Continuing education is essential in veterinary medicine, and every year, professionals from around the world gather to learn, connect, and grow—and sometimes, getting there is an adventure all its own.
In January 2026, six members of the Veterinary Wellness Center of Provincetown team—Dr. Sadie, Dr. Giles, Jeffrey, Jessica, Seth, and Vicki—traveled from Cape Cod to Orlando, Florida, to attend NAVCs VMX 2026, one of the largest veterinary conferences in the world. The goal was straightforward: learn, connect, and bring home new ideas to better serve our patients and clients. The path to that goal, however, had a few unexpected twists… and a travel story we won’t soon forget.
From Cape Cod to Orlando: A Journey Begins
Our journey began bright and early with a bus ride from Hyannis to Logan Airport in Boston. Spirits were high, coffee was flowing, we were told to keep it quiet and plans for a productive and fun week were firmly in place—until we received a message that our Airbnb had been canceled due to water damage. Cue panic mode. Phones came out, fingers flew, and a replacement was booked on the spot.
Crisis averted… temporarily, we boarded our flight to Orlando
Florida Weather, Cape Cod Perspective
Orlando greeted us with unseasonably chilly weather for Florida standards, but still far more pleasant than January in Provincetown. We arrived at our newly booked Airbnb and were greeted by an unexpected visual experience, which can only be described as a whirlwind of Disney, Marvel, and larger-than-life statues. It was colorful, surreal, slightly creepy, and felt a bit like stepping into a fever dream curated by a theme park superfan. Rooms were extravagantly themed—Frozen, Toy Story, Avatar, Minnie Mouse, Star Wars—and we explored the house, laughing as we claimed our respective spaces.
Plot Twist: Airbnb Cancellation, Round Two
With accommodations settled (or so we thought), we headed out to check in for the VMX 2026 Veterinary Conference. And then… While en route, we learned that this Airbnb, too, had been canceled. This time, the issue was even more basic: no water. The owner hadn’t paid the water bill.
Once again, we pivoted.
The team split into two groups of three, grabbing hotel rooms wherever availability allowed. Jeffrey, Jessica, and Vicki shared one hotel, while Dr. Giles, Dr. Sadie, and Seth stayed at another. It wasn’t the house-of-our-dreams scenario we had envisioned—no shared living room, no morning coffee together, no group cooking nights—but it didn’t dampen our excitement or team spirit.
Why We Came: NAVCs VMX 2026 Veterinary Conference
VMX 2026 delivered exactly what we came for. Days were filled with continuing education sessions, hands-on workshops, and conversations with colleagues from across the profession. We connected with vendors, explored new products and technologies, and gathered insights we’re excited to bring back to our patients and clients at Veterinary Wellness Center of Provincetown.
And yes—there was veterinary swag. Pens, cups, water bottles, socks, stuffed animals, sloth backpacks, and all the delightful extras that make conferences memorable. By the end of the conference, suitcases were overflowing, and some required creative techniques (and body weight) just to zip closed.
Team Bonding Beyond the Conference Floor
VMX 2026 wasn’t just about education; it was also about strengthening our team.
We attended a formal gala, complete with a red carpet, where we all dressed to impress and celebrate the veterinary profession in style.
We enjoyed a Riley Green concert. Swapping lecture halls for live music and a night of dancing and fun.
And we tackled an escape room challenge, putting our communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to the test. With 10 minutes to spare, we escaped.
Each day averaged 16,000+ steps, traversing massive conference halls and exhibit floors. Even though we stayed in separate hotels, we made it a priority to have dinner together every night, sharing meals, stories, and laughs after long days of learning. Those dinners became the heart of the trip—reminding us that teamwork doesn’t depend on location.
Back Home and Back to Work
After four full days of education and exploration, we returned to the Orlando airport, flew back to Boston, bussed it to Hyannis, and were all home by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.
And on Thursday morning? We were right back in the office, bright and early, ready to care for our patients and our clients—with fresh knowledge, renewed energy, and a few great stories to tell.
Why Continuing Education Matters
VMX 2026 reminded us that while plans don’t always go as expected, adaptability, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose make all the difference.
We’re proud of our team, grateful for the experience, and excited to bring the benefits of VMX 2026 back to the Veterinary Wellness Center of Provincetown—along with a little extra swag.
