VSPA Spring 2026 Conference, Saratoga Springs
May 12 - 15, 2026
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The Adelphi Hotel
The VSPA Spring 2026 Conference warmly invites the owners and administrators of independently owned veterinary specialty and emergency hospitals that are not in the competitive area of a current member to see what VSPA is about by attending our conference in-person or virtually. Is that you? If so - Welcome!
We are available anytime by email, text, or phone, and we look forward to hearing from you. pam@specialtyvets.com or 919.219.5210
**The Event is FULL***
Housing Information **** The Adelphi Hotel is SOLD out as of 1/27/26.****
The Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY is a beautiful boutique property—and small, with only 63 rooms total.
If you register on or after 1/28/2026 for this meeting, email dani@specialtyvets.com for housing assistance.
Agenda
Tuesday, May 12
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Board of Directors Meeting
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Ꙭ Informal Gathering
Wednesday, May 13
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:20 AM
9:00 AM - 10:20 AM
10:40 AM - 12:00 PM
10:40 AM - 12:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
1:50 PM - 2:40 PM
1:50 PM - 2:40 PM
Group Discussion w/Darren on Mgt Stmt and Sal/Ben
Topics:
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3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
General Welcome and Video (guests join here)
3:40 PM - 4:30 PM
3:40 PM - 4:30 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sponsor Networking and Reception - ALL Attendees
Thursday, May 14
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Group Walk/Meditation
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
Most leaders know they should grow future leaders, but few have slowed down long enough to define the legacy they want to leave. The session guides participants through clarifying:
We explore: (click title for more info)
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
A strong vision only sticks when the team can see themselves in it. This session focuses on the “how” of bringing people along: (click title for more info)
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
Sponsor Engagement
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM
This session translates vision into a real operational leadership development system that works inside veterinary hospital workflows. We facilitate awareness around: (click title for more info)
12:10 PM - 1:00 PM
12:10 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM
Exceptional care goes beyond medicine; it’s about how clients feel. This session will equip you with the tools (click title for more info)
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM
A clear, candid overview of the current veterinary market—highlighting trends, major players, and the forces shaping today’s landscape. (click title for more info)
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM
2:50 PM - 3:40 PM
A practical, insider look at the key performance indicators commonly evaluated by consolidators—reframed for independent hospitals aiming to optimize performance on their own terms. (click title for more info)
4:05 PM - 5:00 PM
4:05 PM - 5:00 PM
Group Discussion
Topics:
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5:30 PM
5:30 PM
Bus to Upstate Veterinary Specialties 5:30 sharp!
Meet in the lobby by 5:20pm for a 5:30 sharp departure for Upstate Veterinary Specialties
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ꙭ Hospital Tour & Reception - Upstate Veterinary Specialties
Tour of Upstate Veterinary Specialties followed by a return to Saratoga Springs for the UVS reception!
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Bus to UVS Reception
We will head to Druthers Brewin Company near the Adelphi for a reception.
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Reception at Druthers Brewing Company (private space)
Just a 4-minute walk back to the hotel, so stay as short or long as desired - we have the space until 10pm. What fun!!
Friday, May 15
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
7:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Member Business Meeting
NDA required - a representative from each practice required, open to all members
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Ꙭ SPECIAL Sponsor Breakfast
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM
Ownership can be hot and cold; one day, they want to be owners, the next day… no way! Together, we will discuss how to best identify potential quality business partners for the future.
10:50 AM - 11:40 AM
10:50 AM - 11:40 AM
Now that we have laid the foundation for finding partners to help our businesses thrive and grow, let’s talk through case studies on how to implement the structure we choose.
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
Group Discussions
Topics:
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12:50 PM - 1:00 PM
12:50 PM - 1:00 PM
Conference Closing
