AAEP Convention 2026

Every December, the AAEP Convention becomes the meeting point for our profession.  A place where science, skill, and camaraderie collide.

On December 6–10, 2026, we’ll gather in Las Vegas, Nevada for the 72nd Annual AAEP Convention & Trade Show – the largest equine veterinary event in the world.

And yes, we’ll be there, with our exhibition stand, coffee at the ready, and plenty of time to talk equine practice, cases, and the future of our profession.

AAEP 2025 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.
  
• Nearly 300 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.

Watch Dr. Sue Dyson Presentation At The Recent AAEP Convention

Here is the recording of Dr. Sue Dyson presentation at AAEP. Please be aware that this presentation is available until the end of the year and the AAEP show special pricing ends Friday 19th December. You can access the show special pricing here.

Why Attend The AAEP Convention 2026?

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions For AAEP Convention

When and where is the 2026 AAEP Convention?
December 7–11, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada

Who can attend?
AAEP members, non-members, veterinary students, technicians, and industry professionals – anyone in the equine veterinary field.

Do I have to be an AAEP member?
No, but members get discounted rates. BEVA members also qualify for member pricing.

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?
Yes – with on-demand sessions and live post-convention Table Topics.

What’s the dress code?
Smart casual for sessions and trade show.

Are there hands-on opportunities?
Yes – wet labs and mini labs are available for additional registration fees.

Where can I find your stand?
On the trade show floor – we will announce our location at the 2026 AAEP convention closer to the time.

How do I register?
Tickets are not available so sign up above in order to get the super early bird discounted pricing.

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.