Why You Should Considering Attending the Western Veterinary 2017
Updated: Oct 27
Have you been lucky enough to attend a veterinary conference yet? Perhaps you’ve put it off with excuses like you’re way too busy, your practice is finally taking off or you simply can’t justify the expense. The reality is, attending events such as the Western Veterinary Conference can benefit your career and the future of your practice in a number of ways. Still on the fence? Here are a few compelling reasons why you should take advantage of one of the many veterinary conferences 2017 has to offer.
Continuing Education – One of the biggest benefits of being a part of the many available veterinary conferences 2017 has on tap is the ability to earn continuing education (CE) credits. As you are well aware, animal health care providers are required to earn a certain number of these CE credits each year in order to maintain their credentials and stay on top of industry changes. In a conference setting, attendees have the added benefit of learning in a pressure-free, interactive environment, making it that much more impactful.
Network Opportunities – Thanks to the internet and online resources like the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), industry professionals from across the globe are now able to connect and collaborate virtually from the comfort and convenience of their own offices. But let’s face it. There’s just something infinitely more rewarding about meeting up with someone in person. That’s another one of the many benefits veterinary conferences have to offer. Most attendees make valuable connections that last throughout their entire career.
Discover Something New – Beyond simply earning CE credits, conference attendees have the chance to experience things like interactive demos, live presentations, hands-on labs and more – all of which present the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in your field. The more you are able to stay ahead of the curve on these things, the better care you will be able to continuously deliver to your patients, which consequently makes your practice more marketable (so everyone wins).
Access to Experts – Look up any of the veterinary conferences 2017 still has in store and you’ll see a plethora of panels, presentations and speaking events by industry leading experts. That’s not including the many specialists and other highly qualified professionals who will also be in attendance. And while the Veterinary Information Network offers a way to connect virtually, being able to learn from and rub elbows with the best of the best in person will ultimately make you a better clinician.
Develop Leadership Skills – Another benefit of veterinary conferences is the ability to participate as a speaker or presenter. If you happen to have studied to become a specialist in a particular area, events like the Western Veterinary Conference provide a platform for sharing that knowledge and expertise. This will help you develop and hone your leadership skills while solidifying your place as a trusted resource among the veterinary community.
Ongoing Value – For instance, in addition to its annual event, the Western Veterinary Conference also offers year-round opportunities to earn comprehensive and practical continuing education credits at various locations nationwide. There is also the option to subscribe and receive access to resources generated from past events, such as conference videos, audio recordings, notes and more. It’s the next best thing to actually attending an event in person. Similarly, Veterinary Information Network offers a full course catalog of CE options that are also available year-round.
As you can see, there are many tangible and intangible benefits that come from taking part in a veterinary industry event. While the Western Veterinary Conference may have already taken place for the year, there are still a number of great veterinary conferences in 2017 to consider. Trust us – it’s well worth the investment.
Our tips, tricks, and expert advice
What are the key benefits of attending veterinary conferences?
Key benefits include earning continuing education credits, networking opportunities, learning about industry innovations, access to experts, developing leadership skills, and lasting value.
What networking opportunities do vet conferences offer?
Vet conferences offer the opportunity to meet and connect with industry professionals from across the globe in person, forming lasting relationships.
How do veterinary conferences make practice more marketable?
By staying ahead of industry innovations learned at conferences, vets can provide better care, making their practices more appealing.
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