The Networking Mistakes You're Making at WVC Vegas (And How to Fix Them)

Vet Candy’s WVC Vegas Ambassador, Dr. Ashley Hopkins shares the insider strategies that turn conference connections into career opportunities

Networking. Just reading the word probably makes you feel a little tired, right? The forced small talk, the awkward business card exchanges, the mental exhaustion of being "on" for hours at a time. For many veterinary professionals, networking feels like a necessary evil rather than something genuinely valuable.

But what if you've been thinking about networking all wrong?

Dr. Ashley Hopkins, CEO of Hopper Vets and also known as The Career Coach Vet, has built her entire career on the power of authentic professional relationships. And she's here to tell you that networking doesn't have to feel transactional, exhausting, or fake.

"Networking isn't about collecting contacts," Dr. Hopkins explains. "It's about building relationships with people who genuinely care about your success, and whose success you care about too. When you approach it that way, everything changes."

With WVC Vegas bringing thousands of veterinary professionals together under one roof, Dr. Hopkins is sharing her proven strategies for turning conference attendance into real career momentum.

Start With Intention, Not Anxiety

Most people show up to conferences without a clear networking plan, then feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people and possibilities. Dr. Hopkins recommends a different approach.

"Before you even pack your suitcase, ask yourself: What do I actually want from this conference?" she says. "Are you looking for mentorship? Job opportunities? Collaborators for a research project? Friends who understand the unique challenges you're facing? Get specific."

Once you know what you're looking for, identify 3-5 specific types of people you want to connect with. Maybe it's practice owners if you're exploring associate positions, or specialists in your area of interest, or other veterinarians navigating practice ownership.

"When you have clarity on who you're trying to meet and why, you stop wasting energy on conversations that don't serve either person," Dr. Hopkins notes. "That's not being selfish. That's being strategic."

Quality Over Quantity, Always

Here's where Dr. Hopkins's advice diverges from traditional networking wisdom: she doesn't care how many business cards you collect.

"I'd rather you have three genuine, meaningful conversations than thirty superficial ones," she says. "The veterinarians who've had the biggest impact on my career? I can count them on two hands. But each one of those relationships has opened doors I didn't even know existed."

At WVC Vegas, this means giving yourself permission to spend 20-30 minutes in a real conversation rather than speed-dating your way through the expo hall. Ask thoughtful questions. Share what you're genuinely excited or concerned about. Be present.

"If you meet someone and the conversation feels forced or one-sided, it's okay to politely move on," Dr. Hopkins adds. "Not every connection is meant to be, and that's fine. Save your energy for the ones that feel right."

Ask Better Questions

Want to know Dr. Hopkins's secret weapon for memorable networking? She asks questions that actually matter.

"Skip the 'What do you do?' opener," she advises. "Everyone knows we're all veterinarians. Instead, try 'What brought you to this session?' or 'What's the most interesting case you've seen this month?' or 'What made you decide to go into [specialty/practice type]?'"

These questions do two things: they give people something interesting to talk about, and they help you quickly figure out if this is someone you want to stay connected with.

Dr. Hopkins also recommends being honest about your own challenges and questions. "Some of my best networking conversations have started with me admitting I have no idea what I'm doing in some area of practice or career planning. Vulnerability builds connection way faster than pretending you have it all figured out."

The Follow-Up Is Where the Magic Happens

Here's the part where most people fail at networking: they meet great people, exchange contact information, and then... nothing.

"The conference connection is just the beginning," Dr. Hopkins emphasizes. "The real relationship builds in the follow-up. And most people never do it."

Her system is simple: within 48 hours of the conference ending, send a brief, personal message to everyone you want to stay connected with. Linked In is a great way to connect with others for a business network. Make sure to reference something specific from your conversation. If appropriate, suggest a concrete next step (a virtual coffee chat, sharing a resource, making an introduction).

"I'm not talking about a generic 'nice to meet you' LinkedIn message," she clarifies. "I'm talking about: 'Hey, I loved hearing about your mobile practice model. I'd love to hear more about how you structured your services when you're available for a quick call.' That's specific, actionable, and respectful of their time."

And then? Actually follow through.

Create Your Own Networking Opportunities

Dr. Hopkins doesn't just attend the official networking events. She creates her own.

"Some of my best conference connections have happened over breakfast at a random cafe near the convention center, or during an impromptu dinner with a few people I just met," she says. "If you meet someone you click with, invite them to grab coffee before the first session the next morning. Organize a small dinner group. Create the intimacy that big networking events can't provide."

Make Yourself Memorable (In a Good Way)

Dr. Hopkins isn't talking about gimmicks or over-the-top self-promotion. She's talking about being genuinely yourself, which, ironically, is what makes you memorable.

"Share your actual interests, not just your CV," she advises. "If you're passionate about conservation, or you're trying to figure out how to balance clinical work with content creation, or you're obsessed with exotic animal medicine, talk about that. People remember passion and authenticity, not polished elevator pitches."

She also recommends having a simple way to stay connected. Whether it's a LinkedIn profile that's actually up to date, an Instagram handle where you share professional content, or a website if you're building a business, make it easy for people to find you again.

Take Care of Your Introvert Self

Dr. Hopkins identifies as an introvert, which surprises people given how strong her professional network is.

"Networking as an introvert isn't about becoming an extrovert," she says. "It's about working with your energy, not against it. I schedule downtime between networking events. I give myself permission to skip the big evening parties if I need to recharge. I focus on one-on-one conversations instead of working the entire room."

She also recommends finding a networking buddy (someone you can attend events with so you're not walking in alone, but who understands when you need to step away and decompress).

"Conference networking is intense," Dr. Hopkins acknowledges. "You don't have to be 'on' every single moment. In fact, you shouldn't be. The best networking happens when you're genuinely energized and present, not when you're forcing it on fumes."

Remember: Networking Is a Two-Way Street

This is Dr. Hopkins's golden rule: always be thinking about how you can help the other person, not just what they can do for you.

"Maybe you can't offer someone a job or a mentorship opportunity right now," she says. "But you can share a resource they mentioned needing. You can make an introduction to someone in your network. You can send an article that relates to something they talked about. Small acts of generosity build relationships that last."

She also emphasizes that networking isn't just about career advancement. It's about building a community that sustains you through the hard parts of veterinary medicine.

"The colleagues I met through networking have talked me through burnout, celebrated my wins, and reminded me why I chose this profession on the days I wanted to quit," Dr. Hopkins reflects. "That's worth more than any job opportunity or speaking invitation. That's what real networking creates."

The Bottom Line

WVC Vegas 2026 is one of the best networking opportunities you'll have all year, but only if you approach it intentionally. Come with clarity about what you're looking for, prioritize quality connections over quantity, and remember that the follow-up is where relationships actually form.

And most importantly? Be yourself. The veterinary community needs your unique voice, perspective, and passion. The right people will recognize that, and those are the connections worth building.

Want to connect with Dr. Ashley Hopkins and other Vet Candy ambassadors at WVC Vegas 2026? Follow @myvetcandy for meetup details and real-time conference coverage from all four hosts on the ground.