2026
Fall Conference
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Chase Center on the Riverfront
Wilmington, Delaware
6 Hours CE Credit
DVMA's 2026 Fall Conference is a one-day event offering something for everyone on the veterinary team with 3 concurrent educational tracks, a trade show featuring 35+ exhibitors, and the opportunity to learn and connect.
The Government Relations Committee is hosting a raffle during the conference to raise funds for the DVMA PAC and could use your help! Could your practice donate an item to be included in the raffle? The practice that donates the item which generates the most interest will win a $100 gift card to a restaurant of your choice! CLICK HERE to complete the donation form now.
Featured Speakers
COMPANION ANIMAL TRACK
Sarah Marvel, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA,
Fellow, Surgical Oncology & MIS Small Animal Soft Tissue
Assistant Professor, General Surgery
Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
SPONSORED BY:
Dr. Marvel obtained her DVM from the University of Wisconsin. She completed a small animal rotating internship and a residency in small animal surgery at Colorado State University. In 2014 she achieved board certification from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS-SA). Following her surgical residency, she completed fellowships in Surgical Oncology and Minimally Invasive Surgery. She is currently an Assistant Professor in General Surgery at Colorado State University.
VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY TRACK
Lisa Smith, LVT, VTS (ECC), MS
Technician Manager
BluePearl Pet Hospital

Lisa has 30+ years of experience in the field of Veterinary Medicine. She has a Bachelor of Fine Art degree in 3D Fine Art with a concentration in Metals from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA, and studied Animal Science at the University of Delaware. Lisa became an LVT in 2008, obtained her Veterinary Technician Specialist Credentialing in Emergency and Critical Care in 2014, and graduated with a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Forensic Sciences from the University of Florida in 2016. She has been a RECOVER Certified Instructor since 2016. Lisa manages veterinary support staff at BluePearl Veterinary Partners – Christiana in Delaware, and enjoys working shifts in ER, ICU, and anesthesia. She provides RACE approved CE lectures to technicians on topics including RECOVER BLS and ALS CPR training and hands-on workshop certification, Wound Management and Bandaging, Triage, Biosecurit, Patient Safety, and Veterinary Forensics. She provides training to K9 Search and Rescue groups and Animal Control Officers on topics including Triage, First Aid, CPR, and Animal Evidence Collection. Lisa also serves on the Advisory Board of the Rowan University Veterinary Technician Program.
EQUINE TRACK
Kelly Knickelbein, VMD, DACVO
Assistant Professor, Section of Ophthalmology
Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Knickelbein is a 2015 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in equine medicine and surgery at Rhinebeck Equine in Rhinebeck, NY and a comparative ophthalmology internship and residency at the University of California-Davis. Dr. Knickelbein is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists and has a special interest in equine ophthalmology.
Conference Schedule
October 21 - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Location & Accommodations
Conference Location
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 Justison St
Wilmington, DE 19801
Conference Hotel
Westin Wilmington
818 Shipyard Dr
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 654-2900
A block of discounted rooms will be reserved for conference attendees on Tuesday, October 20. The rate will be announced shortly and rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis until September 20, 2026.
Registration Options
Register by October 1 and save $45
Veterinarians
$160
DVMA Member Veterinarian – $160 / $205
Non-Member Veterinarian – $295 / $340
Includes:
6 hours CE credit
Admission to exhibit hall
Continental breakfast, breaks & lunch
Online lecture notes
Licensed Veterinary Technicians & Support Staff
$80
DVMA Member LVT – $80/ $125
Non-Member LVT – $115 / $160
Includes:
6 hours CE credit
Admission to exhibit hall
Continental breakfast, breaks & lunch
Online lecture notes
Licensed Veterinary Technicians & Support Staff
$80
DVMA Member Vet Asst & Support Staff
$80 / $125
Non-Member LVTs & Support Staff
$115 / $160
Includes:
6 hours CE credit
Admission to exhibit hall
Continental breakfast, breaks & lunch
Online lecture notes
Students
$25
Veterinary Students – $25/$70
Veterinary Technology Students – $25/$70
Includes:
6 hours CE credit
Admission to exhibit hall
Continental breakfast, breaks & lunch
Online lecture notes
Lunch Only (No CE)
$50
Lunch registration available to guests
Sponsors & Exhibitors
PLATINUM PARTNERS
BRONZE PARTNERS
SPEAKER SPONSORS
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
- Diamond State Financial Group
- EverVet
- IDEXX
- Nutramax Laboratories
- Veterinary Dentistry Specialists
