HiVE Midwest 2026 is a two-day veterinary conference designed to support growth, leadership, and success within the veterinary profession. The event focuses on essential topics such as practice management, communication skills, financial confidence, wellness, and professional development. Attendees will participate in educational sessions, interactive learning experiences, and collaborative discussions led by industry professionals.
HiVE Midwest 2026 also provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing veterinary professionals to connect with peers, share insights, and build meaningful relationships. The conference creates a supportive environment where participants can gain practical tools, exchange ideas, and strengthen both personal and professional skills.
Saturday, March 21
|
Daily Events |
|
8:00am-8:30am |
Keynote Session | Opening Keynote with Susie Crockett, CVPM and Alyssa Mages, BS, CVT, FVTE Integrated Learning Theater |
| 9:00am-10:00am | Exhibit Hall | Expo Hall opens-breakfast options served |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Exhibit Hall | Lunch served for premium pass attendees |
| 4:00pm-5:30pm | Opening Night Social | Join us for fun games, good eats, and socializing with your peers! Come listen to the Vet Tech Cafe: Live at HiVE Podcast with Jeff Backus and Dave Cowan |
|
Practice Management Theater: |
| Session Time | Session Topic | Session Title/Speaker |
| 10:00am-10:50am | Team Training | Mastering The Art of Training Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP |
| 11:00am-11:50am | Strategic Problem Solving | From "Ruff" to "Resolved": A Guide to Critical Thinking and Problem-solving in Veterinary Practice Management Susie Crockett, BS, CVPM |
| 1:00pm-1:50pm | Improving Performance Goals | Metrics for Success Made Easy - KPI and Benchmarking Tutorial Jessica Molina, PHR, CVPM, PHR |
| 2:00pm-2:50pm | Leadership | Leading Beyond the Exam Room: Building a Thriving Veterinary Practice Andrea Crabtree, BS, CVPM, PHR, SPHR, PHRca, CCFP, FFCP |
| 3:00pm-3:50pm Positive | Culture | Fetch Some Positivity: Choosing Optimism in Veterinary Medicine to Boost Wellness and Morale Susie Crockett, BS, CVPM |
|
Integrated Learning Theater: |
| Session Time | Session Topic | Session Title/Speaker |
| 10:00am-12:00pm | Suicide Prevention | Guardians of Hope: Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Awareness Paige Allen, MS, RVT Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg |
| 2:00pm-2:50pm | Finance | Guardians of Hope: Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Awareness Paige Allen, MS, RVT Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg |
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Workshops and Mentoring Theater: |
| Session Time | Session Topic | Session Title/Speaker |
| 10:00am-12:00pm | Finance | A Functional Practice Budget you CAN Easily Build Jessica Molina, PHR, CVPM, PHR |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Peer to Peer Mentoring | Peer to Peer Mentoring (Limited to 50 participants). Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg |
| 2:00pm-2:50pm | Current Affairs | We Can Move Forward Together! HiVE Veterinary Technician Champions |
Sunday, March 22
|
Daily Events |
|
8:00am-8:30am |
Keynote Session | Keynote with Elizabeth Stark, CVT and Maria Pirita, CVPM Integrated Learning Theater |
| 9:00am-10:00am | Exhibit Hall | Expo Hall opens-breakfast options served |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Exhibit Hall | Lunch served for premium pass attendees |
|
Practice Management Theater: |
| Session Time | Session Topic | Session Title/Speaker |
| 10:00am-10:50am | Communication Skills | Applying Communication Styles to Team Collaboration (DISC) Maria Pirita, CVPM |
| 11:00am-11:50am | Product Management | Product and Service Implementation Claire Pickens, EMBA, CVPM, SHRM-CP |
| 1:00pm-1:50pm | Practice Management | Overcome to Management Blues Claire Pickens, CMBA, CVPM, SHRM-CP |
| 2:00pm-2:50pm | Accountability | Accountability Without Awkwardness Maria Pirita, CVPM |
| 3:00pm-3:50pm | Difficult Conversations | Hard Talks, Better Outcomes: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Confidence Elizabeth Stark, CVT |
|
Integrated Learning Theater: |
| Session Time | Session Topic | Session Title/Speaker |
| 10:00am-10:50am | Team Appreciation | Rewards For All: Creating Meaningful Team Rewards Jenni George, CVPM |
| 11:00am-11:50am | Social Media | Social Media 365: From Pet Pics to Profit Rhonda Bell, CVPM, PCM, CDMP |
| 1:00pm-1:50pm | Session TBA | |
| 2:00pm-2:50pm | Financial Data | |
| 3:00pm-3:50pm | Business Building | Startup to Standout: How to Build a Veterinary Brand from Zero Rhonda Bell, CVPM, PCM, CDMP |
|
Workshops and Mentoring Theater: |
| Session Time | Session Topic | Session Title/Speaker |
| 10:00am-11:30am | Navigating Difficult Situations | Overcoming Life's Unexpected Events: Building a Resiliency Toolkit Elizabeth Stark, CVT |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | Peer to Peer Mentoring | Peer to Peer Mentoring (Limited to 50 participants) Mariel Hendricks, MVEd, RVTg |
| 2:00pm-4:00pm | Creating a Business Plan | Pawsitive Blueprint: Building Your Pet Business Dream Claire Pickens, EMBA, CVPM, SHRM-CP |
