If you cannot find the answers you seek listed below, please email Lori Rawls, AAEP director of finance and operations, at lrawls@aaep.org; or call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. and Canada) or (859) 233-0147.
REGISTRATION
How do I register for the convention, and what are the deadlines?
Register at https://convention.aaep.org. Annual dues must be current to register at the AAEP member rate. Hotel reservations at the AAEP block hotels may also be made through the site after convention registration is completed.
What is included in my registration fee?
Registration for the in-person convention includes four days of educational sessions expected to offer over 110 CE hours from which to choose; access to the three-day Trade Show with nearly 300 exhibitors plus lunch each day; the Proceedings book; and free social events like the Welcome Reception and The After Party. All in-person registrants also receive on-demand access to video recordings of all educational sessions and can participate in the live-post-convention Table Topics to be held virtually December 14-18.
Are there any early bird registration discounts?
Yes. Those who register by September 17 can save up to $180 off the standard registration rate. Those who register between September 18-December 2 can save up to $100 off the standard rate.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
All cancellations must be submitted in writing to Lori Rawls, AAEP director of finance and operations, at lrawls@aaep.org. Cancellations by Nov. 5 are entitled to a full refund, less a $75 cancellation fee.
Can I register on-site, or do I need to register in advance?
On-site registration at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center begins December 6 at 3:00 p.m. PT. Attendees registering at the student or resident/intern rate must present verification of enrollment in a veterinary school or a letter from an internship practice. New member registrants must present their DVM license or diploma.
Can I register for just one day at the convention?
Yes, one-day registration for educational sessions is available at a cost of $350 for AAEP members and $550 for non-members.
Can I bring a guest to the convention?
Yes. An AAEP member registered for the convention can purchase up to 2 guest passes for guests to attend educational sessions or for guests to attend the trade show only. The rates for these passes can be found on the Registration page at https://convention.aaep.org/registration-hotels.
How and when do I pick up my badge and registration materials?
Convention registrants will receive a confirmation email containing a barcode approximately one week before the event. Bring this confirmation to a Pre-Registered counter at main registration located in 2nd Level Foyer of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Just scan the barcode and your badge will be printed and waiting for you at badge pick-up. A valid photo ID will be required. Additional convention materials will be available at a kiosk in the registration area.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
How many RACE-approved CE hours can I earn at this convention?
This program has been submitted for RACE approval (but is not yet approved) for more than 110 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize RACE approval. In addition, nearly 60 hours have been approved by the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority (HISA) for racetrack attending and regulatory veterinarian CE.
How do I track and submit my CE hours after the event?
In-person attendees can report their continuing education credits using the CE form and the HISA-approved CE form available at the kiosk in the convention registration area of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. These forms will also be available on the convention website.
Do any educational offerings require separate registration?
Yes. Collaborative Case Studies on Thursday, December 10, are limited to 50 participants. Advance registration for these offerings is required at no additional fee. Register for one or more of the Collaborative Case Studies when registering for the convention.
Will any educational sessions be livestreamed?
No, there will be no livestreaming of educational sessions in Las Vegas. The Virtual Convention does not begin until the week of December 14, when live Virtual Table Topics start and on-demand recordings of educational sessions become available.
Will session recordings be available after the convention?
Yes. All in-person registrants also receive complimentary access to on-demand video recordings of all educational sessions for unlimited viewing at home so they can focus on being present while on-site in Las Vegas. Sessions are available on-demand indefinitely for both in-person and virtual registrants. CE hours from on-demand sessions can be earned through December 31, 2027.
When will session recordings be available for viewing?
On-demand viewing of educational sessions will be available by December 14, with all sessions available for viewing by December 31.
What is the policy for bringing guests or family members to sessions?
An AAEP-member registrant can purchase up to 2 Guest Attending Sessions or Guest Trade Show Passes. A Guest Trade Show Pass does not provide access to educational sessions.
VENUE & LODGING
Where is the convention being held?
The 2026 AAEP Annual Convention is being held December 7-11 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
Is there a designated host hotel with a discounted room block?
Yes. The AAEP has secured special discount rates at three properties: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, W Las Vegas, and Luxor Hotel & Casino. Those who book their hotel room in the AAEP block by September 17 will save $50 per night off their stay. The deadline to reserve a room at the AAEP rate or to amend or cancel a reservation is November 17. More information, including nightly rates, is available at https://convention.aaep.org/convention-hotels.
What are the parking options and costs at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center and AAEP block hotels?
For complete details on parking, please visit the MGM Resorts parking information page at https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/things-to-do/parking.html. Note: Mandalay Bay, W Las Vegas, and Luxor are all owned and/or operated by MGM Resorts International.
Will there be a shuttle service provided between the airport and hotels?
No. Convention attendees are responsible for securing their own transportation upon arrival in Las Vegas. Ride share services and taxis are available at Harry Reid International Airport.
TRADE SHOW
What are the Exhibit Hall hours?
The AAEP Trade Show hours are 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8 and Wednesday, December 9; and 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10.
Who is exhibiting this year?
The AAEP Trade Show is the world’s largest in-person equine veterinary marketplace with approximately 300 exhibitors showcasing their equipment, products, and service offerings. The current list of companies exhibiting in 2026 can be found at https://convention.aaep.org/meet-our-exhibitors. A trade show floor plan map showing exhibitor booth locations is available at https://www.conferenceharvester.com/floorplan/v2/index.asp?EventKey=CDQODLIV.
