Registration
#1 Boutique Veterinary Conference
VETgirl, the #1 online veterinary continuing education (CE) platform, is excited to announce the VETgirl U 2023 conference. Couple fun and relaxation at one of Scottsdale’s premier resorts with an educational experience like no other featuring TED-talk-like, case-based tracks presented by the profession’s best and brightest.
We promise it’ll be the most clinically relevant CE you get live (well, besides our online webinars).
1,000 of the profession’s best and brightest are gathering for THREE action-packed days of SUN, FUN, & CE, August 10-13, 2023.
This unique, boutique event will be held in Scottsdale, AZ at the beautiful Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
Palm trees sway in a soft desert breeze, set against brilliant blue skies. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, an iconic Scottsdale luxury hotel, welcomes you home to 333 days of sunshine every year.
Explore the lushly landscaped grounds of the Sonoran Desert filled with lagoons, blooms, and wildlife. Celebrating almost three decades as a AAA Five Diamond hotel, this luxury resort offers adventures worth repeating with sparkling pools and world-class golf. Reserve your room early at the official partner hotel for VETgirl U.
The conference was awesome! Great speakers, topics, food, location, and swag! My favorite conference ever!
- VETgirl U 2022 Attendee
What you get… wined and dined and taken care of in true VETgirl fashion. Awesome speakers, evening events to network and relax, FREE daycare, and amazing VETgirl swag!
*Daycare registration is limited to out-of-state attendees and provided on a first-come, first-served basis allocated based on the registration date.
When registering for this conference, you’re agreeing to the VETgirl Conference Attendee Policy and Guidelines.
50+
Exhibiting Companies
20+
Continuing Education Hours
2
Education Tracks
20+
Presenting Speakers
Education
2 Education Tracks in 2023!
VETgirl U 2023 will return again with a veterinarian track and a veterinary technician track, covering a huge variety of topics from surgery to anesthesia to emergency to derm to neuro!
Speakers
Speakers are being added regularly – check back for updates!
Emergency and Critical Care, Toxicology
Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABTVETgirl was the brainchild of Dr. Justine Lee. Years ago, while frantically studying for her board examination(s), she decided to take some time out to relieve some stress (aka “panic) by running. While pounding the pavement, she thought, “Why can’t I listen to this stuff on my Walkman while I exercise?” (She is old, and this was pre-iPod days). Since sleeping on top of her textbooks didn’t appear to osmotically work, she decided that this “listen and learn” modality would truly be the best way to “take it all” in while frantically multi-tasking. And that’s when she teamed up with techno-savvy Dr. Pachtinger to create VETgirl…
Read MoreEmergency and Critical Care
Garret Pachtinger, VMD, DACVECCDr. Garret Pachtinger, DACVECC is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of VETgirl and is committed to veterinary education through technology. Dr. Pachtinger is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Following veterinary school, he completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery, a one-year internship in emergency and critical care, and a three-year residency in emergency and critical care at the University of Pennsylvania, becoming a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care in 2010. After completion of his residency, Dr. Pachtinger joined the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Levittown, Pa.
Read MoreOphthalmology
Shelby Reinstein, DVM, MS, DACVODr. Shelby Reinstein, MS, DACVO is a board-certified ophthalmologist residing in the beautiful area of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Reinstein obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science degrees from Kansas State University and completed her fellowship and residency in Ophthalmology at The Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Reinstein spent 7 years in clinical practice at a large, multi-specialty hospital, during which time she provided care to thousands of pets, performing hundreds of vision-saving surgeries. Dr. Reinstein has a passion for continuing education lecturing nationally and internationally. Dr. Reinstein also recently published the Guide to Clinical Ophthalmology, a handbook for general practitioners. She writes articles for Clinician’s Brief, Today’s Veterinary Practice, and is the ophthalmology consultant for the #1 provider of online veterinary continuing education, VETgirl.
