The Best Veterinary Conferences for Continuing Education

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Veterinary Association Management

Continuing Education for the Veterinary Profession

Colonial Veterinary Conference - NEW DATES and LOCATION!

 

Colonial Veterinary Conference

 

Click Here to Download the Brochure!

"In Historic Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia"

Colonial Veterinary Conference

October 15 - 19, 2025

"In Historic Williamsburg, Virginia"

 

Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center

For Hotel Reservations: Room rates of $134.00 + applicable taxes and fees, and can be made by calling 770-220-2250 and mentioning Colonial Veterinary Conference!

Speakers

Sarah Jarosinski, DVM, DACVAA

Dottie P. Laflamme, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition)

 


 

Online Registration is Now Open!

You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or

click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!

Register before October 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!

Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2025)

Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2025)

   

One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00!

 

Tentative Schedule



Colonial Veterinary Conference - Historical Williansburg

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Registration Open 4 pm - 8 pm : NO SESSIONS



 

Colonial Veterinary Conference

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Exhibit area Open 2pm ∙ Refreshment Breaks, Exhibit area

12pm Lunch on your own

Speaker

Time

Topics


Sarah Jarosinski, DVM, DACVAA

See Topics

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM : Preanesthetic Evaluation and Protocol Planning.

In this lecture, we'll discuss how to sift through medical records to parse out relevant information that may impact an anesthesia protocol, highlight the importance of a thorough physical examination, discuss when pre-anesthetic diagnostics may be warranted and how results from those diagnostics guide protocol modifications.

9:20 AM - 10:00 AM : Anesthesia Machine and Ventilator.

This lecture will review the basic components of all anesthesia machines, review proper leak checking, discuss important patient safety aspects related to the machine and cover the use of a mechanical ventilator.

10:30 AM - 11:30/12:00 PM : Pain Physiology and Discussion on the Utility of Pain Scoring.

This lecture starts with important definitions and a review of the pain pathway, touches on the various nerve fibers found in the body, explains wind up pain, emphasises the importance of differentiating pain vs dysphoria in the post-anesthetic period and reviews pain scoring and how its use in the hospital can help guide treatment decisions.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM : Pharmacology Review, Medical Math and Constant Rate Infusion Calculations.

This lecture breaks up drugs into their respective categories (opioids vs alpha-2 adrenergic agonists vs dissociatives vs other), reviews the systemic effects, indications and contraindications. The lecture also discusses the use of constant rate infusions and how to calculate rates for various patients using two different calculation methods.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM : Blood Pressure Monitoring and Troubleshooting.

In this lecture, we'll discuss methods to monitor blood pressure and how to evaluate the patient as a whole when troubleshooting hypotension and hypertension.


See Topics



Colonial Veterinary Conference

Friday, October 17, 2025

Exhibit Hall Open 7am-5pm - Refreshments Breaks, Exhibit area

12pm Lunch on your own

 

Speaker

Time

Topics


Sarah Jarosinski, DVM, DACVAA

See Topics

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM : ECG Evaluation and Interpretation.

This lecture starts with the very basics at the level of the cardiac myocyte and builds to interpreting various waveforms. We'll also discuss potential causes for each ECG and treatment options.

10:30 AM - 11:30/12:00PM : Anesthetizing the patient with Endocrine Disease.

This is a case-based lecture in which we'll discuss nine different endocrine diseases and how to prepare for those cases/how to troubleshoot complications that may occur under anesthesia related to their endocrine disease. (If this lecture could go to 12:00PM, that would be great. Having given this lecture many times, it typically takes me exactly an hour to deliver. Theoretically, I could trim some cases, but I feel that all of these cases are important to discuss. I'd like to have some time to answer questions at the end.)

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM : Deep dive into End Tidal CO2 interpretation.

This lecture also takes it back to the very basics (structure of a carbon dioxide molecule) and builds on how to maintain a normal ETCO2 under anesthesia.

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM : Locoregional Anesthesia in Veterinary Medicine.

This lecture starts with a brief (but interesting!) history of locoregional analgesia and how it is relatively new in the veterinary field. The remainder of the lecture covers various blocks, their benefits and their risks. We'll also discuss drugs that can be used.


See Topics


See Topics



Colonial Veterinary Conference

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Continental Breakfast 7am, Exhibit area

Refreshment Breaks, Exhibit area

 

 

Speaker

Time

Topics


Dottie P. Laflamme, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition)

See Topics

8:30 am – 10:00 am Session 1: Feline Nutrition: Are cats really so different?