MISCELLANEOUS
What networking events or social hours are planned?
A variety of social events and networking opportunities will be available throughout the Convention. Among the most popular social events are the Welcome Reception on Monday, December 7, Alumni Receptions on Wednesday, December 9, and The After Party on Thursday, December 10. Among the networking events are the Internship/Externship Career Night for students on Monday, December 7, and the Early Career Practitioners’ Reception on Tuesday, December 8. A complete list of the social and networking events at the Annual Convention can be found at https://convention.aaep.org/events.
Is there a mobile app to help me plan my schedule and connect with other attendees?
Yes. The AAEP Convention App will help you connect with fellow attendees and navigate the meeting from the palm of your hand. Download the app by searching “AAEP Convention” in your app store and create a new account to log in (please note this is NOT your aaep.org login). The 2026 Convention App is expected to launch in October.
What is the dress code at the convention?
Business casual is the recommended attire for the Annual Convention. We suggest checking the weather forecast for Las Vegas and packing accordingly. In December, average daytime highs are typically near 60°F, with overnight lows often dropping to 40°F.
Is lunch included with convention registration?
Each registered full conference attendee will receive ten $5 vouchers for use in the exhibit hall food court between Tuesday, December 8-Thursday, December 10. A variety of lunch options, including vegetarian and gluten-free offerings, will be available between 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. each of the three days.
I have dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free). How can I request accommodated meals?
Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be among the lunch offerings at the exhibit hall food court in the trade show between Tuesday, December 8-Thursday, December 10. Each registered full conference attendee will receive ten $5 vouchers for use in the exhibit hall food court.
Who do I contact if I require special accessibility accommodations at the venue?
When registering for the convention, please check the special accommodations box and an AAEP staff member will follow up with you. In addition, AAEP staff will be on-site and ready to assist. Stop by the registration area in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center or the AAEP booth inside the Trade Show.
Is childcare available during the convention?
As a service to convention attendees with young children, AAEP has contracted with Las Vegas-based Nannies & Housekeepers USA to offer a children’s program on-site at Mandalay Bay Convention Center for ages 6 months to 12 years. The children’s program is available each day of the educational program, Tuesday, Dec. 8-Friday, Dec. 11. Snacks and beverages will be provided, but meals must be furnished by parents. Parents who utilize the childcare service will pay the rate of $18 per hour in cash directly to the nanny at the end of daily services. Pre-registration is not required.
Who do I contact if I have further questions not answered here?
For more information, please email Lori Rawls, AAEP director of finance and operations, at lrawls@aaep.org; or call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. and Canada) or (859) 233-0147.
STUDENTS
Is there a discounted registration rate for veterinary students?
Yes. Veterinary students who register by December 2 will save $30 off the standard rate.
What's included with my student registration?
Student registration includes access to educational sessions, the trade show, select networking events, and other convention activities. Some hands-on labs or special events may require separate registration and fees.
Are meals included with Extended Student Program registration?
Breakfast and lunch are provided during the Extended Student Program.
Do I need scrubs, coveralls, or other special attire for the Extended Student Program?
Scrubs or coveralls are not necessary; however, it is recommended that you wear close-toed shoes.
How do I know what labs I am in for the Extended Student Program?
Lab rotation order for the Extended Student Program will be emailed to program registrants one week prior to the Convention. You will also receive your rotation at the Extended Student Program check-in. Please note: Lab rotations are subject to change.
Are travel scholarships or grants available for veterinary students?
AAEP has a travel reimbursement program sponsored by The Foundation for the Horse and Altano. Please contact your Student Chapter Advisor for information.
Can my veterinary school help cover the cost of attending?
Many veterinary schools offer travel funding or professional development support for students attending conferences. Check with your student affairs office or faculty advisors.
What other financial assistance or funding resources are available for students attending the convention?
n addition to scholarships offered by AAEP, students may find funding through their veterinary school, student organizations, local veterinary associations, or sponsors. Explore all available resources early, as funding opportunities may have application deadlines.
What is the Internship/Externship Career Night?
The Internship/Externship Career Night is a networking event where veterinary students can connect with equine practices and employers throughout North America to learn about internship, externship, and career opportunities. It’s a chance to ask questions, build professional relationships, and explore different practice types.
When is the Internship/Externship Career Night and who can attend?
The Internship/Externship Career Night is Monday, December 7 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The event is open to registered veterinary student attendees of the AAEP Annual Convention. Students at all stages of their veterinary education are encouraged to attend, whether they are actively seeking opportunities or simply exploring career paths.
What types of practices and employers will be at the Internship/Externship Career Night?
A variety of equine practices and organizations participate, including private practices, referral and specialty hospitals, ambulatory and racetrack practices, academic institutions, and other equine employers. Participants may be recruiting for internships, externships, associate positions, or future opportunities.
Who do I contact if I have questions about student programming not answered here?
For more information about student programs at the annual convention, please contact Nick Altwies, AAEP director of membership, at naltwies@aaep.org; or call (800) 443-0177 (U.S. and Canada) or (859) 233-0147.
