AAEP Convention 2026 Guide for Equine Veterinarians: Dates, Location, Program & What to Expect
The AAEP Convention 2026 is the largest equine veterinary conference in the world, bringing together thousands of equine veterinarians for five days of continuing education, networking, and industry innovation.
Held from December 7–11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 72nd Annual AAEP Convention & Trade Show is where equine vets come to update clinical knowledge, explore new technology, and reconnect with the profession.
AAEP Convention 2026: Quick Facts
- Dates: December 7–11, 2026
- Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Resort – Mandalay Bay A, B & C convention rooms, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Event: 72nd Annual AAEP Convention & Trade Show
- Who should attend: Equine veterinarians, interns, students, technicians, and industry professionals
- Format: In-person + virtual options with on-demand CE
The Mandalay Bay trade show spans more than 106,000 square feet, with over 560 exhibitor spaces, multiple integrated food court zones, two in-hall education theatres, and a central AAEP Connect networking hub designed for meeting, discussion, and collaboration.
For many attendees, the trade show floor is where the future of equine practice becomes visible:
- new diagnostic technologies
- emerging rehabilitation tools
- practice systems and innovations
- direct access to the people building what comes next
AAEP isn’t just a conference – it’s a global marketplace and community gathering for equine veterinary medicine.
Watch the Recent AAEP Highlights in Sixty Seconds
What the AAEP Convention Is All About
The AAEP Convention isn’t just a conference. It’s the hub of equine veterinary medicine.
Over five days you can expect:
- 100+ hours of RACE-accredited CE – from lameness and imaging to reproduction, infectious disease, joint therapies, dentistry, and more.
- Hands-on wet labs – including equine rehabilitation, aquatic therapy, pain management modalities, and core strengthening.
- 500+ exhibitors (including us 🙂) – the world’s largest equine veterinary marketplace.
- High-profile speakers – including our very own Dr. Sue Dyson and Dr. Dennis Brooks.
- Networking and social events – from the Welcome Reception to the after party.
Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, the AAEP Convention is designed to sharpen your skills, challenge your thinking, and expand your network.
What It’s Really Like to Attend an AAEP Convention
Ask anyone who has attended an AAEP Convention and you’ll hear a similar story – it’s energising, immersive, and deeply motivating. For many equine vets, it’s the one week of the year where learning, inspiration, and connection all happen at once.
The educational programme is consistently cited as a standout. With more than 100 hours of high-quality continuing education, the Convention brings together globally respected clinicians and researchers to share practical insights, emerging evidence, and real-world approaches to equine medicine.
Sessions span every major discipline, giving attendees the chance to update their knowledge, refine techniques, and explore areas outside their usual caseload.
The AAEP convention trade show floor is another major draw. It’s where innovation comes to life – from advanced diagnostic tools and rehabilitation technologies to pharmaceuticals and practice solutions.
Walking the exhibition hall offers a firsthand look at what’s shaping the future of equine practice, with the added benefit of speaking directly with the teams behind the products.
Just as important is the sense of community. AAEP is where colleagues reconnect, new professional relationships are formed, and conversations flow easily – whether that’s over a coffee between sessions or at one of the many organised social events.
For vet students and early-career veterinarians, the convention can be career-defining, offering exposure to potential mentors, employers, and opportunities that simply don’t exist elsewhere.
Perhaps the most common takeaway, though, is how people feel when they leave. Many attendees describe returning home recharged, refocused, and reminded of why they chose equine practice in the first place.
Spending time surrounded by thousands of professionals who share the same challenges, passion, and commitment to horse welfare has a powerful way of reigniting purpose.
It’s this combination – world-class education, meaningful connection, and shared momentum – that makes the AAEP Convention the most influential gathering in equine veterinary medicine.
Why Las Vegas Works for the AAEP Convention
The AAEP Convention 2026 will be held in the Mandalay Bay Convention Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, with conference venues and hotels concentrated on and around the Las Vegas Strip.
Las Vegas has become a regular host for the AAEP Convention because it handles large-scale veterinary meetings exceptionally well.
The main convention centre, official hotels, and social events are all located within close proximity, making it easy to move between lectures, the trade show floor, and networking events without losing valuable time.
For attendees, this means fewer transport headaches, walkable venues, and a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.
Outside of conference hours, Las Vegas also offers world-class dining, entertainment, and nearby outdoor escapes such as Red Rock Canyon – a welcome contrast after full days of intensive continuing education.
AAEP Convention 2026 Dates
The 72nd Annual AAEP Convention runs from December 7 to December 11, 2026.
The five-day program includes multiple concurrent lecture streams, hands-on wet labs, mini-labs, Table Topics, and the full AAEP Trade Show.
Educational sessions typically begin early each morning and run through to late afternoon, with social and networking events scheduled throughout the week.
For equine veterinarians planning travel, it’s worth arriving early or staying on after the official dates if you intend to attend wet labs, committee meetings, or industry-hosted events.
Virtual registration options are also available for those unable to attend in person, providing access to recorded sessions after the convention concludes.
Watch Dr. Sue Dyson Presentation At The Recent AAEP Convention
Here is the recording of Dr. Sue Dyson presentation at the 71st AAEP Conference in Denver, Colorado.
