In the post-COVID era, the veterinary profession finds itself at a pivotal moment - shaped by economic uncertainty, workforce challenges, and evolving client expectations. Against this backdrop, it can be easy to feel discouraged, as though the next chapter of our story has already been written - and not for the better.

But what if we reclaimed our role as authors, choosing to write with intention, optimism, and purpose? 

In this inspiring plenary, attendees will explore how the human experience, the true beating heart of veterinary practice, shapes the future of our profession. Drawing on veterinary research, real-world stories, and powerful metaphors of storytelling and authorship, participants will leave empowered to rewrite the narratives within their own workplaces, fostering resilience, renewed hope, and teams that don’t just endure, but thrive. 

1. People-First: The Business Case for Positive Veterinary Leadership: In this talk I'll give a high-level, evidence-based overview of why we should apply a people-first, positive leadership operating system to our veterinary practices.  It will include evidence from inside and beyond veterinary medicine as well as a brief overview of the positive veterinary leadership framework I lay out in my book. 

2. Safe to Soar: The Secret Sauce of Happy, High-Performing Veterinary Teams:  This will take a deep dive into the science and application of psychological safety, a key pillar in positive veterinary organizations.  I'll use both story and real evidence to explain what psych safety is, why it matters, and how to practice enhancing it in veterinary teams. 

3. It Matters: The Art & Science of Activating Purposeful Work:  In this talk, I'll explain the difference between purpose of work and purpose IN work, focusing on the psychological phenomena of interpersonal mattering and meaningfulness, the critical role they play in engagement, job satisfaction, and performance, and how leaders can be more "purposeful" in their positive leadership. 

4. Positive Communication for Leaders:  Communication is the conduit through which culture and workplace environment is crafted and co-created.  Leaders play a big role in that.  In this talk, I'll use story and science to explore an evidence-based model for positive communication in veterinary practice, the kind of communication that nurtures and strengthens relationships and enhances workplace experience, elevating performance and retention. 

This keynote will be presented in the Grand Georgian Ballroom.

9:00am - 10:10am

The Heart Behind the Hustle — Why Teams Stay (or Stray)

Why do some veterinary teams stay engaged and loyal while others quietly burn out or walk away? This opening session explores the deeper needs that drive motivation, belonging, and retention in veterinary medicine. 

Using an interactive, reflective format, participants will examine the Veterinary Team Hierarchy of Needs and assess how well their own practices are meeting those needs. Through discussion and practical exercises, leaders will identify small but meaningful shifts they can make to create environments where people feel valued, supported, and proud to show up each day. 

This session sets the foundation for understanding not just what teams need to stay, but why culture matters more than ever. 

10:20am - 11:30am

It’s Not What You Say, It’s What They Hear — The Power of Empathy in Leadership 

Empathy is one of the most powerful leadership tools—and one of the most misunderstood. This session focuses on how communication can either build trust or quietly erode it, depending on how it is received. 

Through guided exercises and real-world scenarios, participants will practice open-ended questioning, reflective listening, and responding to emotional cues with clarity and compassion. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, attendees will learn how to use empathy to reduce tension, strengthen relationships, and keep their best people engaged and thriving. 

This session turns everyday conversations into opportunities for connection and collaboration. 

1:00pm - 2:10pm

The Stories We Tell — Coaching Through Conflict 

Conflict in veterinary teams is rarely about the surface issue. It is often driven by the stories people tell themselves about fear, failure, and intent. This session helps leaders uncover and shift those hidden narratives before they derail trust and engagement. 

Using case-based practice and peer discussion, participants will explore common roles that emerge during conflict, such as Hero, Villain, Victim, and Coach. Through hands-on practice, leaders will learn how to stay grounded and curious during emotionally charged moments and guide team members toward confidence, accountability, and growth. 

Attendees will leave with practical language and coaching tools they can apply immediately in their hospitals. 

2:20pm - 3:30pm

From Feelings to Flow — Turning Empathy into Action 

Empathy alone is not enough. Great leaders know how to translate understanding into momentum, clarity, and results. This closing session brings together the insights from the day and focuses on turning emotional intelligence into consistent leadership action. 

In a fast-paced, interactive format, participants will practice applying empathy frameworks to real management scenarios. The session explores how to balance compassion with accountability, rebuild trust after conflict or change, and create clear expectations that support both people and performance. 

Participants will leave with a repeatable model for emotionally intelligent leadership that helps teams stay engaged long after the meeting ends. 

The leadership leactures are being held in the Imperial Room. 

