LIVE Veterinary Conference Providing Continuing EducationTogether!
On behalf of Veterinary Association Management and host NCCAA we welcome the opportunity to have our annual Mountain Veterinary Conference at Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort. The conference will be held in the new state of the art Cherokee Convention Center which will make the MVC exceptional. Along with the newly designed conference center, our attendees will be staying in the new Cherokee Tower with its luxurious sleeping rooms. This new tower connects to the convention center and also is a short walk to the casino. Enjoy great continuing education and take advantage of all the amenities that Harrah's Cherokee has to offer. Take a dip in the indoor or outdoor (seasonal) pool or relax at the Mandarin Spa. There is bowling, an arcade and fun for all at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center. Valet service is also available for your convenience. You don't have to be a gambler to enjoy Harrah's Cherokee, but if you are, the casino floor has many different games including Craps, Blackjack, Roulette and other table games all with live dealers as well as sports gambling at The Book. If slots are more your thing, there is also a huge selection of vegas style slot games to choose from. As an attendee you'll receive a $20 free slot play voucher, which you can use at any slot machine. Tempt your palate with all the food options available including the newly added Gordon Ramsey Food Market, Guy Fieri's Cherokee Kitchen, Wicked Weed Brew Pub and other staples like Selu Garden (Breakfast and Lunch), Ruths Chris Steak House, Brio Italian Grille, Noodle Bar and the Food Court.
With the new Cherokee Conference Center, Cherokee Tower and all the beauty of Cherokee, NC, this conference is sure to be outstanding. We look forward to seeing you at this years Mountain Veterinary Conference.
Providing 20 Hours of Live CE
Click here to download the Brochure and Registration Form!
April 19 - 22, 2026
"At the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort"
Conveniently located within driving distance of these cities: Atlanta GA, Nashville TN, Lexington KY, Raleigh NC, Columbia SC & Burmingham AL |
|
Your Conference Registration includes:
|
|
The Mountain Veterinary
|
Click Here to Download the Registration Form
For Hotel Reservations: Coming Soon!
Online Registration will open soon!
Mountain Veterinary Conference
April 19 - 22, 2026
at the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and The Cherokee Convention Center, Cherokee, North Carolina
Scheduled Speakers
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), FACVBM, Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies
Online Registration will open soon!
Tentative Schedule
|
||
Sunday, April 19, 2026Registration open 10am-6pmExhibit Set up: 8am - 12pm, welcome to exhibit when setup |
||
Speaker |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
||
|
|
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
|
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
Monday, April 20, 2026Registration Open 8amExhibit Hall Open at 8am-4:30pm
|
||
Speaker |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
||
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
|
See Topics |
|
|
|
||
|
|
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
|
|
||
Welcome Reception |
4:30 pm til 6:00 pm in the Exhibit Hall! |
Complimentary Hors d'oeuvres, Drinks and Fellowship - Meet with Colleagues, exhibitors and sponsors!! |
|
|
||
|
Tuesday, April 21, 2026Registration Open 8amExhibit Hall Open 8am-4pm |
||
Speaker |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
||
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:00 am - 11:30 am 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
|
|
||
|
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |
||
Speaker |
Time |
Topic |
|
|
||
|
|
8:30 am - 10:00 am 10:15 am - 12:00 Noon |
|
|
|
||
Online Registration will open soon!
Please Note The Following:
*Times and Presenters Subject to Change
* Please turn off or silence cell phones in sessions
Speaker Bios...
Laurie Dohmen, VMD, MS, RH (AHG), FACVBM
Dr. Dohmen has received training in Acupuncture, Food Therapy, Bach Flower Essences, and most extensively Western Herbs. She received her Masters of Therapeutic Herbalism from Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2014. She was accepted as a Registered Herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild in 2020.
In 2013, Dr. Dohmen downsized her integrative mixed animal practice in southern Delaware. She is now a full-time continuing educator and lectures regularly on Western Herbal Veterinary Medicine, and other wholistic topics. She is published frequently in journals such as the Journal of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the Integrative Veterinary Care Journal.
Dr. Dohmen is the Past President of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and is on the Editorial Board of the AHVMA Journal. She also owns Lowood Educational Center in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a holistic educational venue.
Sponsored by Purple Moon Herbs and Studies
Online Registration will open soon!
What our Attendees Say!
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I just attended the Mountain Veterinary Conference and had a great time! The speakers were the same ones you see at the huge, expensive conferences but in a more intimate, affordable setting. The local area is beautiful and lots of fun to explore - I particularly enjoyed watching the elk herds cross the roads in the mornings. The Cherokee Casino was an excellent venue - easy to navigate ... read more
Katie Gies, DVM | Attendee - white.goosedvm@gmail.com
What our Attendees Say!
