The VET Recruiter® Photo Gallery
Why The VET Recruiter Invests in Animal Health and Veterinary Events
At The VET Recruiter, relationships are the foundation of everything we do. Whether we’re serving Animal Health companies seeking top talent or Veterinary professionals looking for their next career move, the key to success is genuine connection. Databases, digital tools, and online communication are valuable, but nothing replaces the understanding that comes from meeting people face-to-face.
That’s why Stacy Pursell, founder and CEO of The VET Recruiter, has always emphasized the importance of attending industry conferences and conventions. From her earliest years in recruiting to today, she has made it a priority to invest the time, energy, and resources required to be physically present at the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession’s most important gatherings.
This photo gallery is a reflection of that commitment. It highlights not only the events we’ve attended but also our philosophy: that being insiders, participants in the Animal Health industry and the Veterinary profession, sets us apart and enables us to serve our clients and candidates at the highest level.
A Pioneer in Conference Attendance
When Stacy first began attending conferences like VMX (Veterinary Meeting & Expo, formerly NAVC) and the AVMA Convention, she was breaking new ground. At that time, recruiters were rarely seen at these gatherings. Many firms stayed behind the scenes, relying on phone calls, advertisements, or résumé databases. Stacy, however, saw something different: the opportunity to immerse herself in the environment where Veterinary professionals and Animal Health leaders came together.
She became one of the very first recruiters to attend VMX and AVMA, a pioneering step that gave her a distinct advantage. By walking the exhibit halls, attending sessions, and having one-on-one conversations, Stacy was able to meet people not just as résumés or job titles, but as individuals. She could see their personalities, their energy, and how they interacted with others. Just as importantly, she gained an insider’s perspective on company culture, which is very valuable when making the right match between candidates and employers.
For recruiting, this comprehensive view is priceless. Success isn’t just about finding someone with the right credentials. It’s about finding someone who will thrive in a particular workplace, alongside a particular team, under a particular leadership style. Conferences gave Stacy that window into culture, and that advantage continues to benefit The VET Recruiter’s clients and candidates today.
Investing in Relationships from the Beginning
The VET Recruiter’s commitment to conferences didn’t come easily. In the early days, it meant long drives from Tulsa to Orlando to attend VMX. Stacy paid for hotels, travel, and conference expenses herself, because she believed so strongly in the value of showing up. At a time when some companies didn’t want to invest in sending people to these events, she invested personally.
These trips often became family journeys. After working at VMX, Stacy and her husband would take their children to Disney World, creating family memories while building a business philosophy rooted in commitment and presence. For Stacy, attending conferences wasn’t just about transactions or placements; it was about being part of the profession, being around the people, and staying connected.
That same philosophy guides The VET Recruiter today. We invest to be present because relationships matter.
Why Conferences Matter for Recruiting
So why do we invest so much in attending conferences and conventions? For The VET Recruiter, it comes down to four key reasons . . .
- Meeting the right people: Conferences bring together the best and brightest minds in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. These include seasoned leaders, innovators, and rising stars. Meeting them in person allows us to build authentic connections that are simply not possible over email or LinkedIn.
- Understanding culture and fit: Recruiting isn’t just about skills; it’s about alignment. At conferences, we observe how people represent their organizations, how teams interact, and what values companies emphasize. This helps us match candidates with employers in ways that go beyond resumes.
- Staying current on trends: The Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession are rapidly evolving. From new technologies and treatments to changes in practice management, conferences are where new ideas are unveiled. By staying informed, we can advise our clients and candidates with up-to-date knowledge.
- Demonstrating commitment: By consistently attending and showing up, we show that we are not outsiders. We are insiders, participants, and contributors to the profession. Our presence demonstrates that we understand the industry because we live it alongside our clients and candidates.
Major Conferences and Events We Attend
Over the years, The VET Recruiter has made a consistent effort to attend the leading events in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. Each one brings unique opportunities to connect, learn, and strengthen our understanding of the things that truly matter.
VMX (Veterinary Meeting & Expo) – Orlando, Florida
One of the largest and most influential Veterinary conferences in the world, VMX is hosted annually in Orlando. It attracts thousands of Veterinary professionals, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across the globe. VMX offers extensive continuing education, networking opportunities, and a massive exhibit hall showcasing the latest in technology, pharmaceuticals, and practice management tools.
