The DEIW Summit will bring together a community of 350 veterinary professionals committed to the shared goal of fostering environments where creativity, wellbeing, and collaboration can flourish. Your summit experience itself will be that kind of environment.
Before, after, and in between conference sessions, the DEIW Summit program is filled with special events and experiences to revive and invigorate both mind and body. Prepare to be surrounded by supportive colleagues who share your passions, embrace your individuality, and nourish your wellbeing. Make new lifelong friends, reconnect with others, and build deeper connections across veterinary medicine's DEIW community.
It's a conference like no other you'll ever experience.
Note: All times are listed in Eastern Time. Schedule is subject to change.
Special events
Meet up, build friendships, nourish your spirit, expand your horizons, and embrace life and the important work we all do with these special programs. Some are at the conference venue, others off campus in Atlanta.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights tour
Thursday, 1 – 2:30 p.m. (Buses depart at 12:30 p.m.) Supported by
Join us for an inspiring tour of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Explore powerful exhibits that bring the Civil Rights Movement to life and highlight global human rights struggles. Experience interactive galleries, including a 1960s lunch counter sit-in, and feel the courage of those who stood up for justice. Engage with contemporary stories of human rights defenders worldwide, and be inspired to make a difference. Don't miss this transformative experience.
Tour is limited to 100 people. Separate registration required.
Welcome reception
Thursday, 6 – 8 p.m. The Commons Supported by
Get to know everyone at a networking welcome reception inside the conference hotel, The Starling. Enjoy refreshments in a relaxed environment to get the DEIW Summit started.
Friday night party
Friday, 6 – 8 p.m. The Commons Supported by
Conclude the first full day of the DEIW Summit with our Friday night party, which includes dinner. Enjoy an exquisite meal, relax, and unwind after a day full of learning.
Vet for a Day
In partnership with Critter Fixers Vet for a Day program Saturday, 1 – 4 p.m.
Give middle school and high school students a first-hand look at the world of veterinary medicine in this half-day event, presented by the AVMA in partnership with National Geographic's Critter Fixers. Veterinarian and veterinary technician volunteers pair up with students to teach animal handling techniques. Spots are limited.
Wellbeing zones
Supported by
Nourish yourself, practice self-care, and enrich your conference experience with four distinct wellbeing zones that nurture body, mind, and spirit.
Step into a reimagined telephone booth for an immersive experience that delivers hope, affirms dignity, and serves as a connection point to find help and support in your mental health journey.
Need some time away? Enter the Sensory Sensitive Space—a calming, reduced-distraction zone with comfortable seating, low lighting, and guided imagery scripts for self-guided meditations.
This is your space to connect informally, visit the water station, sit in front of a happy light, and make a friendship bracelet to keep or swap. Inspired by the Center for Wellbeing at AVMA Convention.
Morning Yoga
Wellbeing Zone 4 Saturday, 6 – 7 a.m. Altair Room
Start the day by centering yourself and finding greater peace. This yoga class is taught by a registered yoga instructor and is appropriate for all levels of experience.
Community connections
Deepen your involvement with the veterinary community. Explore some of the organizations that are supporting the ongoing work we all do to support and expand diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing in veterinary medicine.
Journey for Teams provides a pathway for veterinary professionals to deepen our knowledge of DEI and help foster it in veterinary workplaces. If you're not already familiar with its 15-minute learning modules, free to all in the veterinary profession, this is the place to discover them.
It's also the place to get up to speed on what's new with Journey for Teams. Do you know about the option to earn veterinary CE credit? Have you taken advantage of the new Educational Sharpenings series? Stop in to find out what's new and what's next—and if you've got a suggestion to share, the Journey for Teams leaders would love to hear it!
Stop by the tabletop exhibits in between sessions to meet up with groups whose mission includes advancing DEI and wellbeing in veterinary medicine. Learn about their work, catch up on the latest happenings and new resources, and find out how to get involved. Located right outside the educational breakout rooms.
Exhibitors
Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals
Blend VetMed
Chapter VIII Co.
Latinx Veterinary Medical Association
National Association of Black Veterinarians
Pawsibilities
PrideVMC
Women's Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative
