Traveling to WVC Vegas? Don’t make these travel mistakes
You've registered for WVC Vegas 2026. You've mapped out your CE schedule. You're ready to network, learn, and make the most of the biggest veterinary conference of the year.
But have you actually thought about the logistics of getting there, staying there, and surviving four days in Las Vegas without completely draining your bank account or your energy?
Shannon Gervais, veterinary technician, new clinic owner (NovaVet) , self-proclaimed travel queen has been to enough conferences to know that travel logistics can make or break your entire experience.
"I've seen people show up to conferences exhausted from travel nightmares, staying in terrible hotels miles from the venue, spending a fortune on food and transportation, and basically suffering through the entire trip," Shannon says. "It doesn't have to be that way. With some strategic planning, you can actually enjoy the travel part of the conference."
If you want to arrive in Vegas refreshed, stay comfortable, and have energy left for both CE and fun, Shannon has a game plan for you.
Book Your Flight and Hotel Yesterday (Seriously)
The single biggest travel mistake people make? Waiting too long to book.
"WVC Vegas brings tens of thousands of people to the city during the same week," Shannon explains. "If you wait until a week before the conference, you're going to pay double for flights and end up staying at a hotel that's either terrible or miles away from the action."
Her recommendation: book as soon as you know you're attending, ideally months out.
"I check flight prices obsessively and set price alerts," Shannon admits. "Sometimes you can find deals on flights 4-5 months before the conference that disappear as you get closer to the dates. Same with hotels. The good properties near the convention center fill up fast."
She also suggests being flexible with your travel dates if possible.
"Flying in on Sunday instead of Monday, or leaving on Friday instead of Thursday, can sometimes save you hundreds of dollars," Shannon notes. "If you can swing the extra day or two, the savings are worth it. Plus, you can explore Vegas outside of conference hours."
Where to Stay: It's Not Just About Price
Shannon has strong opinions about hotel selection, and they're not what you'd expect.
"Everyone focuses on finding the cheapest hotel, but that's not always the smartest strategy," she says. "If you're staying somewhere that requires a 30-minute commute to the convention center, you're wasting time and money on transportation. Plus, you won't be able to pop back to your room between sessions to recharge."
Her priority ranking for hotel selection:
Location (walking distance to the convention center is ideal)
Quality of room (you need good sleep to survive four days of conference)
Amenities that actually matter (reliable wifi, decent breakfast, gym if you use it)
Price
"I'd rather pay $50 more per night to stay connected to the convention center than save money on a hotel that makes my entire conference experience miserable," Shannon explains. "Your time and energy are worth something."
She also recommends reading recent reviews, not just looking at star ratings.
"A hotel can have four stars but terrible wifi, uncomfortable beds, or noisy rooms," Shannon notes. "Read reviews from the past six months to see what the actual guest experience is like right now."
Pack Like a Pro (Less Is More)
Shannon's packing philosophy: bring half as much as you think you need.
"I used to overpack for conferences and then haul around a giant suitcase I barely opened," she says. "Now I pack strategically and travel way lighter. It makes everything easier."
Her conference packing essentials:
3-4 versatile outfits that can mix and match (conference dress code is business casual, but Vegas is hot)
Comfortable walking shoes (you'll be on your feet all day)
A light jacket or cardigan (conference rooms are always freezing)
Portable phone charger (your phone will die during long conference days)
Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated without buying overpriced airport water)
Small crossbody bag for the expo hall (keep hands free, hold business cards and snacks)
Any prescription medications plus basic OTC stuff (Advil, Tums, allergy meds)
"I also pack a few protein bars and snacks in my carry-on," Shannon adds. "Having emergency snacks has saved me so many times."
Her controversial take: skip the hotel gym clothes unless you genuinely work out while traveling.
"I used to pack running shoes and workout clothes 'just in case,'" Shannon admits. "I never once used them. If you're not someone who consistently works out at home, you're not going to suddenly start at a conference. Save the suitcase space."
Navigate Vegas Transportation Like a Local
Getting around Vegas efficiently is an art form, and Shannon has it down to a science.
"The Strip looks walkable on a map, but distances are deceptive," she explains. "What looks like two blocks is actually a 20-minute walk. Plan your transportation accordingly."