For The VET Recruiter, VMX has always been a cornerstone event. It’s where we meet top-tier candidates, engage with company leaders, and stay ahead of industry trends. Our history with VMX goes back decades, and it remains a critical part of how we stay connected to the pulse of the profession.
AVMA Convention – Rotating U.S. Cities
The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Annual Convention is another must-attend event. Each year, it gathers veterinarians, technicians, and students from across the United States and beyond. With cutting-edge CE sessions, policy discussions, and opportunities to engage with thought leaders, AVMA provides a comprehensive look at the profession.
For recruiters, AVMA is quite valuable. It brings together professionals from diverse practice areas—small animal, equine, food animal, and public health—providing a wide view of the profession and the chance to meet individuals with varied skills and perspectives.
WVC (Western Veterinary Conference) – Las Vegas, Nevada
WVC is known for its size, energy, and world-class education. Held annually in Las Vegas, it draws Veterinary professionals from around the world for high-quality continuing education and networking. The environment makes it an excellent setting for building connections and understanding the latest innovations in Veterinary medicine.
For The VET Recruiter, WVC is an opportunity to meet a wide variety of professionals—from veterinarians in clinical practice to executives in Animal Health companies—and to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing those in attendance.
New York Vet – New York City, New York
New York Vet is part of the Vet Show series and has quickly grown into a premier East Coast event. It offers a more intimate setting compared to some of the mega-conferences, which allows for more meaningful conversations and connections.
This event is especially valuable for engaging with professionals in urban and metropolitan practice settings. It also attracts international speakers and participants, making it a diverse and dynamic gathering. For The VET Recruiter, New York Vet provides the chance to connect with professionals who may not attend some of the larger, more traditional conventions.
Veterinary Innovation Summit – Rotating U.S. Cities
The Veterinary Innovation Summit is where forward-thinking leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals gather to explore the future of Veterinary medicine. With a focus on technology, business models, and emerging trends, VIS goes beyond traditional continuing education to challenge how the profession will evolve. Sessions dive into topics such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine, sustainability, and client experience, offering a glimpse into what’s next for animal health.
For The VET Recruiter, VIS is valuable because it brings together innovators, executives, and decision-makers who are shaping the next generation of Veterinary care. It’s an opportunity not only to stay on top of disruptive trends, but also to connect with leaders and talent driving change within the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession.
Animal Health Corridor Events – Kansas City, Missouri
The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor hosts several events each year, including the Animal Health Summit, which connects executives, innovators, and investors in the Animal Health space. These gatherings are particularly valuable for staying connected to the business and investment side of the industry.
For The VET Recruiter, these events provide the chance to meet with executives and decision-makers who are shaping the future of Animal Health, from start-ups to established global companies.
Insider Advantage: Why This Matters
By attending these events consistently, The VET Recruiter gains insights and advantages that directly benefit our clients and candidates. We know who the emerging leaders are, what companies are like to work for, and where the job market is headed. Our relationships built through conferences often open doors that others cannot access.
This insider perspective allows us to help candidates find workplaces where they will thrive and enables us to present employers with talent that not only has the right skills, but also aligns with their culture and values.
Relationships Are at the Core
At the end of the day, recruiting is about people. It’s about understanding individuals, building trust, and connecting the right people with the right opportunities. Conferences are where those relationships are forged and strengthened.
The VET Recruiter chooses to invest in conferences not because it’s easy or inexpensive, but because it’s essential. It is how we remain part of these communities, not as outsiders, but as true insiders who understand the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession from the inside out. In fact, at the time this article was written, The VET Recruiter is scheduled to attend 14 conferences, conventions, and tradeshows during this calendar year.
Looking Ahead
As the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession evolve, so will the conferences and conventions that bring them together. The VET Recruiter is committed to continuing this tradition of attendance and engagement. Whether it’s VMX in Orlando, AVMA across the U.S., WVC in Las Vegas, New York Vet, the Veterinary Innovation Summit, or the Animal Health Corridor events, we will be there. We’ll be listening, learning, and building relationships.
Because ultimately, that’s what recruiting is all about: relationships that build careers and strengthen organizations around the world!