9:00am - 10:10am

The AI Tipping Point: How the Last 15 Years Changed Everything

The veterinary profession didn't just drift into the AI era—we were propelled by a series of technological explosions. While the early 2000s were about going digital, the last 15 years have been about getting intelligent. This session unpacks the pivotal moments that bridged the gap between basic software and today's advanced tools. We will examine how the sudden maturity of Machine Learning began turning our static PIMS data into predictions, and how breakthroughs in Computer Vision finally allowed machines to "see" radiographs and cytology slides with diagnostic accuracy. We’ll discuss how these specific leaps moved us from simply storing records to generating real-time insights, setting the stage for the generative AI revolution we are experiencing today.

10:20am - 11:30am

The AI Ecosystem: A Deep Dive Across the Profession

AI is often sold as a monolith, but in practice, it is a fragmented ecosystem of specialized tools. This session takes a magnifying glass to the veterinary industry to categorize exactly what is available today. We will move beyond the buzzwords to examine the three pillars of veterinary AI: Clinical Decision Support (radiology, cytology, and predictive diagnostics), Operational Efficiency (inventory, scheduling, and client communication), and Practice Intelligence (business analytics). Whether you are an owner, associate, or manager, you will leave with a clear map of the current landscape and an understanding of which tools are mere novelties and which are rapidly becoming standards of care.

1:00pm - 2:10pm

The Death of the Keyboard: The Present and Future of AI Scribing

Ambient scribing is the fastest-adopted AI technology in veterinary history, and for good reason—it solves the burnout-inducing problem of documentation. But "automated notes" are just the tip of the iceberg. This deep dive explores the current state of scribing technology—comparing the leading platforms and their distinct approaches—and looks ahead to where they are going. We will discuss the shift from simple transcription to "active" medical records that can auto-generate referral letters, extract billing codes, and flag drug interactions in real-time. Discover how the role of the veterinarian is shifting from data entry clerk back to healer, and why the keyboard may soon be obsolete in the exam room. 

2:20pm - 3:30pm

The Jagged Frontier: Agents, Bots, and the 2030 Clinic

Where does this all lead? In this closing session, we move beyond today’s “best practices” and into the jagged frontier of AI in veterinary medicine. Using a three-tier framework, from near-term certainty to bold speculation, we explore what the future of practice may actually look like. 

At the probable level, we examine multimodal AI systems that unify diagnostics, medical records, and client communication into a single intelligent assistant. Moving into the plausible, we explore the rise of agentic AI, autonomous systems that do not just advise but act, handling tasks such as inventory ordering, insurance negotiations, and inbox management without human intervention. Finally, at the radical edge, we consider how AI agents capable of executing complex tasks on local hardware could fundamentally reshape the definition of the doctor. 

This provocative session invites you to look ahead, past incremental change, to imagine what the veterinary clinic of 2030 might truly become. 

The AI leactures are being held in the Loyalist Room. 

9:00am - 10:10am

People-First: The Business Case for Positive Veterinary Leadership:

In this talk Josh will give a high-level, evidence-based overview of why we should apply a people-first, positive leadership operating system to our veterinary practices.  It will include evidence from inside and beyond veterinary medicine as well as a brief overview of the positive veterinary leadership framework he lay out in his book. 

10:20am - 11:30am

Safe to Soar: The Secret Sauce of Happy, High-Performing Veterinary Teams: 

This will take a deep dive into the science and application of psychological safety, a key pillar in positive veterinary organizations.  Josh will use both story and real evidence to explain what psych safety is, why it matters, and how to practice enhancing it in veterinary teams. 

1:00pm - 2:10pm

It Matters: The Art & Science of Activating Purposeful Work:

In this talk, Josh will explain the difference between purpose of work and purpose IN work, focusing on the psychological phenomena of interpersonal mattering and meaningfulness, the critical role they play in engagement, job satisfaction, and performance, and how leaders can be more "purposeful" in their positive leadership. 

2:20pm - 3:30pm

Positive Communication for Leaders: 

Communication is the conduit through which culture and workplace environment is crafted and co-created.  Leaders play a big role in that.  In this talk, Josh will use story and science to explore an evidence-based model for positive communication in veterinary practice, the kind of communication that nurtures and strengthens relationships and enhances workplace experience, elevating performance and retention. 

The psychological safety and purpose leactures are being held in the Grand Georgian Ballroom.

Thursday Evening Wine Tour & Reception
Thursday, June 19 | 5:30 – 9:30 PM

We’re excited to invite you to a special evening of wine, food, and great company during the Great Ideas Conference!

