WVC Vegas 2026 First-Timers Guide
Whether this is your first time attending WVC, or your soon-to-be 98th time, we can't wait to welcome you to sunny Las Vegas, NV. WVC Vegas 2026 will feature four days of learning, exploration, networking, and fun. If you're unsure where to start, we've compiled a first-timers guide to help you get the most out of your WVC experience.
What is WVC?
From what began as the Intermountain Livestock Sanitary Association in 1928, to what is now one of the largest and most exciting veterinary education conferences in the country, WVC Annual Conference (WVC Vegas, and now, WVC Nashville) is a place for all veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, students, and all other animal health industry members to gather.
Earn hundreds of CE hours by attending education sessions, explore innovations in the industry, and relax and unwind with amazing entertainment.
p.s. In case you're wondering what 'WVC' means, it used to mean for "Western Veterinary Conference". Now we call the event WVC. The more you know!
Dates and Location (WVC Vegas)
The WVC Vegas 2026 is hosted at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, in heart of the Las Vegas, NV.
Dates: February 15-18, 2026
Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV
What to Expect at WVC Vegas
If this is your first time at WVC Vegas, welcome! You’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience that blends education, connection, and fun — all at your pace.
Build Your Own Schedule
WVC gives you the freedom to pick what matters most to you. Want to stick with lectures all day? Prefer to jump into a hands-on lab? Need a break and want to hit a wellness session or grab coffee with a colleague? It’s totally up to you. You’ll have access to 900+ hours of continuing education, and you can plan your time around the topics, formats, and experiences that work best for your goals.
Something for Every Role
WVC brings together a wide mix of attendees — veterinarians, vet techs, practice managers, students, and more. Whether you're early in your career or have years of experience, you'll find content designed with you in mind.
More Than Just CE
Beyond the classrooms and labs, WVC is about community. From the first-timer meet-up to the big concert and exhibit hall happy hours, there are plenty of chances to connect and recharge. You’ll also get to explore the latest innovations in the Exhibit Hall, catch live demos, and discover tools that can truly level up your practice.

WVC VEGAS 2026 Education Program
The WVC Annual Conference is your one-stop shop to learn and earn with hundreds of hours of veterinary continuing education (CE) credits. Nearly every topic in vet med is covered, and you can earn your CE in various ways. Choose from hands-on labs, workshops, and symposia, as well as new learning lounges inside the WVC Exhibit Hall.
Education Symposia
Included with your WVC Vegas registration, these focused sessions explore today’s most talked-about topics in veterinary medicine. No need to pre-register - just find a seat and learn from leading thinkers, innovators, and sponsors in the field.
Hands-On Labs
Our hands-on labs take place just off-site at the world-class Viticus Group Education Centers Led by specialists, these labs are immersive, practical, and highly rated by returning attendees. Shuttle service is included (Purchase required).
Industry Breakfasts & Lunches
Enjoy complimentary food while enjoying cutting-edge insights from clinical and business leaders. These sessions are first-come, first-served and often fill fast — come early, grab your seat, and get ready to learn.
Workshops
Workshops are perfect for attendees who want deeper engagement in a small-group setting. You’ll interact directly with instructors and peers to build practical skills. (RSVP and purchase required)
Learning Lounges (Exhibit Hall)
Pop into bite-sized CE sessions right inside the WVC Exhibit Hall — no extra cost, no signup needed. Great for quick tips, new product overviews, or catching a short session between meetings.
Education Side-Quests
Add some fun to your CE journey! Choose a themed quest, attend the sessions, and track your progress. Stop by Pawp Up to claim your badge — plus get a digital one after the event.
Learning Tracks
Looking for a more structured path? Learning Tracks guide you through a curated series of sessions that are connected by topic or specialty — and designed to build momentum across multiple days. Whether you’re focusing on cardiology, dermatology, or leadership, tracks help you stay aligned with your goals and deepen your expertise over time.
WVC Vegas Registration Information + Badge Pickup
Where do I purchase my conference registration?
To register to attend the WVC Vegas 2026, please click here (NOTE: WVC Vegas 2026 registration isn't open yet - link will be active once registration opens). If you haven't done so, you are required to create a My Viticus account. To keep your details up-to-date, please use an active email address that you have access to, as this is one of our preferred methods of tracking your payment details and CE hours.
When will I be able to pick up my WVC badge?
All badges can be picked up at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Level 1, Bayside B during the following times (subject to updates):
Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 8:00a – 6:00p
Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 6:00a – 6:00p
Monday, February 16, 2026 | 6:00a – 5:00p
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 6:00a – 5:00p
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 6:00a – 2:00p
BADGE ENCODING DISCLOSURE: As a WVC primary registrant, your contact information is automatically encoded into your badge. When the badge is scanned at the Exhibit Hall, the encoding supplies your name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, and fax number, if provided. This badge system replaces a business card and should be protected and should be scanned at your discretion.
Badges will be printed onsite. US or international ID is required.
WVC Vegas Dining
WVC Vegas offers a variety of dining experiences to match your schedule and taste. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between sessions or sitting down to enjoy a full meal, you'll find plenty of delicious options — including accommodations for special diets.
Quick & Group Dining: The Food Court
Located inside Mandalay Bay, the food court features fast, diverse options ideal for conference groups.
Pro tip: Order as a group to save time and skip the lines.
Sit-Down Restaurants
Enjoy elevated dining without leaving the venue. Mandalay Bay and nearby Luxor offer a wide range of restaurants — from casual fare to award-winning cuisine. View options here.
Reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand during the conference.

Hotel and Travel
We’ve secured room blocks at several hotels near the Las Vegas Strip—just minutes from the conference action. Book through the links below to access exclusive WVC attendee rates and stay close to all the CE, networking, and entertainment.
Tips for WVC First-Timers
Each year, thousands of new attendees join us at WVC, and they’ve got some great advice to help you make the most of your time in Vegas:
Wear comfortable shoes.
You’ll be walking quite a bit around the convention center, exhibit hall, and event spaces — trust us, your feet will thank you.
Bring a light jacket.
The session rooms can get chilly thanks to the A/C, so we recommend packing a windbreaker or lightweight layer to stay comfy indoors.
Download the WVC app.
This will be your best friend during the conference. Use it to favorite sessions, track your CE, explore speaker bios, and easily locate exhibitors.
Plan ahead for meals.
Dining spots can get busy during peak hours. Make restaurant reservations early if possible, and consider group orders at the food court to save time.
Have a game plan.
With so many sessions, labs, and activities to choose from, a little pre-planning goes a long way. Decide what CE tracks matter most to you, and block out time for breaks or networking.
Don’t be shy — say hi!
Whether you're attending solo or with a team, WVC is a welcoming community. Many first-timers say their favorite memories came from striking up a conversation at events like Party for a Purpose or after a session.
