The history of the Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) dates back to 1928.
At that time, livestock production was a key economic pillar in the western United States, with frequent interstate animal movement. As a result, disease prevention, quarantine standards, and the alignment of clinical practices gradually became shared challenges within the veterinary profession. Meanwhile, access to structured continuing education and cross‑regional professional exchange remained limited.
Against this backdrop, a group of veterinary educators and livestock health officials from Utah and neighboring regions established the Intermountain Livestock Sanitary Association in Logan, Utah. The association began organizing regular professional meetings to facilitate knowledge exchange and support the professional development of regional veterinarians. This early emphasis on education and collaboration laid the foundation for what would later become WVC.
As veterinary medicine evolved, the scope of the conference expanded accordingly. What began with a primary focus on large‑animal disease control gradually grew to include surgery, internal medicine, diagnostic imaging, emergency care, and veterinary practice management. Over time, the meeting developed from a regional gathering into a multi‑state professional education conference.
During the 1970s, the rapid rise of companion animal medicine led WVC to expand its educational programs and exhibition areas to include pet‑focused healthcare. This shift positioned WVC as an important platform for advancing companion animal medical technologies and equipment.
Entering the 21st century, veterinary medicine moved steadily toward digitalization. Innovations such as digital imaging, AI‑assisted diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, and regenerative medicine became increasingly integrated into clinical practice. In parallel, WVC evolved into a global veterinary event that combines continuing education, industry exchange, and technology showcase.
Today, WVC is held annually in Las Vegas, bringing together veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, and industry partners from around the world to learn, connect, and explore the future of animal healthcare.
From 1928 to today, WVC has spanned nearly a century.
While formats and technologies continue to change, its core mission remains the same:
to support the continuous growth of veterinary professionals and to advance animal healthcare.
