2026 Spring Meetings

Name: 2026 Spring Meetings
Start: 2026-04-22T08:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-04-25T17:00:00-05:00
Location: The Fontaine Hotel

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Days

Hours

Join us in Kansas City for an info-packed week!

The AAVSB is thrilled to invite you to two exclusive events in April!

AAVSB’s spring meetings offer targeted development opportunities for member board leaders and staff.

Executive Directors’ & Registrars’ Summit provides a collaborative space for jurisdictional leaders to share best practices, explore regulatory challenges, and strengthen inter-board connections.
Board Basics & Beyond is designed for new and seasoned board members alike, offering foundational governance education alongside deeper dives into regulatory trends, ethics, and strategic leadership.

These sessions support AAVSB’s commitment to empowering member boards through education, connection, and innovation.

Event Dates:

April 22 & 23:
Executive Directors’ & Registrars’ Summit

2026 Summit Agenda

April 24 & 25:
Board Basics & Beyond

2026 Board Basics Agenda

About the Event:

These workshops provide critical training whether you’re new to your role or a seasoned professional looking to navigate the shifting veterinary regulatory landscape effectively.

Event Location:

The Fontaine Hotel
901 W 48th Street,
Kansas City, Missouri 64112
816.753.8800

Executive Directors’ & Registrars’ Summit – April 22nd & 23rd

Open exclusively to Executive Directors and Registrars, our Spring Summit program is designed specifically for this upper level of regulators, providing a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and discuss the challenges and opportunities within veterinary regulation.

Recognizing the critical role you play in the regulatory landscape, the AAVSB will cover your registration fee and all reasonable travel expenses, including flights, accommodations, and meals, to ensure your Board is represented. Executive Directors and Registrars may also attend Board Basics & Beyond at no additional charge.

Please see the attached funding policy for information.

Board Basics & Beyond – April 24th & 25th

For those serving as Board or Council members, our Board Basics & Beyond session is an immersive and interactive workshop designed to provide comprehensive training for regulatory professionals. Framed for those new to their regulatory role (but also useful to more experienced regulators), this session aims to equip you with essential knowledge and skills.

Each attendee will be responsible for the $250 tuition fee. Recognizing the critical role you play in the regulatory landscape however, the AAVSB will cover all reasonable travel expenses, including flights, accommodations, and meals, to ensure your Board is represented.

Please see the attached funding policy for information.

Each Member Board can register one board or council member, board or council staff, or attorney.

Space is limited, and additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list pending availability. Email the Member Services team with any questions.

Executive Directors’ & Registrars’ Summit

Stay tuned for more information!

Board Basics & Beyond

These sessions will be presented by the AAVSB’s legal counsel, Dale Atkinson, JD.

Dale J. Atkinson, JD is a licensed Illinois attorney and sole managing member of The Atkinson Firm in Eden, Utah (formerly in Northbrook, Illinois). With over 30 years of experience in regulatory law, he advises not-for-profit associations on operations, licensure programs, disciplinary actions, and model legislation. For over 10 years, Mr. Atkinson has been a valued supporter of our organization. A frequent speaker and author, he also served as Executive Director of the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards for over 21 years, promoting education and public protection in regulation.

“’Minds Shared’ captures my commitment to the firm, my dedication to client representation, and comprehensive collaboration with the regulatory community and the public served.” -Dale Atkinson

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

What is the last day I can register?
In-person attendance closes on March 20, 2025. You must contact AAVSB Member Services after this date for accommodation. Virtual registrant registration closes April 10, 2026.

Can I make changes to my registration after submitting?
For any changes you need to make after you’ve submitted the registration form, please email Member Services at [email protected].

What is the Cancellation Policy?
If you are no longer able to join us, please email Member Services at [email protected] to cancel your registration.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please list any special dietary needs or allergies on the registration form.

Will there be an option to register for Virtual attendance?
The 2026 Spring Summit for Executive Directors and Registrars will be available for attending Virtually. Please use the registration form and select the Spring Summit Virtual option.

Will there be an On-Site Registration Desk?
There will NOT be an AAVSB Registration Desk. Once you’ve checked into your hotel room, you will just need to show up to the appropriate conference room in the morning to receive your badge and materials.

Hotel Information

How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
The Kansas City International Airport ground transportation options include taxi or ride share (i.e., Uber and Lyft). The hotel does not offer transportation to/from the airport.

What time is check-in and check-out?
Hotel check-in begins at 4 p.m. and check-out is at 11 a.m.

Why is the hotel asking for my credit card?
All attendees will be asked for a credit card for incidentals. Room and taxes are on the AAVSB account for funded attendees.

Where do I park at the hotel?
Hotel parking is available: $20 for valet, $15 for self-park.

Miscellaneous Information

Can I leave the Conference early?
According to the funded Policies, attendance at the entire meeting is required for funded attendees. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis based on the reason and must be confirmed with the Member Services Team.

What is the dress code for the conference?
Business casual attire is recommended during the conference and casual attire for all social events. A jacket or sweater is recommended for your comfort during the sessions.

What amount of Continuing Education (CE) credits will I receive for attending?
Board Basics & Beyond will provide 9.5 hours of CE credit. Note: You must stay for the whole session to receive full credit.

What expenses are reimbursable?
Please see the applicable funding policies:
Executive Directors’ & Registrars’ Summit
Board Basics & Beyond

Can my guest or spouse attend the Conference with me?
Only registered guests may attend the Conference.

Can my guest or spouse also eat breakfast and lunch with me at the Conference?
Meals provided at the Conference are for registrants only.

Can my guest or spouse join for Dinner with Future Friends?
Guests of attendees are welcome to join the evening networking event, Dinner with Future Friends; however, they will be responsible for their own dinner bill.

How do I access the event Wi-Fi?
You can sign into the Hotel Wi-fi with your room number once you are checked into the hotel. A separate Wi-Fi access will be provided for use during the AAVSB meetings.

If I have additional questions, whom should I contact?
Please email Member Services at [email protected]. with any additional questions.

Event Navigation

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