Pack Like a Boss: Your WVC Vegas Survival Guide (Conference Chic Edition)
Listen up, veterinary people: WVC Vegas is calling, and she demands you come prepared. This isn't just another boring conference where you'll sleepwalk through CE credits in a hotel ballroom. This is Vegas, baby—where ultrasound workshops meet bottle service, where dental CE credentials earn you poolside cocktails, and where your sensible work clogs have absolutely no business making the trip.
Dr. Jessica Trice, co-founder of Vetique and self-proclaimed Vegas enthusiast, knows this balance better than most. "There's something magical about WVC Vegas," she says. "You're there to learn, to grow as a clinician, but you're also in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Why not embrace both?" Dr. Trice, who's already marking her calendar for the 2026 meeting, has mastered the art of conference preparation that honors both her passion for learning and her love of the bright lights.
You're about to spend days mastering acupuncture points and nights dancing until your feet hurt (in a good way). You need a packing strategy that screams "I can intubate a cat AND look stunning at a rooftop bar." Let's get you there.
The Shoe Situation: A Love-Hate Relationship
Let's address the elephant in the convention center: your feet are about to go through hell. The Mandalay Bay Convention Center is roughly the size of a small country, the exhibit hall could host the Olympics, and you'll log more steps than your Fitbit knew were possible.
Dr. Trice learned this lesson the hard way. "My first conference, I brought cute shoes that I thought were comfortable," she laughs. "By day two, I was seriously considering walking the exhibit hall barefoot. Now I pack smart—comfort first, but that doesn't mean sacrificing style."
The Power Move: Pack two pairs of impossibly chic yet secretly comfortable shoes for conference days. We're talking magical Italian leather loafers that somehow feel like slippers but look like a million bucks. Cole Haan's Grand collection? Chef's kiss. Alternating pairs daily isn't just practical—it's your feet's love language.
The Evening Flex: Now we're talking. Bring heels if they make you feel like you can conquer the world, but make them block heels or wedges—you will be walking. A lot. That cobblestone path between Bellagio and Aria will humble even the most experienced stiletto-wearer. Alternatively, strappy sandals with a kitten heel or embellished flats are your Vegas-to-conference-to-dinner hero pieces.
The Wild Card: Sneakers, but make them fashion. White leather low-tops are perfect for exploring during the day and can somehow work with a slip dress if you style them right. This is Vegas—rules don't apply.
Conference Wear: Business Casual Got a Glow-Up
Forget everything you think you know about conference dressing. You're not attending a pharmaceutical sales meeting in a suburban Marriott. This is Vegas—even your conference looks should have main character energy. Bring on the bling lanyards!
"I always tell people to think 'elevated casual,'" Dr. Trice advises. "You want to look professional enough for the lecture halls but cool enough that when you run into colleagues at the Cosmopolitan lobby bar later, you don't feel like you need to rush back to your room to change."
The Formula That Never Fails
Start with a neutral foundation: think tailored black pants, a leather midi skirt, or wide-leg trousers in camel or gray. Now here's where it gets fun—your tops. Silk camisoles under blazers that you can strip down to for evening. Cashmere sweater sets. A crisp white button-down that looks equally good tucked into work pants or half-unbuttoned with jeans later.
The secret? Textures and fabrics that don't wrinkle. Jersey knits, ponte, anything with a bit of stretch. You're going to be sitting through lectures, rushing between buildings, and possibly stuffing a blazer into your bag when you hit the casino floor at 9 PM.
The Blazer That Does Everything
Invest in one incredible blazer. Oversized, perfectly tailored, in a color that makes your skin glow—this is your conference MVP. Wear it over a simple tee and jeans for "I'm here to learn but make it fashion." Throw it over a slip dress for instant evening sophistication. It photographs well, hides wrinkles in your shirt, and makes you look like you have your life together even if you're running on three hours of sleep and poolside rosé.
Layer Like Your Life Depends On It
Conference rooms have two temperatures: Arctic tundra and surface-of-the-sun. Pack lightweight cardigans, a silky scarf that doubles as a blanket, and a leather jacket that looks cool but provides actual warmth. Your body temperature regulation game needs to be strong.
