Veterinary Leadership Conference
January 9-11, 2025 | Chicago

Special events

Register now

Take advantage of these special VLC events and experiences

NOTE: All times listed in Central Time

VLC leadership teams New!

The VLC has a robust representation from all areas of the veterinary profession. To help facilitate meaningful connections at the conference, all attendees will be placed on a team when the conference begins.

How it will work:

  • AVMA will create teams of 10 based on registration categories
  • Teams will be connected prior to the conference
  • Teams will sit together at the Conversation Circles lunch
  • Teams will be encouraged to participate in Friday night trivia party together

Improv Workshop New!
The Power of "YES, AND": Unlocking Effective Communication Through Improv

Thursday, January 9
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Join us for a dynamic and interactive 90-minute workshop designed to release and enhance your communication skills as a veterinarian. Through the playful and engaging world of improv games, we will explore the art and science of relating and communicating. Led by experienced facilitators Drs. Matt Asciutto and Andrew Clark, who have backgrounds in Broadway theater and improvisational comedy, this workshop will provide a safe and fun environment for all participants, regardless of previous experience. Get ready to unleash your spontaneity and discover how the fundamental rule of improvisation, "YES, AND" can transform your communication abilities in all areas of your life.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the core principles of improvisation and how they can be applied to enhance communication skills.
  2. Embrace the "YES, AND" mindset, fostering active listening skills to guide responsive interactions and building upon others' ideas to create collaborative communication.
  3. Cultivate a sense of spontaneity and joy in communication, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere.
  4. Apply newfound skills to artfully connect in a multitude of settings: working within teams, family interactions, and even this conference's networking events!

Note: This workshop is designed to be welcoming to participants of all communication styles and skill levels. You DON'T have to be funny! You don't need to have ANY experience at all, just an open mind! Our expert facilitators will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable learning experience for all.

Conversation Circles

Thursday, January 9
Noon – 12:50 p.m.
Find your community within the AVMA. This interactive lunch will kick off the conference and help you establish a connection with your VLC Leadership Team.

Keynote - Everyday resiliency: How to master working and living well

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D.
Expert on resiliency and workplace wellness
Friday, January 10
8 – 9 a.m.
Hosted by
Zoetis

In a world of rapid change and constant challenges, resilience is vital. Join Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D. for a transformative exploration of the five pillars of everyday resilience. This session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to boost both your professional and personal well-being and effectiveness.

Dr. Hanley-Dafoe explores what teams need to navigate uncertain and difficult times in this session specifically designed for leaders. Drawing on her resiliency framework, she explores how to promote and foster resilient practices within your teams and organization and cultivate a workplace culture of community, connection, and engagement that promotes productivity and purposefulness. Dr. Hanley-Dafoe will present current research on stress and performance and explain how leaders can mediate distress.

Yoga class

Friday, January 10
6:30 – 7 a.m.
Start the day by centering yourself and finding inner peace. This yoga class is taught by a registered yoga instructor from a local Chicago studio and is appropriate for all levels of experience.

Friday night party

Friday, January 10
5 – 7 p.m.
A networking event like none other! New this year, attendees will gather with their VLC leadership team for an evening of connections and trivia.

Veterinary Career Exploration Event

The Veterinary Career Exploration Event is a community-based event connecting with a local youth group in the Chicagoland area, introducing them to different aspects of the veterinary industry. The goal is to help young minds envision their professional selves. We are working with a youth organization called F.O.C.U.O.S. , which serves students ranging from middle school to high school. During this event, we'll expose students to veterinary services outside of a traditional practice and will showcase the veterinarians who work with public services such as the Chicago Mounted Police and K-9 Services.

Bowl game watch party

Friday, January 10
7 p.m.
Keep the fun going after the Friday night party with college football! Head to the Chi Bar located on the Lobby Level to watch the Cotton Bowl—or just to continue connecting with colleagues and friends.

Food and drink available for purchase

Mindfulness Meditation

Saturday, January 11
7 – 7:45 a.m.
New to meditation? Join us for this introduction to mindfulness. Start your morning in the right head space!