As we enter January, and Veterinary conferences begin kicking off for 2025, I thought it would be helpful to provide some information on how Veterinary technicians can survive—and thrive—during conferences.
Choosing a Conference
First, let’s start with the most obvious: choosing a conference!
Choice can be up to the individual and depends on many factors. Do you prefer smaller, more intimate events? Or the bigger the better? Do you want to stay local, or you don’t mind heading to a destination for a conference? How much time would you like to be away? And what are your continuing education (CE) goals and requirements? Thinking through these simple questions can help you gain insight into which event(s) might be the best fit for you.
Managing Costs
Another important factor, especially for technicians, is cost. The initial conference registration is the most obvious, but travel and lodging also need to be taken into account. In my opinion, if your practice or employer supports you as a credentialed Veterinary technician, they should also encourage you to continue to grow as a professional and should offer some sort of compensation for you to obtain CE hours. Some employers may not have an “official” protocol in place. In these cases, it is imperative to advocate for yourself, speak with management, and provide a valid argument as to why they should support you as you seek CE opportunities. (Trust me here, I’ve done this, and it worked out in my favor!)
Make sure to emphasize the value of continuing education and highlight the benefits that advancing your skills and knowledge will bring to your current employer. You can even offer to set up a session or two to share the knowledge you gained with others in the practice. The amount that an employer is able to provide toward your CE expenses might dictate which conference options are open to you, unless you’re willing to contribute some of your own funds. Also, keep an eye out for conferences that you’re interested in attending. Many offer early-bird specials that can offer significant savings if you register early! If you’re interested in speaking or moderating at a conference, many events will provide compensation or allow you to attend the conference at no cost to you.
Join Forces
When planning for a conference as a technician, it is usually advantageous to consult with friends, coworkers, and peers. Joining together to share expenses is an excellent way to cut costs. And don’t limit yourself to sharing with technicians. Others in the profession—doctors, practice managers, and assistants—might also be in the same situation and willing to share expenses.
Many hotel rooms can accommodate up to four people (if you’re comfortable enough sharing a bed with a friend or coworker) and others can add additional guests with options for a pull-out couch, a roll away cot, etc. Depending on the location, consider alternative lodging, such as properties managed by Airbnb, VRBO, or local short-term rental companies. Camping might also be of interest, depending on the area. Some campgrounds offer cabins or campers that you can rent. There are also “rent a camper” services out there, where the camper can be delivered and set up on site, with your rental agreement.
Saving on Meals
While away at a conference, food costs can certainly add up quickly! Some conferences include meals, but, in more recent years, many have moved away from this to presumably keep registration costs down. Still, some conferences that do not provide meals will offer sponsored sessions that include meals (most often breakfast or lunch sessions, in my experience). Look over the conference curriculum early and plan ahead to attend these sessions. And arrive early for the best chance to snag a meal. Saving extra items (a piece of fruit, cookie, etc.) from these meals can provide snacks for later in the day. There are often social events as well, where snacks are provided. Attend these events to keep your personal costs down.
Another way to save is to pack your own meals and snacks. Obviously, with travel, it isn’t always convenient to bring food along, but most venues are near enough to a grocery store or convenience store where you can purchase simple items and snack foods to pack daily to sustain you during your conference. (Think: purchase items to make sandwiches in your hotel room and bring your own lunch daily to the conference venue.). Even taking one trip in an Uber to a grocery store upon arrival locally can save you in the long run vs. purchasing meals daily at the conference venue. This method is also great if you’re rooming with others! Discuss with your roommates and you can split costs and potentially have more variety in the food you’ll be eating for the duration of your trip.
Stay Hydrated on a Budget
Bring a reusable water bottle! Purchasing bottles of water or other beverages adds up quickly, especially at a convention center or other large venue! Bringing your own bottle that you can refill throughout the day will save you loads of money and it’s important to stay hydrated! If you’re not a fan of water, consider bringing along some drink mix-ins to flavor your water. Or stock up on your drink of choice from a local grocery store upon arrival instead of paying for overpriced beverages at the conference centers.
Think Like a Veterinary Technician
There are many aspects that impact planning for Veterinary conferences. By carefully considering personal preferences, CE goals, and budget, technicians can effectively plan to maximize their experience. By leveraging employer support, sharing costs with colleagues, and planning ahead to save on meals and lodging, technicians can ensure they are staying within budget. As is typical for many Veterinary technicians, a blend of strategic planning and resourcefulness will ensure Veterinary technicians thrive both professionally and financially at conferences.