Session 1 Description : This lecture will address unique aspects about feline nutrition, including the facts, myths and misperceptions regarding feline nutrition and physiology, with emphasis on protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus, and water.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand if/how cats utilize carbohydrates and protein, and any risks involved from excess.

2. Understand the evidence regarding phosphorus relative to kidney health and disease.

3. Understand the benefits of wet food versus dry foods, and enhancing water intake.

4. Understand the role of diet in prevention versus management of existing disease.

10:30 am - 11:30 am / 12:00 Noon Session 2: Feeding Aging Cats

Session 2 Description: This lecture will cover nutritional evaluation and guidelines for aging cats. Topics include “When is a cat ‘geriatric’”, “How do nutritional needs of geriatric cats differ from middle aged cats” and “Feeding the skinny old cat”. Included will be tips and guidance on making recommendations for meeting the nutritional needs of these cats.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how and why to complete a nutritional assessment of senior cats.

2. Understand how geriatric cats differ, from a nutritional perspective, from younger adult cats.

3. Recognizing the significance of weight loss in aging cats.

4. Learn how to help clients deliver the nutritional needs of their senior cats.

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Session 4: Obesity Management for Cats and Dogs

Session 4 Description: This lecture will address the emerging science and practices regarding obesity as well as tips and guidelines for communicating with clients and managing obesity in pet cats and dogs.

Learning objectives

1. Understand the importance of regular body condition score assessment.

2. Understand the role of key nutrients in weight loss diets.

3. Understand how to assess "readiness to change" in your clients.

4. Understand how to use weight management programs with different clients

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Session 5: Hot topics in nutrition.

Session 5 Description: This lecture will address current and emerging topics of interest relative to canine or feline nutrition.

Learning objectives

1. Understand evidence regarding current fad topics in nutrition (examples may include fresh/raw, homemade,’ human food’, low carb, ’functional’, etc).

2. Understand how to find and share good information rather than misinformation.

3. Understand how and why to complete a nutritional assessment on each patient.


See Topics



Colonial Veterinary Conference

Sunday, October 19, 2025

 

Speaker

Time

Topics


See Topics



* Times and Presenters Subject to change

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

-On-Site Registration begins on Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8am

 


 

Online Registration is Now Open!

You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or

click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!

Register before October 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!

Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2025)

Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2025)

   

One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00!

Speaker Bios...

Sarah Jarosinski, DVM, DACVAASarah Jarosinski, DVM, DACVAA

Dr. Jarosinski is originally from the Richmond, Virginia area. Following graduation from Hollins University, she obtained her DVM from Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine.

She completed an equine internship at Mid Atlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, New Jersey and continued her post-graduate training back at Texas A&M University where she completed an anesthesia residency; becoming board-certified at the end of her residency in July 2022.

While in Texas, she met her husband Josh, who is an officer in the US Navy. Their first duty station together was in San Diego, California where Dr. Jarosinski worked at a large referral and specialty hospital as their first anesthesiologist.

In 2024, Dr. Jarosinski returned home to Virginia after her husband received orders to Norfolk. She works as a traveling locum anesthesiologist while building her consulting business, Sentinel Veterinary Anesthesia Consulting.


Dottie P. Laflamme, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition)Dottie P. Laflamme, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition)

Dr. Dottie Laflamme received her MS in ruminant nutrition, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and PhD in nutrition and physiology, all from the University of Georgia.

She completed her clinical nutrition residency as an ALPO Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Nutrition. Dr. Laflamme is a Diplomate and past-President of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

She is an author on over 250 scientific and technical publications; and has been a speaker at a number of veterinary, research, and continuing education programs worldwide. She worked for Purina (Ralston Purina / Nestle Purina) in the Research and Development Department from 1990 until her retirement in 2015.

She continues consulting for special projects within, and outside of, the pet food industry. Her research focused on therapeutic nutrition, especially obesity management, and geriatric nutrition. Dottie lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.





 

Online Registration is Now Open!

You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or

click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!

Register before October 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!

Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2025)

Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2025)

   

One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00!

What our Attendees Say!

Mountain Veterinary Conference : I just attended the Mountain Veterinary Conference and had a great time! The speakers were the same ones you see at the huge, expensive conferences but in a more intimate, affordable setting. The local area is beautiful and lots of fun to explore - I particularly enjoyed watching the elk herds cross the roads in the mornings. The Cherokee Casino was an excellent venue - easy to navigate ... read more

Katie Gies, DVMKatie Gies, DVM | Attendee - white.goosedvm@gmail.com

What our Attendees Say!

