’ve Added a Day of Discovery to Our Expo Hall Schedule!
The VMX Expo Hall is the world's largest hub for cutting-edge veterinary innovation, offering hands-on access to new diagnostics, treatments and over 800 animal health companies. It is an immersive, interactive experience with educational opportunities, exclusive product launches, and a vibrant global community for veterinary professionals to connect, learn and find solutions for better patient care. In the past, the Expo Hall opened on Sunday, but you asked for additional access—and we listened. This year, the Expo Hall will open for everyone on Saturday, January 17! Here’s the schedule:
- Saturday, January 17, 2026: 12:45 PM - 5:30 PM
- Sunday, January 18, 2026: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Monday, January 19, 2026: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Tuesday, January 20, 2026: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Work Hard, Play Harder: The VMX 2026 Entertainment Experience!
The learning is just the beginning. At VMX 2026: World Classic, you can switch gears from professional development to pure celebration. Get ready to join your veterinary colleagues for an exclusive series of events designed purely for fun and connection. This is where VMX 2026 truly comes alive. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate your community, run a race, sing a song and enjoy some much-needed downtime. You’ve earned it!
Check out our entertainment line-up! These events are all included as part of your VMX 2026 in-person Orlando registration (note: The VMX 5K Color Run requires a separate registration fee).
VMX 2026 What’s New For VMX Education
You spoke — we listened — now let’s keep learning like champions! Don’t miss our new After Party sessions, where the conversation keeps going with live Q&A and face time with your favorite speakers, Saturday - Tuesday.
On Wednesday, the NAVC is offering new ways to get the most out of every single day of VMX. Best of the Best sessions bring back fan-favorite speakers for an encore round of top-rated topics. Birds of a Feather sessions let you team up by role — vet, vet nurse/technician or practice manager — to share ideas and find solutions together. You can find out how to get in on the action in the NAVC Events App.
VMX 2026 Champions Give Back!
There are always ways to give back at VMX, and in 2026, we're offering new opportunities.
Honor MLK: Pack a Million Meals!
NAVC, U.S. Hunger and VMX 2026 attendees will come together, alongside other Orlando community volunteers, to support U.S. Hunger’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Million Meal Pack on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up ahead of time for one of three 90-minute spots. Join us in supporting the local Orlando community and in making a difference through our new U.S. Hunger partnership!
Guided by an advisory group of community leaders, NAVC’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day recognition at VMX was thoughtfully shaped to further honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy. The advisory group, led by Willie M. Reed, DVM, PhD, Dean Emeritus, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, also included Lisa M. Greenhill, MPA, EdD, Chief Organizational Health Officer, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC); Roderick Gilbert, MPH, DrPH, Assistant Dean for Community and Engagement, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Michael V. Bowie, PhD, Assistant Dean and Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida; and Susan Williams, DVM, PhD, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia.
Be the Reason Someone Gets a Second Chance!
Did you know that donating blood can save up to three lives, but only 3% of eligible donors give blood? Be a hero and participate in our Blood Drive (sign up to be a donor in between sessions). Donate at the OneBlood Big Red Bus just outside the South Concourse and get a $20 eGift Card, long-sleeve T-shirt, and a full wellness checkup. Give a little and save lives by providing a critical resource!