Dr. Trice's pro tip? "I always bring a pashmina. It sounds old-fashioned, but trust me—it's perfect for freezing lecture halls, turns into a blanket on the plane, and can dress up an outfit for dinner. It's the ultimate multitasker."
The Vegas Edit: When Sun Goes Down
This is your moment. The lectures are done, your CE credits are logged, and now it's time to remind yourself that you're not just a brilliant veterinarian—you're also that girl.
"Vegas nights are when you get to celebrate all the hard work you're putting in during the day," says Dr. Trice, whose enthusiasm for the city's energy is infectious. "Whether you're trying a new restaurant, seeing a show, or just exploring the hotels with friends, these are the moments that make WVC special. Dress for them."
The Going-Out Uniform
Pack two knockout looks. A slip dress in black (sexy, versatile, takes up zero room in your suitcase). A jumpsuit that makes you feel like you could run for president or hit XS Nightclub, depending on your mood. A blazer dress that means business at dinner and pure confidence at the blackjack table.
The Day-to-Night Transformer
Here's the hack: bring pieces that transition. A silk blouse works under your conference blazer, then transforms into evening wear with leather pants. A cashmere tank looks professional under a cardigan, then becomes cocktail-ready with a statement necklace. That midi skirt? Conference appropriate with flats, dinner-ready with heels.
Accessorize Like You Mean It
Statement earrings live in your carry-on and completely change your look in seconds. A delicate gold necklace looks professional by day, layered with bold pieces by night. A structured bag for conferences, a chic crossbody or clutch for evening. Red lipstick transforms everything—never underestimate the power of a bold lip to make last night's outfit feel completely different.
Pool Club Ready (Because It's Vegas, Obviously)
Even if you think you won't have time, pack for the pool. Vegas hotels have some of the world's most incredible pool scenes, and February-March weather can be absolutely perfect. Plus, there's something deliciously decadent about floating in a heated pool after a morning of CE credits.
"One year at a conference, a group of us skipped the afternoon sessions—I know, I know—and spent a few hours at the pool," Dr. Trice admits with a smile. "Sometimes the best networking happens when you're relaxed, away from the exhibit hall chaos, just talking shop in the sunshine. Plus, it recharged us for the evening lectures."
The Essentials: A swimsuit that makes you feel incredible (one-piece or bikini—your choice, your confidence). A chic cover-up that could double as a dress in a pinch. Oversized sunglasses that say "I'm mysterious and possibly famous." A wide-brimmed hat if you're feeling extra. SPF 50 because desert sun doesn't play.
Your Conference Carry-All: The Bag That Does It All
You need something that can hold vendor swag, your laptop, three water bottles, and emergency snacks, while still looking somewhat professional. Canvas totes are utilitarian but lack structure. Leather totes are gorgeous but heavy. The sweet spot? A structured nylon tote (Longchamp Le Pliage is the platonic ideal) or a sleek backpack that looks intentional rather than college-student-chic.
What Goes Inside:
Portable charger (because your phone will die at the worst possible moment)
Reusable water bottle in a fun color
Gum, mints, lip balm (Vegas air is dry)
Business cards in a cute holder
Compact mirror for touch-ups
Travel-size everything (hand cream, deodorant, dry shampoo)
Emergen-C packets (for that extra boost)
Sunglasses (indoor and outdoor transitions)
A small pouch for all the tiny things that will otherwise scatter
"And snacks!" Dr. Trice adds. "The food lines at conferences can be insane sometimes, and sometimes you're rushing between a lecture and a hands-on lab. Protein bars have saved me more times than I can count."
The Capsule Wardrobe: Maximum Impact, Minimum Luggage
Choose a color story—black, white, and one accent color (red, emerald, cobalt). Everything should mix, match, and multiply your outfit options. You're creating a travel wardrobe where math actually works in your favor.
The Packing List:
3 tops (conference appropriate)
2 bottoms (pants/skirts that work day-to-night)
2 dresses (one conference, one evening)
1 killer blazer
2 cardigans/layers
1 leather jacket
Evening shoes
Day shoes (two pairs)
Sneakers
The swimsuit situation
Intimates and basics
Pro Move: Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. Those chunky sneakers and leather jacket? Airplane outfit. You'll save precious suitcase real estate.