Mountain Veterinary Conference : I've been meaning to share my very positive review of the Mountain Veterinary Conference for months -- my apologies for not doing this sooner! The Mountain Veterinary Conference was a wonderful CE experience on all levels. There were a wide variety of high quality sessions, the setting was beautiful, the food and accommodations were excellent, and the exhibitors were helpful and informative... read more

Valerie Weiss, DVMValerie Weiss, DVM | Attendee - vaweiss@ml1.net

What our Speakers/Exhibitors Say!

“What fun! We doubled our record for the number of copies of SMILE! sold in the first day. The relaxed atmosphere at the Fun n Sun Conference makes it easy to interact with everyone.” ... read more

Lynne Swanson, DVMLynne Swanson, DVM | Speaker, Exhibitor - Safe Harbor Farm’s SMILE! Project

What our Speakers Say!

Thank you for having me speak this year at Sun N Fun; What a GREAT show! I have thoroughly enjoyed the kindness and hospitality shown by all. Great organization, great location, and great session topics! I urge all veterinary professionals to attend Sun N Fun next year, and not miss out on this fantastic CE event! ... read more

Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TXJenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS | Speaker - jenny@practivet.com

What our Attendees Say!

I would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to Howie and all those involved in hosting the Colonial Veterinary Conference in Colonial Williamsburg this December 2015.  We attended a few years ago and were sold on this meeting for our ContEd   This meeting has it all!  Great speakers, wonderful hotel,  delicious food, kind staff and lotsa' coffee!  Howie makes sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.. The biggest impression our first time here years ago was not just the speakers, topics, and location.. but the obvious love this group has for one another AND for our Lord... read more

Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TXDr. Donna M Gage | Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TX

What our Speakers Say!

I've been a speaker for at least a dozen meetings hosted by Veterinary Association Management in the last twenty or so years. The meetings are always well organized and managed. More importantly, the attendees are always eager to learn and happy to be there. The Lee family and all the staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is very family-friendly... read more

Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, CVT, LATMargi Sirois, EdD, MS, CVT, LAT | Speaker

What our Speakers Say!

Veterinary Association Management conference are intimate and interactive. As a presenter, I have the opportunity to talk about behavior issues – a significant reason for relinquishment, and also how to speak with clients about these concerns, as well as getting pets to vets, including Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices.

Steve Dale, CABCSteve Dale, CABC | Speaker

What our Attendees Say!

I've been going to Veterinary Association Management's Veterinary Conferences for 16 years.  They are by far my favorite.  The quality and choice of speakers always suits my needs. I feel that I get the most up-to-date and thorough information.  Lectures focus on practical advice we can actually use - no ivory towers here... read more

Melanie Bene, DVMMelanie Bene, DVM | Attendee

What our Attendees Say!

My family and I have always enjoyed Veterinary Association Management's (Ralph Lee's) continuing education courses.  We have been attending them now for well over twelve years.  We are always very delighted to attend the courses and conferences that Veterinary Management Association hosts.  The benevolence of the Lee Family always shines forth, and they make my family feel more than welcome.  The veterinary courses are extremely relevant to practice, and much of the information obtained can be put into effect the day we return.  The speakers are of the utmost quality and ... read more

Mercy Animal Hospital, Monroe, NCDrs. Charles and Dawn Jones | Mercy Animal Hospital, Monroe, NC

What our Speakers Say!

Thank you so much for allowing me to speak at this past weekend's Sun N Fun conference in South Carolina. It was a great experience. Howie, Martha, Dawn and the entire Veterinary Association Management team always knows how to make a speaker feel welcomed! The conference was so well organized which is a testament to the VAM team. Thank you so much for all your kindness. It was a true honoring getting to speak to the technicians at the conference. It was a great group who stayed engaged throughout! Thank you again. I hope you are all home getting to relax a little after working so hard to make the conference so successful. ... read more

Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC)Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC) | Speaker

What our Attendees Say!

I have been a veterinarian in NC since 1982.  33years.  I have been getting my continuing education hours with Ralph Lee’s Veterinary Management for 28 years.  My wife is a registered vet technician and we both must get yearly CE hours to continue our licenses.  We have come to Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conferences for last 20 years.  I appreciate through the years the dedication to providing quality continuing education year after year.  We enjoy the excellent speakers on subjects that are useful in regular day to day practice; comprehensive wet labs; and very affordable CE... read more

Emerywood Veterinary Hospital, High Point, NCJ. Michael Beck DVM and Jane Beck VMT | Emerywood Veterinary Hospital, High Point, NC

What our Speakers Say!

I've participated in several Veterinary Association Management continuing educational meetings and they are all top notch. Each meeting has it's own look and feel. The one consistent thread is excellent speakers and great topics/content being presented. I will be planning a family vacation around Fun N Sun veterinary conference. It's a must do for anyone looking for good CE and creating great memories with the family... read more

Veterinary Consultation Services, LLC Paul Camilo, CVPM | Veterinary Consultation Services, LLC

What our Exhibitors Say!

