A longstanding Purdue tradition that offers top quality continuing education for veterinary professionals in the exciting setting of the university’s West Lafayette campus is coming soon! The 2026 Purdue Veterinary Conference will be held September 23–26, and there’s still time to register. The annual event brings together veterinary professionals, educators, students, and industry partners for a week focused on continuing education, collaboration, and practical learning.
The theme for this year’s conference, “One Health: Modern Veterinary Medicine – Today and Tomorrow,” puts the focus on 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 at this year’s conference 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.” Then, this year’s Stockton Keynote Lecture that afternoon at 2:10 p.m. will be presented by Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, who will speak on the topic, “Endless Opportunities: Building Our Future Together.”
Exhibit Hall and Networking Events
The conference also will include the popular Exhibit Hall, where industry representatives will showcase 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, a festive event that represents a long-standing Purdue Veterinary Medicine tradition named in honor and memory of Dr. Jackson, Professor Emeritus of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry. The opportunity to run or walk with a canine companion serves as the perfect way to cap off a fun, informative, and uplifting week of learning and special events.
Register today and take advantage of this convenient opportunity to receive meaningful continuing education in a supportive environment for veterinary professionals at every stage of their careers. With engaging speakers and opportunities to connect with peers and industry leaders, this year’s conference will benefit veterinary professionals individually and as members of the vital and vibrant profession of veterinary medicine.
Additional conference details and registration information are available through the Purdue Veterinary Conference website.