Beauty and Grooming: The Essentials
Vegas air will attack your skin with the fury of a thousand hair dryers. Come prepared.
"Hydration is everything," emphasizes Dr. Trice. "I'm talking water, moisturizer, face mist—all of it. The desert doesn't mess around, and you don't want to spend the whole conference with chapped lips"
Non-Negotiables:
Heavy-duty moisturizer (apply liberally and often)
Face mist (refresh between sessions)
Lip balm (possibly the most important item on this list)
Eye drops (if you wear contacts, double this)
Your entire skincare routine in travel sizes
Makeup that can take you from day to night
Dry shampoo (your morning-after best friend)
Hair ties and bobby pins
That one perfume that makes you feel unstoppable
What You Absolutely Don't Need
Let's talk about what to leave at home, because overpacking is the enemy of chic:
Your entire closet "just in case"
More than three pairs of shoes for evening
Bulky hair tools (hotels have dryers, and beach waves are in)
Your anxiety about looking perfect (confidence is your best accessory)
Anything you'd be devastated to lose
Excessive jewelry (Vegas hotel safes exist for a reason)
The Trice Philosophy: Balance is Everything
"Here's what I've learned from years of attending conferences," Dr. Trice shares. "The conference is incredible—the learning opportunities, the hands-on courses, the networking. But Vegas itself is part of the experience. Don't feel guilty about enjoying both. Pack for the veterinarian you are during the day and the person you get to be at night. They're both you, and both deserve great outfits."
She continues: "I absolutely love WVC Vegas because it feeds two parts of our professional lives: the continuing education that makes us better doctors, and the connection with colleagues that reminds us why we love this profession. Plus, Vegas just makes everything more fun. Where else can you go from learning advanced dental techniques to watching Cirque du Soleil in the same day?"
The Vibe Check: Putting It All Together
You're packing for a conference, yes, but you're also packing for an experience. This is where professional development meets personal joy. Where you'll master ultrasound techniques in the afternoon and master the art of looking effortlessly cool in a casino at midnight.
The Mindset: Pack like the confident, accomplished professional you are—someone who can discuss feline acupuncture points and then hold court at a Nobu dinner. Someone whose luggage says "I have my life together" even if your internal monologue says "I packed this at 2 AM."
The Reality Check: You'll probably overpack slightly. That's fine. But use packing cubes, roll your clothes, and for the love of everything holy, check your airline's baggage policy before you leave.
The Final Touch: Don't Forget
Phone charger (and backup charger)
Laptop and any course materials
Medications and prescriptions
Hangover prevention kit (Pedialyte packets, ibuprofen, antacids)
A sense of adventure
An open mind
The understanding that what happens at WVC Vegas creates the best stories
Looking Ahead: WVC 2026
Dr. Trice is already planning for next year's conference. "Every year I learn something new—not just clinically, but about how to do the conference better. Better packing, better planning, better balance between work and play. That's the beauty of WVC Vegas, it's always evolving, and so are we."
Her parting advice? "Pack smart, stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and say yes to experiences. The lectures will be there. The hands-on courses will teach you invaluable skills. But those spontaneous moments—running into a classmate you haven't seen in years, discovering an amazing restaurant, watching the Bellagio fountains with colleagues at midnight—those are the moments that make WVC Vegas unforgettable."
The Bottom Line
WVC Vegas is your chance to be the full, multidimensional human you are: brilliant veterinarian, continuing education enthusiast, Vegas adventurer, and someone who looks damn good doing all of it. Pack strategically, pack stylishly, and pack with the confidence that comes from knowing you can handle anything—from a complicated dental extraction to navigating the Venetian in heels at 2 AM.
Now zip that perfectly curated suitcase and get ready for the conference experience of a lifetime. Vegas is waiting, and darling, you're going to be fabulous.
Mic drop. Suitcase zip. Let's go. Grab the best rate now here: https://www.viticusgroup.org/wvc-conference?utm_campaign=22942046-LV26%20-%20Vet%20Candy&utm_source=landing%20page&utm_content=September%20VC%20landing%20page