Is the AAEP Convention Worth Attending? What Equine Veterinarians Get the Most Value
For equine veterinarians, the AAEP Convention is worth attending when you want concentrated, practice-relevant education, exposure to new technology, and meaningful professional connection in one place.
Here’s why I believe it’s worth making the trip to Las Vegas:
1. You’ll learn the advances in equine medicine from the last few years
Learn from a variety of speakers about new advances, techniques and discoveries
2. You’ll meet your people.
Equine practice can feel isolated. The AAEP Convention surrounds you with 8,000+ equine practitioners, students, and technicians who speak your language (and don’t blink at a 3am colic story).
3. You’ll see what’s next.
From new diagnostic tech to rehab equipment and pharmaceuticals, the trade show floor is where innovation is unveiled.
4. You’ll make connections that last.
Some of the best collaborations, job offers, and clinical ideas happen over coffee in the lobby or during an evening reception.
5. You’ll recharge your professional batteries.
Spending a week immersed in equine medicine, surrounded by people as committed as you are, is a reminder of why you chose this path.
6. Come and meet the team
We’ll be exhibiting again in Las Vegas in 2026, and we’re looking forward to meeting members and colleagues on the floor – more details on our booth location will be shared closer to the event.
Reasons You Might Skip It
It’s fair to acknowledge that the AAEP Convention isn’t for everyone, every year:
- Time away from practice – December is still a busy month in many regions, especially for vets in the southern hemisphere.
- Cost – Between registration, travel, and accommodation, it’s an investment. It’s certainly not for everyone, and our programs might be the solution you’re looking for if travel isn’t an option.
- Overwhelm – With so many sessions and exhibitors, it can be hard to decide where to focus.
If you can’t attend in person, there’s a virtual registration option with on-demand access to educational sessions and post-convention Table Topics.
AAEP Convention 2026 Location
If you haven’t been to Las Vegas before, you’re in for an experience:
World-Class Dining & Entertainment – From award-winning restaurants by globally renowned chefs to iconic shows and live performances, Las Vegas offers something for every taste once the conference sessions wrap up.
Conference Convenience – Everything is designed for ease. Hotels, venues, restaurants, and meeting spaces are all within close proximity, making it easy to move between sessions, networking events, and social catch-ups without losing time.
Beyond the Strip – If you’d like to escape the buzz, Red Rock Canyon and the surrounding desert landscapes are just a short drive away, offering scenic hikes, dramatic views, and a completely different side of Nevada.
Whether you’re there for education, networking, or a bit of both, Las Vegas delivers an unforgettable backdrop for the 2026 AAEP Convention.
Come See Us at the AAEP Trade Show
We launched our company at AAEP in Denver back in 2019 – selling four seats to the Dentistry Program right from our stand. Fast forward to now, and our booth has become a place to connect, swap ideas, and have a laugh (photos, coffee, and no hard sell, I promise).
We will have an exciting announcement closer to the time, this will only be available to our clients, so watch this space.
If you’re planning to attend the 2026 AAEP Conference, sign up below. We’ll keep you updated on the super early bird price discounts and let you know on the events we are organizing around the AAEP schedule.
Be the First in Line: AAEP Convention 2026 Event Dates & Early Bird Pricing
Frequently Asked Questions For AAEP Convention
When and where is the 2026 AAEP Convention?
The 72nd Annual AAEP Convention takes place from December 7–11, 2026, in the Mandalay Bay Convention Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Who should attend the AAEP Convention?
The AAEP Convention is designed for equine veterinarians, veterinary interns, students, technicians, and equine industry professionals.
Is the AAEP Convention worth attending for equine veterinarians?
Yes. Most equine veterinarians attend AAEP for high-quality CE, networking with peers, and early access to new diagnostics, therapies, and technologies.
Do I need to be an AAEP member to attend?
No. Non-members can attend, though AAEP members and BEVA members receive discounted registration rates.
What’s included in registration?
Like the BEVA congress, the registered attendee get access to CE sessions (over 100 hours), the trade show, social events, and the proceedings book – plus on-demand access to recorded sessions after the event.
Is there a virtual option for AAEP 2026?
Yes. AAEP offers virtual registration with on-demand access to recorded sessions and post-convention Table Topics.
What’s the dress code?
Smart casual for sessions and trade show.
Are there hands-on wet labs at the AAEP Convention?
Yes. Hands-on wet labs and mini-labs are available for additional registration fees and often sell out early.
Where can I find The Equine Practice Company stand?
On the trade show floor – we will announce our location at the 2026 AAEP convention closer to the time.
How do I register for 72nd AAEP conference?
Tickets are not available so sign up above in order to get the super early bird discounted pricing.
This guide is written by an equine veterinarian who attend AAEP regularly for mover the past decade – not just as delegates, but as speakers, educators, and exhibitors.
We’ve attended AAEP as early-career vets, practice owners, and educators, and we know exactly what’s worth your time (and what isn’t) once you’re on the ground.
Final Word
The AAEP Convention is more than a CE event. It’s where we, as a profession, take stock of where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how we can keep raising the standard of care for the horses entrusted to us.
Whether you come for the science, the networking, the trade show, or the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas – I’ll see you there in December 2026.