The Center of Veterinary Expertise has had the pleasure of participating in Colonial Veterinary conference on several levels, sponsorship, vendor as well as providing speakers over the last three year.  Howie and his team always ensure a positive, warm, and successful experience.  We look forward to supporting the Colonial Veterinary Conference for many more years to come.

the COVE, Suffolk, VADanielle T. Russ | LVT, BS, BA, AS, Hospital Manager, the COVE, Suffolk, VA

What our Attendees Say!

It is not a small thing when gathering your CE credits that the meetings be orderly, well presented, convenient, accessible.  Cudos to the Colonial Team.  It was an all-around good experience.

Palmetto Vet Hospital, Ridgeland, SCRob McBrayer, DVM | Palmetto Vet Hospital, Ridgeland, SC

What our Exhibitors Say!

I have been a equipment manufacturing design consultant for Snyder Mfg. for over 30 years.  I have been attending the Ralph Lee's meetings for over 20 years of that time.  The Ralph Lee's meetings are different than the standard veterinary conference meetings that are available.  The meetings are designed to be very family friendly.  The attendees and exhibitors are treated with more respect than any other of the veterinary meetings I attend.  The smaller venue will  also give everyone an opportunity to build long term relationships in the industry.

Snyder Mfg., New Sharon, IARalph Ihde | Snyder Mfg., New Sharon, IA

What our Attendees Say!

I plan each year's continuing education requirements around Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veteirnary Conference.  The program venue is especially nice, this time of year, in Asheville, N.C.  The Lee family (Howie, Martha and the crew) are most accommodating.  They've always made this a pleasurable, meaningful experience.  I secure a copy of the conference notes each trip.  These notes serve as valuable information for me as I care for my patients on a daily basis.  The saddest part, for me, is when the meeting concludes.  Soon, I'll be planning for the 2016 conference.

Central Veterinary Hospital, Knoxville, TNDr. William “Bill” Martin | Central Veterinary Hospital, Knoxville, TN

What our Exhibitors Say!

The Lees' vet meetings are some of the best...and I attend a lot of them! As both a veterinarian and an exhibitor I get the best of both worlds at these events.... Great Continuing Education and Great attendance to the exhibit booth. I attend every one I possibly can.

Vet Assured, Unicoi, TNDr. Dan Moore, DVM | Vet Assured, Unicoi, TN

What our Speakers Say!

I have lectured for Veterinary Association Management for the last 4 years and they consistently have wonderfully organized, informative and practical conferences for practicing small animal veterinarians. With a relatively small group of attendees ... read more

Charleston Veterinary Referral CenterKristin Welch DVM, DACVECC | CRITICAL CARE, CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Exhibitors At The Conference

 

Please visit these Exhibitors at the Conference to see the latest and best products and services for your veterinary practice:

 

ServiceVet Technologies

ServiceVet Technologies - J-Ray Lasers, QuickVet and KEPE ESWT System

Simmons Veterinary Practice Sales and Appraisals

Three-Sided Media

     

 


 

Online Registration is Now Open!

You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or

click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!

Register before October 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!

Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2025)

Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2025)

   

One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00!

Conference Hotel Information

Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center

Fort Magruder Hotel and Conference Center

Williamsburg, Virginia

   

 

For Hotel Reservations: Room rates of $134.00 + applicable taxes and fees, and can be made by calling 770-220-2250 and mentioning Colonial Veterinary Conference!

Williamsburg, Virginia

 

 


 

Online Registration is Now Open!

You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or

click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!

Register before October 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!

Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2025)

Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2025)

   

One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00!

Area Information

Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg

"Discover Colonial Williamsburg and immerse yourself in the 18th-century capital city of Virginia. See all that the Revolutionary City has to offer, explore our Art Museums, or engage in recreation at our companion Resort properties. From revolution to romance, things are constantly changing here, creating a unique experience for our guests. Opportunities for adventure abound, but how you choose to spend your visit is up to you..."

 

Colonial Williamsburg


 

Online Registration is Now Open!

You can register Online now or On-Site, Walkins are Welcome, or

click here to download the Registration Form, fill it out and mail it with payment!

Register before October 1st, 2025 to take advantage of the Early Registration Discount!

Veterinarians $450.00 (before 10/1/2025)

Technician, Receptionists, Support Staff $250.00 (before 10/1/2025)

   

One (1) Day Registraion is now available for $250.00!

 

Each conference provides at least 20 hours of LIVE IN PERSON continuing education