Receptions & Social Events

Welcome Reception
Saturday, Dec. 6, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Before embarking on days of medical discovery, kick off your journey with drinks and hors d’oeuvres among friends old and new. You never know who you’ll meet or where connections might lead.

Internship/Externship
Career Night
Sunday, Dec. 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
AAEP Internship/Externship Program practices: Uncover young talent to strengthen your practice pipeline from among hundreds of ambitious students seeking to launch their careers by advancing their clinical and client interaction skills.

Early Career Practitioner's Reception
Sponsored by Merck Animal Health.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Harness the power of social relationships among a supportive community of peers in their first five years of practice at this casual gathering offering free food and beverages. During the reception, obtain a professional headshot at no charge for your website and social media.
Vet Story Night
Benefiting The Foundation for the Horse
Hosted by Merck Animal Health & Zoetis Equine.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 8:00-10:30 p.m. (Hyatt Regency)
- $65 – General Admission
- $35 – Students, Residents, Interns, and Technicians
Purchase ticket(s) when completing your convention registration. Ticket purchase includes theater seating and one drink.
Celebrate the stories, poems, and more from veterinary and industry colleagues during this one-of-a-kind evening. Proceeds from the event support the mission of The Foundation: Transforming the lives of horses! Table Sponsorships are available and include a one-hour pre-event reception.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Social Hour
Sponsored by VMRD.
Monday, Dec. 8, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Gather with colleagues who are passionate about DEI in this safe space for engagement.

Alumni Receptions
Monday, Dec. 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Swap stories with former classmates and share experiences with other graduates of your alma mater. A list of schools hosting receptions will appear in the convention program and app. For more information, contact your school’s alumni office.

The After Party
Sponsored by Zoetis Equine. Long Live the Horse.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 8:00-10:30 p.m. (Hyatt Regency)
Free for all registered attendees and exhibitors. Ticket required – RSVP when completing your convention registration.
Grab your 80s gear and get ready to party! Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, friendship, and flashback hits with That Eighties Band—one of America’s most popular 80s tribute bands!
Dress the part, hit the dance floor, and relive the iconic decade with colleagues and friends. You won’t want to miss this totally tubular night!

The President's Luncheon
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $60
Join AAEP leadership for lunch and a salute to service! During this annual banquet, outgoing and incoming officers and board members are recognized, and exceptional colleagues are celebrated for their volunteerism, service, and accomplishment during our expanded awards program.
Student Faculty Advisor's Breakfast
Sunday, Dec. 7, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
Faculty advisors from participating veterinary schools are invited to a casual breakfast and discussion of issues relevant to AAEP student programming.
Christian Veterinary Mission Fellowship Breakfast
Monday, Dec. 8, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Start your morning with breakfast and encouragement among CVM friends. Open to all and registration is not required.
Wellness
Denver Fun Run & Walk
Monday, Dec. 8, 6:30 a.m.
Advance registration required at an additional cost of $35.
Enjoy a 3- to 4- mile tour through one of America’s most outdoorsy cities with stops along the way where local running guides will share a bit of history about the city. All paces, including walkers, are welcome. Participants will depart from the registration-area lobby of the convention center.

International Events

Sponsored by Antech.
These special events are exclusively for AAEP members outside of the U.S. and Canada.
International Members' Breakfast
Monday, Dec. 8, 6:30-7:30 a.m.
Begin the day with a light breakfast and discussion of pertinent issues affecting the profession on a global level.
International Members' Reception
Monday, Dec. 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy camaraderie across borders when socializing with your fellow members from around the world. Refreshments provided.