2026 Annual Conference - Pre-Courses & Community Give Back Program

Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday 
Conference Home

*Please note, Thursday events are not included in conference registration and have limited capacity. Lunch is included in the pre-course registration fee for the New Faculty and Program Director sessions.
To add on to an existing registration, contact [email protected].

Thursday, July 30th
1:00 to 4:00 PM
$100

The Lifestyle Medicine Makeover: Vet Tech Educator Edition

Melyssa Allen, MA, NBC-CHWC, DipACLM, Veterinary Well-Being Buddy

 

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

$125 Early bird before July 19

$150 after July 19

 

Program Director Pre-Course  

Learning Objectives:

  • Hear from thought leaders in areas of specific interest to program directors
  • Have ample opportunity to talk through your challenges with peers 
  • Explore ways this community can speak with one voice on topics of mutual interest and strengthen its ability to support each other year-around

Speakers & Topics to Include:

  • Stronger Together: A Statewide Approach to Veterinary Technology Curriculum Realignment
    April Lehmann, BS, FVTE, RVT, LVT    , Cape Fear Community College Veterinary Medical Technology 
  • From Interest to Enrollment: Engaging Outreach Tactics That Work 

    Sarah Machniak, BS, LVT, Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Nursing Program

  • Building the Bridge: School-Clinic Partnerships for Student Success
    Yvonne Brandenburg, CVT, RVT, VTS (IM-SA), Ethos Veterinary Health
  • An Flash Mentoring by MentorVet supported by Chewy  
    Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg, FVTE, MentorVet    
  • Order to be confirmed.

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

$125 Early bird before July 19

$150 after July 19

New Faculty Pre-Course  

  • Flash Mentoring by MentorVet supported by Chewy
    Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg, FVTE, MentorVet  
  • An Evidence-Based Review of Presentation Slide Design to Enhance Veterinary Technician Education 
    Courtney Ziegler, MSc (APVN), RVT, cAVN, CERP, Equitec Consulting  
  • Leveling Up: Advancing Your Career Through Professional Engagement  

    Amy Johnson, VETgirl

  • Veterinary Technician Role-Playing Game Session
    Elycia Degenhardt, BA, CVT, Madison Area Technical College
  • Spectrum of Care - From Gold Standard to Real World   
    Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA, Chewy Health  
  • More Than Words: Transforming Language into Better Patient, Client, and Team Outcomes  
    Christina Tran, DVM, Roseman University of Health and Sciences 
    Kelly Bremken, MSSW, VSW, CSWA, Oregon Humane Society  
  • Adaptive Learning: Innovative Approaches to VTNE Preparation 

    Steven I Mclaughlin, DVM, MPH DACVPM, Zuku Review

Order to be confirmed.
Thursday, July 30th - Community Give Back Event
6:00 PM
$15 suggested donation to the
PAW Team
when you arrive
 

Community Give Back Event in the Hilton Portland Downtown

Join us as we get to work on behalf of PAW Team, a grassroots, volunteer-powered nonprofit that provides vital veterinary services, pet supplies, and wrap-around support for over 4,300 Portland-area families per year. 

We are putting together a terrific gathering that will allow the AVTE community to give back, in a local way. The evening will combine both hands-on packaging for pets in need. 

Food and beverage are included in the festive program. 

Advance registration by July 17 requested. AVTE must provide hotel with headcount. 

Sponsored by Platinum Educational Group

*Agenda Subject to Change

Please note:
*All times listed in local PST time.