For getting around the Strip and to the convention center, Shannon uses a mix of strategies depending on distance and time.
"If I'm staying at a connected hotel, I just walk through the casinos," she says. "It's climate controlled and usually faster than going outside. If I need to get somewhere farther, rideshare is cheap. The monorail is also an option if it stops near where you need to go."
Eat Well Without Going Broke
Vegas has incredible food, but it can destroy your budget if you're not careful.
"I've seen veterinarians spend $200 a day on food at conferences because they're only eating at hotel restaurants and convention center cafes," Shannon says. "There are smarter ways to do it."
Her food strategy:
Eat a real breakfast (either hotel breakfast or hit a local cafe before sessions start)
Pack snacks for the expo hall and between sessions
Take advantage of conference events that also provide food or snacks
She also suggests organizing group dinners with other conference attendees to split appetizers and try more dishes.
"Some of my best conference experiences have been group dinners where we split the check and tried a bunch of things," Shannon says. "It's more fun, more affordable, and you're building community at the same time."
Protect Your Energy (Travel Fatigue Is Real)
This is where Shannon's advice gets serious. Travel fatigue can ruin your entire conference experience if you're not careful.
"I used to try to pack every minute of the conference with sessions, networking, and exploring Vegas," she admits. "By day three I was exhausted, miserable, and retaining nothing. Now I build in recovery time."
Her energy management strategies:
Schedule at least one hour of downtime per day (even if it's just returning to your hotel room to lie down)
Don't feel obligated to attend every evening networking event
Stay hydrated (Vegas is dry and you will feel it)
Limit alcohol (hangovers and 8 AM CE sessions don't mix)
Take breaks between sessions instead of back-to-backing everything
"I also try to maintain some version of my normal routine," Shannon adds. "If I normally go to bed at 10 PM, I don't suddenly start staying out until 2 AM just because I'm in Vegas. Your body still needs sleep."
She recommends being honest with yourself about your energy levels and adjusting accordingly.
"If you're an introvert who gets drained by constant socializing, skip the group dinner and order room service," Shannon says. "If you need alone time to recharge, take it. The conference will still be there."
Make Time for Actual Vegas (Yes, Really)
Here's Shannon's hot take: you should actually enjoy being in Las Vegas, not just treat it as a conference location.
"You're already there. You've already paid for the flight and hotel. Why not experience the city?" she says.
Her recommendations for conference attendees:
Take one morning or evening to explore something off-Strip (downtown, Arts District, Fremont Street)
Try at least one restaurant you've been curious about
See a show if you're into that (discounted tickets are available day-of at Tix4Tonight booths)
Visit at least one non-casino attraction (Neon Museum, Springs Preserve, etc.)
"I'm not saying skip sessions to gamble," Shannon clarifies. "I'm saying that you can attend a full day of CE and still have time to grab dinner at a cool restaurant or check out Fremont Street for an hour. You're allowed to enjoy yourself."
She also reminds people that Vegas has changed a lot in recent years.
"It's not just casinos and clubs anymore," Shannon notes. "There's incredible food, art, culture, and outdoor activities if you know where to look. Don't write off the entire city based on old stereotypes."
Post-Conference Recovery Is Part of Travel
Shannon's final piece of advice: plan for recovery when you get home.
"Don't schedule busy days for the morning you get back from Vegas," she says. "Give yourself at least one day to do laundry, catch up on sleep, and transition back to regular life before jumping into a full clinic schedule."
She recommends booking your return flight to land the evening before you need to be back at work, rather than flying home the night before an early shift.
"I've made that mistake too many times," Shannon admits. "Landing at 11 PM, getting home at midnight, and having to be at the clinic at 7 AM the next day is a recipe for disaster. Build in buffer time."
The Bottom Line
WVC Vegas 2026 should be an energizing, educational, memorable experience. But that only happens if you handle the travel logistics strategically.
Book early. Stay close to the action. Pack light. Manage your energy. Eat well without going broke. And for the love of all that's holy, give yourself permission to actually enjoy being in Vegas.
You're investing time and money into this conference. Make sure your travel supports your goals instead of undermining them.
Follow @myvetcandy for meetup details and real-time conference coverage.
