NAVC maps out 2026 education lineup beyond VMX
CURRENT BRIEF VERSION: NAVC is using its year-round education platform to keep momentum going after VMX 2026, with a new calendar highlighting upcoming programs that range from a free VetFolio reptilian CPR webinar to in-person HiVE events for veterinary nurses, technicians, practice managers, and support staff. The organization’s official event calendar currently lists HiVE Midwest for March 21-22, 2026, in Covington, Kentucky, followed by NAVC SkillShop on May 24-28, 2026, in Orlando, while NAVC’s broader post-VMX messaging positions these events as part of a larger strategy to offer continuing education beyond its flagship conference. That strategy also reflects themes NAVC emphasized at VMX itself, where the organization spotlighted “Champions of Care” sessions on preventive medicine, rehabilitation, exotic animal care, and expanding access to veterinary care in rural and underserved communities. (todaysveterinarypractice.com)
Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, especially support staff, the calendar underscores how CE is becoming more distributed across the year and more role-specific. HiVE is explicitly built for veterinary nurses, technicians, practice managers, and other team members who are often underserved by traditional conference programming, and the published Midwest agenda shows a mix of clinical training, leadership, wellness, communication, and compensation content, including evidence-based CPR sessions tied to updated RECOVER guidance. That kind of targeted programming can help practices build skills, improve retention, and support career development across the whole team, not just veterinarians. It also fits with broader workforce conversations coming out of early-2026 veterinary meetings, including the need for better leadership, stronger cross-generational communication, and more flexible learning models that meet teams where they work. (navc.com)
What to watch: Watch for additional NAVC event rollouts in 2026, including more HiVE regional meetings and how NAVC uses SkillShop, VetFolio, VMX Virtual, and partner programming such as the Uncharted Practice Owner Summit to extend CE access between major conferences. (navc.com)