The potential of together
Veterinary Leadership Conference 2026
Lead Doctors and Practice Managers,
Welcome to the 2026 Veterinary Leadership Conference! We’re so glad you’re here.
This year’s theme, “The Potential of Together,” is inspired by both science and wonder. The Northern Lights are created when invisible particles from the sun interact with the gases in our atmosphere, exchanging energy. On their own, those elements are unremarkable. But when they come together, something appears across the sky. That same truth applies to leadership and to veterinary care. Progress isn’t created in isolation. It’s born when different strengths, perspectives, and disciplines align with purpose. Partnership is the energy that transforms effort into impact, and it is the force behind the most meaningful moments in our profession. This conference is designed to strengthen those connections. Through shared learning, honest conversation, and time together, we’ll explore how a deeper partnership between Lead Doctors and Practice Managers, between hospitals and Support Center teams, and across our community can elevate care, champion people, and enhance experiences for everyone we serve. Some of CVP’s most important growth has come from conversations in rooms like this. When leaders listen, challenge, and support one another, possibility expands. That is the work of this conference. Not just to learn, but to transfer energy. Not just to gather, but to create something brighter together. We hope you’ll use this time to connect, be inspired, and imagine what's possible in the year ahead for your hospital, your team, and the CVP community. And along the way, we hope you’ll enjoy the relationships, the moments of insight, and a little fun too. We’re grateful for your leadership and honored to share this experience with you. Welcome to VLC 2026. extraordinary
Friday, February 27
Time
Session
Location
5:45-8:30 pm
Welcome Reception
Coastal 1-5
Saturday, February 28
Time
Session
Location
Optional “Welcome to VLC for New Lead Doctors and PMs”
8-8:30 am
DeSoto 3
8-8:50 am
Registration
DeSoto Lobby
8-8:50 am
Breakfast
Desoto 4-5
9-9:30 am
WELCOME TO VLC! General Session LaFayette 1-5
State of the Industry, Matt Salois, VMG
9:30-10:30 am
LaFayette 1-5
10:30 -10:45 am
Break
DeSoto Lobby
10:45-11:55 pm
CVP Today
LaFayette 1-5
12-1 pm
Lunch
DeSoto 4 -5
Learning Labs 1 - 2 pm #1
Blue: Elevate Care Champion People: Green Leading A Sustainable Hospital: Yellow Groups Begin:
2 - 2:15 pm Break 2:15 - 3:15 pm #2 3:15 - 3:30 pm Break 3:30 - 4:40 pm #3
1-5 pm
DeSoto & Suwanee
5:45-6:30pm
Cocktails
Sun Ballroom B + D
6:30-8:30 pm
Dinner
Sun Ballroom B + D
Sunday, March 1
Time
Session
Location
7:30 -8:15 am
Breakfast
Emerald Bay Plaza
8:30-9am
Opening Session
Sun Ballroom A+C
Keynote Speaker, Eric Boles
9 - 10 am
Sun Ballroom A+C
10 - 10:20 am
Break
Sun Foyer
10:20- 11:45 am
Unlocking the Potential
Sun Ballroom A+C
11:45 -12 pm
The Proof of Together
Sun Ballroom A+C
12-1:30 pm
Lunch
Coquina Lawn
1:30 -3:30 pm
Afternoon Breakouts
Sun 1-3, Sun D+4, Captiva
5:45-6:30pm
Cocktails
Coquina Lawn
6:30-8:30 pm
Dinner
Coquina Lawn
*All sessions are at the Gaylord Palms Resort property unless otherwise noted.
Monday, March 2
Time
Session
Location
8-8:50 am
Breakfast
Emerald Bay Plaza
9-10:30 am
CVP Tomorrow
Sun Ballroom A+C
10:30-11 am
Moving Forward
Sun Ballroom A+C
Extracurricular
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Fun Run! (all paces welcome) Time: 6 am Distance: 3 miles Led by Dr. Jananne O'Connell
Fun Run! (all paces welcome) Time: 6 am Distance: 3 miles Led by Dr. Jananne O'Connell
Morning
Rest and Pack!
Lunch Walk! (meet in lobby) Time: 12:30-12:50 pm Led by Kristen Park
Lunch Walk! (meet in lobby) Time: 12:30-12:50 pm Led by Cherie Sheridan
Afternoon
Fun Run! (all paces welcome) Time: 4:30 pm Led by Charlie Stephens (meet in lobby)
Evening
CE Opportunities Saturday, February 28 Time Session
Location
8-8:50 am
Boehringer: Personal Wellness Mindset
DeSoto 2
12-1:00pm
Elanco: Vaccine Hesitancy and Strategy DeSoto 1
IDEXX: Maximize your Preventive Care Screen w/IDEXX Cancer Dx & inVue Dx
12-1:00pm
DeSoto 2
Sunday, March 1 Time
Session
Location
7:30-8:20 am
Zoetis: Say it Strong
Sun D 4, 5, & 6
Merck: New Innovation That Drives Compliance & Better Outcomes
12-1:00pm
Miami
12-1:00pm
Zoetis: Forward Booking
Sun D 4, 5, & 6
Monday, March 2 Time
Session
Location
Orange Blossom Ballroom
8-8:50 am
Purina: Allergy and Atopy
Keynote Speaker Eric Boles Our keynote speaker, Eric Boles, brings a powerful perspective shaped by both success and sudden loss. During his time in the NFL, Eric experienced the moment every athlete fears. After a serious injury with the Green Bay Packers, he was called into the general manager’s office and told to bring his playbook. In an instant, his career was over. No goodbye to teammates. No transition. Just a walk out of Lambeau Field past fans who had cheered for him days before. In that moment, Eric was forced to confront a hard question: when the role you’ve poured everything into disappears, who are you? That experience reshaped how Eric thinks about identity, leadership, and teamwork. Today, he helps leaders and organizations align around purpose, resilience, and shared responsibility so people don’t carry the weight alone. His message resonates deeply with Lead Doctors and Practice Managers who know what it means to give everything to their work and still face uncertainty, pressure, and change. Eric’s story brings this year’s theme, The Potential of Together, to life by reminding us that when people are supported by a strong partnership and shared purpose, they don’t just perform better, they endure, grow, and thrive together.
Resort Meeting Room Map
Resort Map & more!
"Greatness happens when the person with the wild imagination collaborates with the person who knows how to get things done." — Simon Sinek
THANKS TO OUR VLC PARTNERS!
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