Read MoreTiffany grew up in a small mill town in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire. She attended Becker College in central Massachusetts and while there she had the opportunity to work at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine where she recognized her desire to specialize in emergency and critical care medicine. She graduated with honors from Becker College and accepted her first position as a Certified Veterinary Technician at New England Animal Medical Center in Nashua, NH. It was here that she explored her interests in both cardiology and critical care medicine. In 2008 she joined Cape Cod Veterinary Specialists where she pursued her veterinary technician specialty accreditation in emergency and critical care medicine, becoming board certified in 2011. Tiffany has served numerous roles including blood bank director, team supervisor, veterinary technician trainer, among others. Tiffany possesses a great drive for teaching and training. This has led her to speak locally and nationally. She is currently serving as an adjunct professor at Massasoit Community College in the Veterinary Technician Program. In her free time, she enjoys living on Cape Cod which provides a great balance of summer days on the boat, paddle boarding, biking, and enjoying the beach with her husband and two sons. The proximity of the mountains opens the window for winters enjoying snowboarding trips and fun in the snow.
Read MoreAmy graduated from Bel-Rea Institute’s Veterinary Technician Program in 2000 after receiving her BS in biology from the University of Nebraska in 1996. Amy worked as a veterinary assistant and receptionist while going through school and after graduation, she worked in small animal emergency and general practices and in university research labs. Amy realized very quickly in her veterinary technician career that education was the route she wanted to go and began by spending 13 years teaching veterinary technician students in two different on-site programs, writing a textbook, authoring and teaching continuing education courses online, and doing curriculum consulting. Amy then left the classroom for not-for-profit education, running the Learning Department at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and then more recently becoming an Education Development Specialist for Patterson Veterinary Supply’s Patterson Veterinary University. Amy has had the opportunity to write courses, magazine articles, and blogs, and speak at national conferences. Amy is passionate about the veterinary profession and its future. She loves working in education, training, and public outreach and strongly believes in her profession and wants to pass that passion along to future veterinary technicians, educators, and animal owners as well as stress the importance of the veterinary technician in veterinary medicine. Amy lives in the mountains outside of Denver, where she enjoys all that Colorado outdoors has to offer with her husband, son, three dogs, and three cats. Amy is an avid hiker, paddleboarder, and photographer. On the weekends you can find her out on the trails capturing wildlife and landscapes with her camera or camping by an alpine lake.
Read MoreIncluded with your registration, VETgirl provides you with a printed copy of all the proceedings which will be distributed during conference check-in. We will have additional proceedings available for sale at the swag shop located in …
Not able to attend this year? Get your copy of the veterinarian track or veterinary technician track proceedings.
The format is fantastic and the pearls that we can take away and use in practice immediately are priceless.
- VETgirl U 2022 Attendee
Hotel + Area
Enjoy Luxury Accommodations in the Desert Southwest
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport:
To Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport:
The hotel has three parking lots, one for each section of the hotel.
Resort Guests
Overnight valet service is $38 per evening. Self-parking is offered at $25 per night.
Visitors
Valet parking: Daily from $15
Self-parking hourly:
Please Note: Valet parking fee does not apply to guests dining at Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Ironwood American Kitchen, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar, or guests visiting Well & Being Spa.
Parking rates are subject to change due to seasonal events.
Rental Car Service
Rental car service is available at the resort and can be found in the main lobby. Reservations can be made in advance or on the property by calling the concierge Desk at 480.585.2697 or Enterprise Desk at 602.769.1106 (M–F 8 AM–4 PM).
20 Summer activities you can enjoy during your stay at the Princess …
Looking for fun things to do in Scottsdale? You’re in the right place! Here you’ll find the inside scoop on Scottsdale’s top attractions and activities, from aquariums and architectural wonders to botanical gardens, wine-tasting rooms, and award-winning museums. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to explore, these are the activities you won’t want to miss!
Talks were extremely practical. I like the tips and tricks format, very useful for general practice. Speakers were engaging/funny and easy to listen to. Good food.
- VETgirl U 2022 Attendee
Events & Services
All the Extras to Make Your Experience Awesome!
Networking Reception
Join colleagues and friends Friday night for an evening of bumping elbows with like-minded professionals, while enjoying apps & cocktails.
