Attending the 2026 Veterinary Hospital Manager's Exchange in Pensacola, Florida, was such a rewarding experience, and as the current VHMA President, I couldn't be prouder of the quality continuing education we offer our members. This conference, held February 19–21 at the beautiful Hilton Pensacola Beach, has long been my favorite VHMA event of the year. This year was no exception.
What makes the Management Exchange truly special is its size and structure. Participation is intentionally limited to provide an intimate, interactive learning environment where every attendee feels included. The smaller audience means presenters have more time for meaningful discussions, and managers from all practice types can connect, share insights, and build relationships that last well beyond the conference itself.
The content this year was both practical and inspiring, with sessions designed around real challenges we all face every day. From deep dives into building stronger workplace culture (including using the culture of our VHMA organization as an example worth replicating) to navigating tricky employment law updates, every topic was chosen with actionable takeaways in mind. It's this laser focus on useful, immediately implementable ideas that keeps me coming back year after year.
One of my favorite parts of the Exchange is how much I learn from my peers. The roundtable discussions and application stations are more than lectures — they are collaborative experiences where you leave with tools, templates, and tips you can bring home on Monday morning. Whether it's improving team communication or refining coaching techniques, the pearls of wisdom shared in these sessions are pure gold. Although I got something from every presentation, the sessions on improving your team's phone skills and the station about financial management were very timely for me. I used the resources from the Red Carpet Customer Service lecture at my monthly staff meeting, three days later - exceptionally timely!
Beyond the education, the conference structure fosters connections. Long breakfasts and scheduled networking breaks gave me the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues who bring fresh perspectives to familiar challenges. And because everyone is there to learn and grow, the camaraderie feels genuine and supportive — a rare thing at larger events.
As I reflect on this year's Exchange, I'm filled with gratitude for the community we have built through VHMA. It's an honor to lead an organization that puts member development at the forefront, delivering content that isn't just interesting but truly impactful. I'm already looking forward to next year's event and the next round of conversations, connections, and breakthroughs.
If you're looking for a conference that blends high-caliber education with meaningful peer interaction and tangible takeaways, the Management Exchange should be at the top of your list. It's not just a conference; it's a catalyst for growth.
I hope to see you in 2027!
Leslie Boudreau, RVTg, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca
VHMA President
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