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2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference offers full slate of practical presentations and engaging events for veterinarians and veterinary technicians

Though the annual Purdue Veterinary Conference is almost upon us, there’s still time to register and take advantage of this time-honored College of Veterinary Medicine fall tradition that combines excellent continuing education with fun opportunities for reconnecting with colleagues and classmates, networking, and learning about the latest veterinary trends and products.  The 2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference takes place September 23–26 on the Purdue University campus. The annual event has something for everyone, from veterinarians to veterinary technicians, faculty, staff and students.

This year’s conference carries the theme, “One Health: Modern Veterinary Medicine – Today and Tomorrow,” which is designed to highlight the connection between animal, human, and environmental health and the evolving role of veterinary medicine in advancing care and collaboration. Participants will be able to earn up to 23 continuing education (CE) credit hours by attending sessions across a variety of topic areas, enabling attendees to tailor their experience to their professional interests and goals.

Presentations will include topics on professional development, wellness, and the future of veterinary medicine. The Wellness Keynote on Wednesday, September 23, at 12:45 p.m., will be presented by Mary Beth Spitznagel, PhD, professor and associate chair in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Kent State University. She will address the topic of “Decreasing Burden Transfer in Veterinary Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach.”

On Thursday, September 24, at 8:00 a.m., the Roger L. Lukens Lecture, “The Power of an Unexpected Path: Rejected, Redirected and Rewarded,” will be presented by PVM’s own Mindy Anderson, PharmD, BS, RVT, assistant dean for veterinary technology programs and clinical associate professor of basic medical sciences. Later that day, at 12:00 p.m., Zenithson Ng, DVM, clinical associate professor of small animal primary care at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, will deliver the Human-Animal Bond Keynote. His talk is entitled, “Harnessing Human-Animal Bond Research to Transform Veterinary Practice.” 

Another conference highlight is this year’s Stockton Keynote Lecture which features Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s very own Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, who will speak on the topic, “Endless Opportunities: Building Our Future Together” that Thursday afternoon at 2:10 p.m. 

Another popular element of the conference is the Exhibit Hall, which will again feature industry representatives showcasing the latest veterinary tools, products and services. The conference schedule will include two unopposed exhibit hours on September 23 and 24, when attendees will be able to explore offerings while earning up to two additional CE credits. 

Additionally, a Mixer in the Exhibit Hall will take place on Wednesday, September 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and will be followed by the annual Alumni, Students and Friends Celebration at 5:00 p.m. The Exhibit Hall mixer will provide time to thank conference sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and moderators while enabling attendees to reconnect with colleagues, meet industry representatives, and strengthen professional relationships.

This year’s Purdue Veterinary Conference also will include a celebration of 50 years of the Purdue University Veterinary Technology Program. For more information contact vetalumni@purdue.edu.

The conference week will conclude with the annual Dr. Skip Jackson Dog Jog on Saturday, September 26, featuring the opportunity to run or walk with a canine companion and support PVM’s Priority 4 Paws shelter medicine program. 

Register today for this outstanding lifelong learning opportunity complete with lots of Boilermaker spirit and PVM tradition.  Additional conference details and registration information are available through the Purdue Veterinary Conference website.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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