Join us on Thursday, June 19 for a Wine Tour & Reception at two of Niagara’s best spots: Wayne Gretzky Estates and Trius Winery. The evening kicks off with a relaxing reception at Wayne Gretzky’s, featuring wine and passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a guided tour next door at the beautiful Trius Winery.

Transportation will be provided to and from White Oaks Conference Resort & Spa, so all you need to do is enjoy the evening!

Here’s what the evening will look like:

• 5:30 pm – Shuttle departs from White Oaks
• 6:00 – 7:30 pm – Reception at Wayne Gretzky Estates
• 7:45 – 8:45 pm – Wine tour at Trius Winery
• 8:45 – 9:15 pm – Return to Wayne Gretzky’s for a final toast
• 9:15 pm – Shuttle departs for White Oaks

This event is complimentary for Great Ideas Conference attendees, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: VetCPA, Linmac Veterinary Law, and Ackerman Group.

Please note: This event is exclusively for attendees of the OVMA’s Great Ideas Conference only, and you must be 19 years or older to attend. Space to this special event is very limited. 

The wine reception is currently sold-out.

We look forward to raising a glass with you!

The wine tour & reception is sponsored by:

Pre-registration for this event is required, please indicate your attendance when registering. 

Meet in the White Oaks Yoga Studio.

Veterinary medicine is tired. Short staffing, burnout, and growing challenges with client compliance can make even the most dedicated professionals feel worn down by the work. In these moments, it’s easy to believe that what drains us is the job itself. 

But what if the opposite is true? 

This plenary explores the magic of the mundane - the everyday moments of veterinary practice that we often rush past or take for granted. Through familiar cases such as heart murmurs, ear infections, and skin disease, we’ll revisit the simple acts at the heart of our profession: listening to a heartbeat, looking into an ear, examining the skin. These small moments, when approached with intention, curiosity, and care, become powerful points of connection. 

By slowing down and re-engaging with the ordinary, we can re-ignite purpose, strengthen trust with clients, and create shared meaning for our teams. Making the mundane magical doesn’t require new technology or dramatic change - just a renewed way of seeing the work we already do. 

This session is an invitation to rediscover joy, impact, and connection in the everyday moments that brought us to veterinary medicine in the first place. 

This keynote will be presented in the Grand Georgian Ballroom.

9:00am - 10:10am

Neurowhatsity? Where we explore neurodiversity, its impact in the workplace ace and how to leverage this different ability:

Neurodiversity is a concept which emphasizes that neurological differences—such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others—are natural variations in human experience, not conditions to be “fixed.” Given that 1 in 5 individuals identify as neurodiverse, this concept is rapidly gaining attention throughout society.  In this interactive neurowhatisty lecture, we explain key terms, describe common neurodivergent profiles, and highlight the strengths and challenges associated with neurodiverse individuals.  Data presented during the presentation will show improved business outcomes and loyalty among neurodiverse employees in neuroinclusive settings. Successful neurodiversity workplace programs from Microsoft and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be highlighted.  At the conclusion of this presentation attendees will be able to effectively leverage neurodiversity. This will lead to greater employee satisfaction, innovation, and success. 

10:20am - 11:30am

Building Individual and Organizational Resilience Now 

Resiliency according to Merriam-Webster is defined as the ability of something to return to its original size and shape after being compressed or deformed. Commonly, resiliency is shortened to the ability to bounce back. That ability to bounce back is important for individuals, teams, and organizations. We often overestimate the true resilience of our organization, our team, and ourselves. We also frequently underestimate what it takes to make resiliency sustainable. In this interactive presentation, attendees will learn about the benefits of resilience and how resilience can be quantified. We will explain the conditions of success necessary for an organization and/or individual to become and remain resilient.  Just as a tree cannot flourish if not planted in good soil, an individual who lacks organizational and managerial support cannot fully develop resiliency in a work setting.  Participants will come away with practical skills to increase resiliency.

1:00pm - 2:10pm

The Cost of Culture: Creating a Healthy, Positive Practice Culture 

Veterinary medicine is under strain. Burnout, staff shortages, and team dissatisfaction are increasingly common, driven by the emotional demands of clinical care, client relationships, and end-of-life decisions - on top of the pressures of life outside work. Yet some practices thrive. These “islands of excellence” grow financially because of their teams, not at their expense, through a sustained focus on culture. Research shows 34% of employees leave jobs due to poor workplace culture, making turnover and absenteeism key indicators of misalignment. Strong practices share one thing in common: clear, lived purpose, mission, and values. When teams are aligned around why they exist beyond profit, resilience improves, conflict becomes constructive, and veterinary medicine becomes sustainable. 