Hours
Fri 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location
The Plaza Bar Lounge & Patio
Morning Yoga
Hours
Fri-Sun 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM
Location
Canyon Lawn
Wellness Center
Relax and unwind at the wellness center. Pick up a wellness pack or stay and play a game of checkers, corn hole, or Connect 4 as you recharge between sessions.
Hours
Friday-Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location
TBD
Daycare (Kidz Zone)
Thanks to our industry partner, Plus One Meetings we are proud to be the only veterinary conference offering FREE daycare to attendees. There’s no need to choose your education over family, bring them along to enjoy the experience too.
Location
Palamino Ballrooms 8-10
Pre-registration and a $100 deposit are required at registration to reserve space. Your deposit will be refunded after the conference if your child attended.
Nursing Rooms
Enjoy a private area for new mothers to relax and nurse. Seating, a refrigerator for storage, and water are available.
Location
Castile Rooms 3 & 4
Exhibits & Sponsors
Connect With Industry Partners
Friday 8/11 | 8AM - 5PM |
Saturday 8/12 | 8AM - 5PM |
Sunday 8/13 | 8AM - 1PM |
Booth # |
Exhibitor |
TBD |
Augustine Surgical (Hot Dog Warming Patient) |
TBD |
AZPetVet |
TBD |
Blue Buffalo |
TBD |
Boehringer Ingleheim |
TBD |
Ceva Animal Health |
TBD |
Dan Scott & Associates |
TBD |
Elanco |
TBD |
Elite Payment Group |
TBD |
Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) |
TBD |
Hill's Pet Nutrition |
TBD |
Innovetitive Petcare |
TBD |
Lap of Love |
TBD |
Merck Animal Health |
Booth # |
Exhibitor |
TBD |
Midwest Veterinary Supply |
TBD |
National Veterinary Associates |
TBD |
PetDx |
TBD |
Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets |
TBD |
Schultz Technology |
TBD |
SignalPET |
TBD |
Talkatoo |
TBD |
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) |
TBD |
VetPocket |
TBD |
VetSpecs, Inc. |
TBD |
Weave Communications |
TBD |
Wedgewood Pharmacy |
Booth # |
Exhibitor |
TBD |
Augustine Surgical (Hot Dog Warming Patient) |
TBD |
AZPetVet |
TBD |
Blue Buffalo |
TBD |
Boehringer Ingleheim |
TBD |
Ceva Animal Health |
TBD |
Dan Scott & Associates |
TBD |
Elanco |
TBD |
Elite Payment Group |
TBD |
Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) |
TBD |
Hill's Pet Nutrition |
TBD |
Innovetitive Petcare |
TBD |
Lap of Love |
TBD |
Merck Animal Health |
TBD |
Midwest Veterinary Supply |
TBD |
National Veterinary Associates |
TBD |
PetDx |
TBD |
Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets |
TBD |
Schultz Technology |
TBD |
SignalPET |
TBD |
Talkatoo |
TBD |
Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) |
TBD |
VetPocket |
TBD |
VetSpecs, Inc. |
TBD |
Weave Communications |
TBD |
Wedgewood Pharmacy |
Interested in becoming an EXHIBITOR or SPONSOR? Get all the details here including the 2023 VETgirl U Exhibitor Application (we’ve gone completely digital)!
What’s included?
Each booth will include:
Cost $3,000/Booth
* NOTE: There will NOT be a physical booth structure, but the area can fit your banners, signs, etc. behind the table provided. It will not include a table cover or electricity (optional: available for purchase directly through the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess).
On Demand Content
Say NO to FOMO
VGU
Missed previous VETgirl U conferences, but don’t want to miss the clinically relevant TED-talk lectures? All of the practical VETgirl U lectures from 2018, 2021, and 2022 live events are available on demand. Whether you are a member or a non-member, you can get them now and earn yourself 20 hrs of RACE-approved CE.
Safety Guidelines
Your health and safety are our utmost priority
Please know that both the VETgirl team and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess will:
Prior to the show, we request the following:
Onsite at VETgirl U and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess:
Post-conference:
To allow for appropriate contact tracing and advice from medical professionals, if you test positive for COVID-19 up to 14 days after returning home, please contact us.