Mountain Veterinary Conference : I've been meaning to share my very positive review of the Mountain Veterinary Conference for months -- my apologies for not doing this sooner! The Mountain Veterinary Conference was a wonderful CE experience on all levels. There were a wide variety of high quality sessions, the setting was beautiful, the food and accommodations were excellent, and the exhibitors were helpful and informative... read more
Valerie Weiss, DVM | Attendee - vaweiss@ml1.net
What our Speakers/Exhibitors Say!
“What fun! We doubled our record for the number of copies of SMILE! sold in the first day. The relaxed atmosphere at the Fun n Sun Conference makes it easy to interact with everyone.” ... read more
Lynne Swanson, DVM | Speaker, Exhibitor - Safe Harbor Farm’s SMILE! Project
What our Speakers Say!
Thank you for having me speak this year at Sun N Fun; What a GREAT show! I have thoroughly enjoyed the kindness and hospitality shown by all. Great organization, great location, and great session topics! I urge all veterinary professionals to attend Sun N Fun next year, and not miss out on this fantastic CE event! ... read more
Jenny Cassibry Fisher, RVT, VTS | Speaker - jenny@practivet.com
What our Attendees Say!
I would like to extend a sincere "Thank You" to Howie and all those involved in hosting the Colonial Veterinary Conference in Colonial Williamsburg this December 2015. We attended a few years ago and were sold on this meeting for our ContEd This meeting has it all! Great speakers, wonderful hotel, delicious food, kind staff and lotsa' coffee! Howie makes sure everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves.. The biggest impression our first time here years ago was not just the speakers, topics, and location.. but the obvious love this group has for one another AND for our Lord... read more
Dr. Donna M Gage | Running Paws Pet Hospital, McKinney, TX
What our Speakers Say!
I've been a speaker for at least a dozen meetings hosted by Veterinary Association Management in the last twenty or so years. The meetings are always well organized and managed. More importantly, the attendees are always eager to learn and happy to be there. The Lee family and all the staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is very family-friendly... read more
Margi Sirois, EdD, MS, CVT, LAT | Speaker
What our Speakers Say!
Veterinary Association Management conference are intimate and interactive. As a presenter, I have the opportunity to talk about behavior issues – a significant reason for relinquishment, and also how to speak with clients about these concerns, as well as getting pets to vets, including Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practices.
Steve Dale, CABC | Speaker
What our Attendees Say!
I've been going to Veterinary Association Management's Veterinary Conferences for 16 years. They are by far my favorite. The quality and choice of speakers always suits my needs. I feel that I get the most up-to-date and thorough information. Lectures focus on practical advice we can actually use - no ivory towers here... read more
Melanie Bene, DVM | Attendee
What our Attendees Say!
My family and I have always enjoyed Veterinary Association Management's (Ralph Lee's) continuing education courses. We have been attending them now for well over twelve years. We are always very delighted to attend the courses and conferences that Veterinary Management Association hosts. The benevolence of the Lee Family always shines forth, and they make my family feel more than welcome. The veterinary courses are extremely relevant to practice, and much of the information obtained can be put into effect the day we return. The speakers are of the utmost quality and ... read more
Drs. Charles and Dawn Jones | Mercy Animal Hospital, Monroe, NC
What our Speakers Say!
Thank you so much for allowing me to speak at this past weekend's Sun N Fun conference in South Carolina. It was a great experience. Howie, Martha, Dawn and the entire Veterinary Association Management team always knows how to make a speaker feel welcomed! The conference was so well organized which is a testament to the VAM team. Thank you so much for all your kindness. It was a true honoring getting to speak to the technicians at the conference. It was a great group who stayed engaged throughout! Thank you again. I hope you are all home getting to relax a little after working so hard to make the conference so successful. ... read more
Amy Newfield, CVT, VTS (ECC) | Speaker
What our Attendees Say!
I have been a veterinarian in NC since 1982. 33years. I have been getting my continuing education hours with Ralph Lee’s Veterinary Management for 28 years. My wife is a registered vet technician and we both must get yearly CE hours to continue our licenses. We have come to Ralph Lee’s Great Smokies Veterinary Conferences for last 20 years. I appreciate through the years the dedication to providing quality continuing education year after year. We enjoy the excellent speakers on subjects that are useful in regular day to day practice; comprehensive wet labs; and very affordable CE... read more
J. Michael Beck DVM and Jane Beck VMT | Emerywood Veterinary Hospital, High Point, NC
What our Speakers Say!
