VMX 2025 Draws Record Global Attendance at Annual Innovation and Education Summit Promoting Veterinary Excellence

Photo credit: NAVC

ORLANDO, Florida, January 30, 2025 – The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), a nonprofit organization advancing global veterinary education and innovation, concluded its annual flagship event VMX 2025 yesterday, marking unprecedented achievements in attendance, innovation, and educational impact. The conference drew nearly 30,000 veterinary professionals from 86 nations to the Orange County Convention Center for the Veterinary Meeting and Expo, solidifying itself as a cornerstone event in the $60 billion global animal health sector.

This year’s conference, themed “Festival of the HeARTs,” delivered over 1,300 hours of continuing education while hosting 735 exhibitors, ranging from established industry leaders to emerging veterinary startups. The exhibition space featured 32 new product launches, including pioneering developments in RNA vaccine technology for companion animals and AI-driven diagnostic tools.

“This year’s VMX is our largest event ever,” said NAVC Chief Executive Officer Gene O’Neill. “We have seen our attendance skyrocket by more than 60 percent in just five years – a testament to the incredible demand for the resources, knowledge and community VMX provides. Veterinarians had the opportunity to participate in the latest scientific sessions from world-renowned speakers and immersed themselves in our award-winning Expo Hall with the latest medical advances. VMX 2025 was a celebration of the expertise, innovation and passion that drive the profession forward.”

Kevin Costner Delivers Stirring Opening Remarks

Academy Award-winning actor, director, and producer Kevin Costner captivated attendees with a profound keynote address that resonated deeply with the veterinary community. Drawing from his personal journey of self-discovery, Costner shared intimate reflections about finding one’s true calling and the courage to pursue it despite obstacles.

“I was probably going to be a manual labor guy. I’m not that smart,” Costner revealed, discussing his early years. “But I would play piano. I was raised in a church, [and] I sang in the choirs. I wrote poetry and I didn’t tell anybody about that. I just did it. I don’t know why.”

The actor’s message struck a particularly moving chord when he recounted his experience with a veterinarian during the difficult moment of saying goodbye to his own pet. “There comes a moment when we know it’s the beginning of the end,” he shared. “I’ve had to put my dog down. There was one of you, and I didn’t even know your name. You were sitting on the ground, on a blanket right beside me, watching me, even crying. [You were] a stranger that became important…That’s what you do. You’ve helped me, and I just thought you should know about it.”

Following Costner’s powerful opening address, the conference’s entertainment program featured chart-topping country music duo Dan + Shay and a creative veterinary interpretation of the Met Gala concept.

Scientific Breakthroughs and Technology Innovation

The conference showcased numerous technological and medical advances in veterinary medicine. Key highlights included:

• The introduction of first-in-class RNA vaccines for companion animals, offering new approaches to treating canine influenza and feline leukemia.
• Significant developments in AI-powered DNA sequencing technology that enables enhanced disease detection and diagnosis.
• Revolutionary advances in soft-tissue regenerative therapies designed specifically for aging animals.
• A comprehensive symposium focused on honey bee health and its crucial role in U.S. food security.
• Cutting-edge approaches to wildlife conservation medicine, with particular emphasis on endangered species protection and care.

Community Impact and Professional Development

VMX 2025 demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility through several significant initiatives:

• Awarded a $25,000 grant to BestyBnB to support their innovative platform providing temporary homes for pets affected by domestic violence.
• Initiated a major fundraising campaign supporting the Pasadena Humane Wildfire Relief Fund.
• Contributed $10,000 to support essential veterinary care in Ukraine through the Ukrainian Small Animal Veterinary Association.
• Expanded professional opportunities through the blendVET program, which welcomed 70 students from underrepresented communities.

The conference’s impact extended beyond the veterinary community, generating an estimated $70 million in local economic impact as Orlando’s 11th largest annual conference.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Veterinary Care

The convergence of cutting-edge technology, compassionate care, and professional development at VMX 2025 exemplified the rapid evolution of modern veterinary medicine. From breakthrough RNA vaccines to AI-driven diagnostics, from wildlife conservation to companion animal longevity research, the conference demonstrated how the veterinary profession continues to push boundaries while staying true to its core mission of improving animal health worldwide.

“VMX 2025 brought invigorating energy and excitement,” said NAVC Chief Veterinary Officer Dana Varble, DVM. “From cutting-edge technologies to transformative medical innovation, this year’s event was packed with resources that veterinarians can take back to their practices and make a real difference for patients and their owners.”

About NAVC

Beyond VMX, the NAVC’s comprehensive portfolio includes the digital learning platform VetFolio.com, industry publications, and advocacy initiatives. For more information about NAVC’s programs and upcoming events, visit navc.com.