2:20pm - 3:30pm

Individual Development Plans: Good for Your Employees and Your Business

This interactive lecture explores effective retention strategies for veterinary workplaces, emphasizing the importance of appreciating and engaging team members to reduce turnover. Participants will discuss the direct and indirect costs of employee loss, the impact on workplace morale and client satisfaction, and the value of cross-training and individual development plans. The session will include activities such as join-stay-leave assessments, open dialogues about work-life balance, and collaborative reviews of compensation and benefits. Attendees will learn how to actively listen to employee feedback, incorporate it into organizational practices, and foster a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay. The lecture encourages ongoing conversations and practical actions to build a resilient, purpose-driven team.

The neuroscience lectures are being held in the Grand Georgian Ballroom. 

9:00am - 10:10am

Built to Last: Loyal Clients Aren’t Born. They’re Built (Part One).

If only clients were as loyal as our patients. Pets will forgive anything— but their humans, not so much. Today’s pet owners expect more than good medicine. They want convenience, connection, and an experience that feels just as thoughtful as the care you provide. In this session, we’ll break down the seven real reasons clients keep coming back (or don’t), and show you how to turn everyday interactions into loyalty-building moments. It's time to stop guessing what clients want and start implementing it. 

10:20am - 11:30am

Built to Last: Loyal Clients Aren’t Born. They’re Built (Part Two).

1:00pm - 2:10pm

Built to Last: How to Roll Out Changes That Stick (Part One) 

Rolling out a change in your clinic? It can feel a bit like introducing a new puppy to a house full of old cats—chaotic, unpredictable, and full of side-eye. This workshop is your go-to guide for getting buy-in, minimizing resistance, and turning great ideas into lasting improvements with your team. Whether you’re implementing new technology, updating protocols, or shifting the way your team communicates, you’ll leave with a clear, practical framework to make change happen—and make it stick.

2:20pm - 3:30pm

Built to Last: How to Roll Out Changes That Stick (Part Two)

The loyalty lectures are being held in the Imperial Room. 

Rest up for this session because you are going to be “on point” for four past paced sessions that will attempt to solve the biggest problems facing veterinary medicine.  We all struggle with medication markups, scheduling RVTs, and compliance.  In Study Group for a Day, you will be put into breakout Study Groups and will look at different case studies involving these issues.  In the safety of your Study Group you can explore new ideas, test long standing beliefs and push yourself to find the answers to these lingering questions.  The last session is a Free For All where the Groups will tackle questions that have been presented to VetCPA during the conference.  The session is limited to 50 attendees and is open to veterinarians, managers and Registered Veterinary Technicians.

9:00am - 10:10am

Markups: Protecting Your Practice From Internet Pharmacies

Imagine you own a shop that sells skis and bindings. Your retail model involves complimentary mounting of bindings with every sale of skis. Sales are good and profit is strong. Suddenly, an on-line ski store starts undercutting your prices. Your loyal customers come to you with their internet skis and ask you to mount their internet bindings. Sound familiar?  This interactive session will break into groups and each study group will discuss a case study involving a ski shop that has to change their business model to deal with internet ski shops.  Your group will explore margins, markups, and possible pricing solutions for your ski shop.  Greg and Darren will present the case study and be available to answer questions and help groups with their math. 

10:20am - 11:30am

Managing Staff: How Many RVTs Does It Take To Screw In a Lightbulb?

Two, but they are only allowed to remove the old light bulb and prep the new one. The vet screws in the lightbulb.  This interactive study group format (open to RVTs) will explore different staffing models. Each group will be tasked with coming up with the perfect schedule.  With one DVM, and unlimited RVTs and a given amount of exam rooms, what is the perfect staff schedule?   For each model, Darren and Greg will assist with revenue projections, costing out different models and determine which groups built the most profitable schedule. 

1:00pm - 2:10pm

Marketing: Why Won't My Clients Return My Emails?

Maybe you're the problem. Do you know who your clients are?  In this interactive study group format, groups of 8 will be led through an exercise to create the perfect client persona. After the personas are developed, the study groups will move on to determine the best way to communicate with their personas. 

2:20pm - 3:30pm

Get Smarter at Solving Problems

This might be the only time in your life it pays to complain. Conference attendees will be encouraged to anonymously present management and practice problems to the VETCPA booth (forms will be provided) during the conference.  After splitting into study groups of 8 people, the problems will be presented to the group and each group will tackle the problem using a problem solving methodology introduced by Greg Toner from VetCPA.  At the end of the session, some people will have the problems solved and the group will have a new skill to solve future problems. 

The neuroscience lectures are being held in the Loyalist Room.