I've participated in several Veterinary Association Management continuing educational meetings and they are all top notch. Each meeting has it's own look and feel. The one consistent thread is excellent speakers and great topics/content being presented. I will be planning a family vacation around Fun N Sun veterinary conference. It's a must do for anyone looking for good CE and creating great memories with the family... read more
Paul Camilo, CVPM | Veterinary Consultation Services, LLC
What our Exhibitors Say!
The Center of Veterinary Expertise has had the pleasure of participating in Colonial Veterinary conference on several levels, sponsorship, vendor as well as providing speakers over the last three year. Howie and his team always ensure a positive, warm, and successful experience. We look forward to supporting the Colonial Veterinary Conference for many more years to come.
Danielle T. Russ | LVT, BS, BA, AS, Hospital Manager, the COVE, Suffolk, VA
What our Attendees Say!
It is not a small thing when gathering your CE credits that the meetings be orderly, well presented, convenient, accessible. Cudos to the Colonial Team. It was an all-around good experience.
Rob McBrayer, DVM | Palmetto Vet Hospital, Ridgeland, SC
What our Exhibitors Say!
I have been a equipment manufacturing design consultant for Snyder Mfg. for over 30 years. I have been attending the Ralph Lee's meetings for over 20 years of that time. The Ralph Lee's meetings are different than the standard veterinary conference meetings that are available. The meetings are designed to be very family friendly. The attendees and exhibitors are treated with more respect than any other of the veterinary meetings I attend. The smaller venue will also give everyone an opportunity to build long term relationships in the industry.
Ralph Ihde | Snyder Mfg., New Sharon, IA
What our Attendees Say!
I plan each year's continuing education requirements around Ralph Lee's Great Smokies Veteirnary Conference. The program venue is especially nice, this time of year, in Asheville, N.C. The Lee family (Howie, Martha and the crew) are most accommodating. They've always made this a pleasurable, meaningful experience. I secure a copy of the conference notes each trip. These notes serve as valuable information for me as I care for my patients on a daily basis. The saddest part, for me, is when the meeting concludes. Soon, I'll be planning for the 2016 conference.
Dr. William “Bill” Martin | Central Veterinary Hospital, Knoxville, TN
What our Exhibitors Say!
The Lees' vet meetings are some of the best...and I attend a lot of them! As both a veterinarian and an exhibitor I get the best of both worlds at these events.... Great Continuing Education and Great attendance to the exhibit booth. I attend every one I possibly can.
Dr. Dan Moore, DVM | Vet Assured, Unicoi, TN
What our Speakers Say!
I have lectured for Veterinary Association Management for the last 4 years and they consistently have wonderfully organized, informative and practical conferences for practicing small animal veterinarians. With a relatively small group of attendees ... read more
Kristin Welch DVM, DACVECC | CRITICAL CARE, CHIEF OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Sponsors and Exhibitors At The Conference
Please visit these Exhibitors at the Conference to see the latest and best products and services for your veterinary practice:
Diamond Sponsors |
||
MicroVet Diagnostics |
|
|
Gold Sponsors |
||
Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Services |
||
Silver Sponsor |
||
Triumph Medical Services |
||
Bronze Sponsors |
||
ServiceVet Technologies |
Purple Moon Herbs and Studies |
|
Exhibitors |
||
3 Sided Media |
American Regent Animal Health |
Idexx |
Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association |
Schultz Technology |
Virbac |
Click here to download the 2025 Mountain Veterinary Conference Exhibitor Contract!
Conference Hotel Information
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Where every hand is holding a very good time.
Arrowheads point to good luck, so follow them to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. North Carolina’s first casino, Harrah’s promises an electrifying adventure that’s bound to put a smile on your face and, if you’re lucky, a bulge in your wallet.
A casino and luxury hotel combined.
Harrah’s Casino is home to a 21-story, four-star, luxury hotel nestled in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The 1,108 spacious rooms include amenities such as large baths, upscale furniture and fixtures, and 42-inch HD plasma TVs. In addition to these amenities, guests have access to an arcade, indoor pool and workout room, as well as a 15,000-square-foot conference center and several delicious restaurants. Eight unforgettable suites are located in the Mountain Tower, 21 in the Soco Tower, and 78 in Creek Tower.
Bask in the earthly pleasures of Mandara Spa.
Inspired by elements of native culture and Balinese-influenced treatments, Mandara Spa brings casino guests the highest quality of therapeutic luxury. The Mandara brand emphasizes beauty, rejuvenation, and exotic indulgence, aiming to enhance each guest’s resort experience by providing luscious opportunities for pampering.
Ease and enjoyment for all ages.
We know every moment of your time here is important so we provide convenient check-in and checkout kiosks in various locations throughout the hotel. Ask about our “Stay and Play Packages” to take advantage of every opportunity. If you are traveling with children, stay at the casino and let the kids explore the arcade while the adults hit the gaming tables, or take some time and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking,tubing, and much more. Traveling with canine companions under 50 pounds? Ask about our PetStay room benefits.
