How to Get Everything You Can Out of WVC Vegas: Insider Tips to Maximize Your Experience
You’ve booked your flight, packed your most comfortable shoes, and you’re ready to experience WVC Vegas — the ultimate veterinary conference and the most fun CE event on the planet. But with hundreds of sessions, wet labs, and social events packed into just a few days, how do you make sure you don’t miss out on the good stuff (or end up sprinting across the convention center like a caffeine-fueled intern)?
Here’s your insider guide to making the most of WVC Vegas — from scoring the best wet lab seats to surviving the whirlwind schedule like a pro.
1. Plan Your CE Schedule Before You Land
WVC is massive — and the session list can feel overwhelming if you wait until you arrive. Log in to the WVC app or website before the conference to review the agenda and star your must-attend lectures.
Think of it like triage: pick your “can’t-miss” sessions first, then fill in with electives that fit your interests.
Pro tip: Create a backup plan! Some popular talks fill up fast, so having a second choice will save you time (and frustration).
2. Sign Up Early for Wet Labs — They Sell Out Fast
WVC’s wet labs are legendary. Whether it’s mastering surgical sutures, learning advanced dental techniques, or diving into exotic animal medicine, these hands-on sessions are where skills really stick.
But here’s the catch — you must register for wet labs in advance, and they come with an additional fee. Seating is limited, so sign up as soon as registration opens.
If you wait until you get there, you’ll probably end up on the waitlist wishing you’d acted sooner.
3. Balance Learning With Breathing Room
It’s tempting to pack every minute with CE sessions, but don’t forget: this is Vegas. Give yourself time to decompress, grab a snack, or network between lectures. The best connections often happen in the hallway after a great session.
Aim for a healthy mix — maybe three sessions a day plus one hands-on or social event.
4. Download the WVC App — Your New Best Friend
The official WVC app is a lifesaver. It tracks your sessions, reminds you of start times, and even maps out where you need to be (so you don’t get lost in the Mandalay Bay maze).
You can also use it to message other attendees, find exhibitor booths, and keep digital notes — no more juggling paper schedules and sticky notes.
5. Network Like a Pro (Without the Stress)
Between sessions, head to the Career Zone, the exhibit hall, or one of WVC’s legendary networking events. You’ll meet everyone from industry leaders to potential employers — and you never know which conversation could lead to your dream job.
Even if you’re shy, just start with a “Hey, what session did you just come from?” — it works every time.
6. Don’t Skip the Exhibit Hall — It’s Basically CE Meets Disneyland
Beyond the swag and snacks, the exhibit hall is packed with opportunities to learn about new products, tech, and trends. Chat with company reps — they often have insider info and may even invite you to sponsored lunch-and-learn events (yes, free food).
7. Take Notes Like You’ll Actually Read Them Later
Whether you prefer a tablet, notebook, or your phone, jot down your key takeaways and new contacts while they’re fresh in your mind. WVC moves fast — by day three, lectures start to blur together like a pack of similar-looking golden retrievers.
8. Have Fun — You’re in VEGAS!
Don’t forget to enjoy the city! Check out a show, grab dinner with new friends, or snap a photo at the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The memories you make here go way beyond CE credits.
Final Tip:
When you get home, follow up with new contacts, review your notes, and share what you learned with your team. That’s how you turn a few amazing days in Vegas into real growth for your career.
