Nashville Is Calling: Why WVC Nashville 2026 Is the Vet Conference You Cannot Miss
There is a reason the veterinary world has been counting down to this one. From August 15 through 18, WVC is stepping outside its longtime Las Vegas home for the very first time and landing in Nashville, Tennessee, at the brand new Music City Center. It is the inaugural WVC Nashville, and after nearly a century of building the profession's most trusted continuing education experience, the organization is bringing that legacy to a city built on live music, big personalities, and a good time. For the thousands of veterinarians, technicians, and students who consider WVC an annual pilgrimage, this is not just a location change. It is a whole new chapter.
Vet Candy is proud to return as an official digital media partner for WVC Nashville, and this year we are showing up bigger than ever. Our team will be on site all four days capturing the sessions, the parties, the hallway conversations, and the moments that make this profession feel like a family reunion. If you spot us, do not be shy. Come say hello.
What to Expect on the Ground
WVC Nashville is going big for its debut. Attendees can expect more than 400 hours of RACE approved continuing education, over fifteen hands on labs and workshops, and more than 300 exhibitors filling the new Exhibit Hall alongside Learning Hubs, Vet Detective activities, and plenty of swag. Veterinary students attend free, which makes this an especially smart trip for anyone still finishing school or gearing up for the NAVLE.
The event kicks off Saturday night with the NASH BASH, the official welcome party for the very first WVC Nashville. Monday night brings Tails and Tunes, a festival style celebration sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim that promises music, food, and the kind of networking that only happens when everyone finally lets their hair down after a long day of CE. And for anyone who needs a reason to circle their calendar in gold ink, WVC has confirmed a Tuesday Night Concert with a major musical guest still to be announced, plus an intimate one on one conversation with country star Miranda Lambert scheduled for Sunday morning. This is Music City, after all, and WVC is leaning all the way in.
“It is the perfect end of summer escape before school starts again, and it is shaping up to be the veterinary event of the season.”
Between sessions, Nashville itself becomes part of the program. Broadway's live music venues, the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a food scene that punches well above its weight are all a short walk or rideshare from the Music City Center, so pack a comfortable pair of boots along with your badge.
Meet the Vet Candy Team in Nashville
Vet Candy is sending our ambassador team to Nashville to cover the conference from the inside, and we want you to know exactly who to look for.
Dr. Jess Trice will be on the ground bringing her signature mix of clinical insight and community energy to every corner of the exhibit hall.
Dr. Jessica Turner joins the team as well, and if you are a fan of her writing, mark your calendar for a book signing at the Chewy booth on Monday at 1:00 p.m. Stop by, grab a copy, and say hello in person.
Dr. Ashley Hopkins, founder of Hopper Vets and a longtime Vet Candy partner, rounds out our on site coverage with her trademark warmth and career development expertise.
Caitlin Palmer will be capturing the moments and the momentum as only she can.
Jeremiah Pouncy completes the crew, bringing his own perspective and energy to every session and every party.
Between the five of them, our team will be everywhere from the general sessions to the late night parties, so keep an eye out around the Music City Center and on Broadway. This is your invitation to walk up and introduce yourself.
We Want to Hear From You
WVC Nashville is only as good as the stories that come out of it, and we want yours. Vet Candy is looking for attendees willing to sit down for a quick interview while we are on site. Tell us why WVC Nashville is the hottest conference of the year. Tell us which lecture you cannot stop thinking about. Tell us where the party food was worth standing in line for. We want the insider tips that only someone who was actually there can give us.
If you want to be featured, find a member of the Vet Candy team on site or reach out to us directly. Your story might be the one that helps the next vet, tech, or student decide this is the conference worth the trip.
See you in Nashville. Find our team, say hello, and let us know if you want to share your WVC Nashville story. Sign up here for the best rates: WVC Nashville 2026