More than just a casino: Harrah’s Events Center and Conference Center
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort houses a new 3,000-seat events center where acts from Hank Williams, Jr. to Lady Antebellum have performed. This unique venue option features amphitheater seating on three levels for a variety of events and programs. The main floor can accommodate everything from a dinner for 800 to a tradeshow with more than 150 booths. The casino can also host groups and meetings ranging from ten to over 3,000 people in a state-of-the-art conference facility. The large meeting space can be broken down into 7 smaller configurations to suit any event or group needs.... from VisitCherokeeNC.Com
"The luxurious 21-story Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel is set amid the beautiful mountain setting of western North Carolina and provides luxury lodging that creates an upscale experience with 1,108 spacious rooms that include breathtaking views. Check-in/Checkout Kiosks are available in the hotel for fast service and are located on the 2nd floor of the hotel. Enjoy many amenities like the fitness room that is open 24/7, the indoor pool and our new outdoor pool featuring a zero entry pool, cabanas and bar area."
An enterprise of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort is celebrating over 15 years of operation since opening its doors in November 1997. The Casino has 150,000 square feet of gaming space and offers 3,800 slot machines and over 100 traditional table games such as black jack, roulette and craps. The property also features over 1,100 hotel rooms, the Le Fu Men gaming area, 10 restaurants, the Essence Lounge, a 3,000 seat Event Center, the luxurious 18,000 square feet Mandara Spa and eight retail shops. In addition to the 56-acre property, guests have privileged access to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation-owned Sequoyah National Golf Club, named one of Golf Magazine's best new golf courses.
For Hotel Reservations: Coming Soon!
The Cherokee Convention Center Lobby
The Cherokee Convention Center - Guy Fieri Circles
The Cherokee Convention Center - Guy Fieri Bar
The Cherokee Convention Center - Starbucks
Creek Tower Standard Room
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Classroom
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Mandara Spa
Online Registration will open soon!
Area Information
Cherokee, North Carolina
A culture, a people, and a place that's actually a sovereign nation, Cherokee is located right in the heart of Western North Carolina. It's also base camp for hiking in the Great Smokies, arts and crafts shopping, native elk herd viewing, hours of fishing fun, and home to a history that spans millennia. Ready? Let’s go.
From visitcherokeenc.com ...
Discover the fun of seeing the world through Cherokee eyes.
It might happen on a mud-spattering romp through the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. Or while hearing the creation legend in the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. You’ll be having fun in Cherokee, relaxing, and suddenly, you’re a little more in tune with the natural world. With just one visit to something as profound as the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” you can’t help but look at things a little differently. And you’ll certainly have more fun. How will Cherokee affect you? Plan. Play. Visit. And discover.
Adventures that go deeper.
Each place you visit in Cherokee pulses with the stories and significance of a people whose roots run deep and whose ancient wisdom is fascinating to uncover. Nestled in the lush landscapes of Western North Carolina, Cherokee invites you to smell the wood smoke and open your ears. If you listen closely, maybe you can hear the chanting of the little Nunnehi people of the mountain peaks. No need to resist Cherokee’s invitations to dive right in. Fire off a blowgun if you dare, but make sure your spouse is in the clear. As you cast your line into the trout-filled rivers or wash your face in the sweet spray of a waterfall, let the powerful feelings of Cherokee carry you. Even if it’s just for a day or two.
Open your eyes with us.
A virtual treasure trove of outdoorsy fun awaits in Cherokee. Activities gain new dimensions as you become aware of their origins, steeped in a vibrant cultural heritage. For instance, if you enjoy birding, you may never see the cardinal in the same way after learning about the legend of how it got its scarlet color–just as you may observe in a new way the copper lines in the ancient boulders along the banks of the Oconaluftee where you may be fishing, tubing or kayaking. Did you know that the wolf showed the cardinal those copper lines to paint herself with after she pecked the mud from his eyes? These are stories you and your fellow travelers will learn as you explore Cherokee.
Awaken your power animal.
Cherokee history, song, dance, and period regalia come to vivid life in sites such as the Oconaluftee Indian Village, the outdoor drama “Unto These Hills,” or the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Cherokee hosts a variety of annual cultural festivals throughout the year where you can share in the celebration of colorful customs and learn about ancient beginnings.
Let your braids fly in downtown Cherokee.
Nostalgic shops offering blowguns and tomahawks, comfy motor lodges, family fun parks, and petting zoos can all be found in downtown Cherokee, NC. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, consider playing the 18-hole Sequoyah National Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, then staying at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.