Celebrating Community and Leadership at VMX 2026

February 2, 2026

Every January, the NAVC brings the veterinary profession together at VMX, the world’s largest and most comprehensive global veterinary conference, and this year was no exception. With nearly 30,000 attendees, more than 700 exhibitors, and an astounding 1,300 hours of continuing education, VMX 2026 celebrated its “World Classic – Champions of Care” theme with true Olympic-level energy. Vetcor was proud to be part of the excitement once again, hosting multiple events throughout the week and showcasing our team’s dedication and innovation at our exhibit-hall booth. From connecting with veterinary professionals across the globe to highlighting the incredible work happening in our hospitals every day, VMX offered the perfect stage to celebrate the people who inspire and advance veterinary care in our communities. 

Connecting Emerging Leaders 

The Emerging Leadership Program—a development initiative designed to cultivate leadership skills in our existing team members—officially kicked off the 2026 cohort at VMX. During this first session, the group of seasoned team members continued to strengthen their emotional intelligence and refine the skills that help them positively influence peers and coworkers.  

To Emerging Leader Dr. Katie Johnson, Veterinary Healing Center, the energy in the room was evident from the moment the program began: “We kicked off the event with a warm, enthusiastic welcome from Mario Dinucci, which immediately set the tone for a great event… it quickly became clear that everyone in the room was excited to be there (and maybe a little nervous too!), which created a really positive, open energy right from the start.” 

That momentum carried through the session as “Josh from TalentSmart picked up right where Dr. Dinucci left off and absolutely brought the energy… engaging and passionate about a topic that most of us have never explored before, emotional intelligence.” She noted that the session made it easy for everyone to participate and feel comfortable joining the conversation. By the time the group transitioned to the larger Vetcor evening event, “a lot of us commented on how great it felt to already have this small ‘Emerging Leaders’ group… an easy, natural way to feel connected and start building relationships.” 

Celebrating Our Newest Certified Mentors 

Our Mentorship Certification Program (MCP) empowers veterinarians to become confident and inspiring leaders within their hospitals. By strengthening clinical guidance, communication, and coaching skills, the program equips doctors to uplift their colleagues with clarity and support. This structured framework helps participants grow into compassionate, influential professionals, ready to guide their teams through any challenge and shape their own leadership era, one meaningful connection at a time. 

That spirit of connection was on full display at this year’s MCP gathering at VMX. “I really enjoyed the MCP event! I loved that I got to meet so many people IN PERSON!” shared Dr. Cherie Guidry, DVM, COS, Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic, who described the celebration as a meaningful break from the VMX hustle and a chance to truly connect with fellow mentors. She added that she was particularly moved by “the story that Dr. Hodge told from the Cherokee Nation… I asked her to share it with me via email so I could read it to our team during our next office meeting!” 

Program leader Dr. Elizabeth Hodge, DVM, reflected on the impact of the community as well: “It was incredibly special to meet so many of our certified mentors in person at VMX—both newly certified doctors and familiar faces from previous years.” Hearing how the program helped mentors “show up more confidently for recent-graduate associates and their teams” was, in her words, “truly moving.”  

She also shared her gratitude for the ongoing commitment of Vetcor leaders and having the opportunity to celebrate them through the generous support from Zoetis.  

Elevating Our Global Impact 

Vetcor is helping end rabies through its partnership with the Rabies Free Africa initiative. Team members had the chance to learn more about this meaningful partnership at VMX this year, where the mission and impact of Rabies Free Africa were highlighted.  

“Bringing our Rabies Free Africa Ambassadors together alongside so many Vetcor team members at the VMX Lunch & Learn was deeply inspiring,” shared Dr. Michelle Shoemaker, Chief Veterinary Officer, noting how powerfully the session underscored that rabies is entirely preventable and that veterinarians play a central role in the solution.  

“Watching our teams lean in, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with both the science and the human stories behind this disease reinforced just how meaningful this work truly is… moments like this remind me how much impact we can have when we come together with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to saving lives.”  

Through the Rabies Vaccine Give Back Campaign, participating Vetcor hospitals can donate $1 per rabies vaccination, connecting clients to this global cause and uniting our network for the good of pets and people. 

Fun and Games at Andretti’s 

The excitement of VMX wasn’t confined to the convention center walls; it spilled into the evenings at events that brought our team together. This year, more than 260 Vetcor team members and their guests gathered at Andretti’s for a high-energy night of bonding and celebration, generously sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.  

Between the adrenaline-pumping go-kart races, competitive rounds of laser tag, and a nostalgic trip through the arcade, the evening provided the perfect backdrop for colleagues to unwind and connect outside of the clinical setting. For many, like Dr. Erin Dragoste of Green Bay Animal Hospital, the team bonding was a highlight of the conference. 

“The quality of the lectures and speakers at VMX, as well as the entertainment events and warm location have made it my favorite conference over the years.” Dr. Dragoste shared. “Vetcor's event at Andretti's was so much fun—my coworker and I had a blast!  We also met several other Vetcor employees from all over the country. I am grateful to Vetcor for providing such a generous and fun experience for employees, it was a highlight of the trip.” 

A Space for Conversation 

This year’s VMX booth was intentionally designed to be more streamlined, welcoming, and education-focused—creating a space where meaningful conversations could happen naturally and where our mission, partnerships, and culture were easy to share.  

The simplified layout made it easier for attendees to engage with our team, learn about Vetcor’s initiatives, and connect with the people behind the work. Sally Thompson, Talent Acquisition Manager, reflected on her first VMX as a “once-in-a-career experience” she’ll always remember. “What stood out most was how naturally Vetcor’s culture showed up in conversations.”  

Whether I was catching up with veterinarians I’ve hired over the years, meeting with colleagues I partner with every day, or connecting with new faces, the themes were consistent: support, autonomy, collaboration, and feeling genuinely valued.” Moments like these underscored how the refreshed booth experience helped amplify who we are and what makes Vetcor truly special. 

After an incredible time in Orlando, we left VMX feeling energized, inspired, and more connected than ever. This year’s conference served as a powerful reminder of the passion and talent that define the Vetcor community. If you’re interested in joining our team, visit our careers page, or connect with us at a future event near you.