SWVS 2024: A Successful Year of Growth and Engagement in Fort Worth, Texas

The Southwest Veterinary Symposium (SWVS) celebrated an outstanding year in 2024, and there was no better backdrop for this year’s achievements than the vibrant city of Fort Worth, Texas. Known for its rich culture, historic charm, and growing urban landscape, Fort Worth proved to be the perfect setting for SWVS. The city welcomed nearly 5,000 veterinary professionals, students, and industry representatives, all drawn together by a shared commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and practice management.

This year’s SWVS attracted 4,975 attendees, showing an increase from 4,904 in 2023, and reaffirming Fort Worth as an exceptional host city for large, impactful gatherings. The event kicked off with a warm Texas welcome, with attendees quickly immersing themselves in the wide range of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities unique to SWVS. The symposium provided a platform for deep professional growth, while Fort Worth offered the added experience of fantastic local food, cultural landmarks, and a rich Western heritage that many attendees took the opportunity to explore.

One of the highlights of SWVS 2024 was the growing interest from practicing veterinarians (DVMs), with attendance increasing from 1,727 to 1,767. Fort Worth’s reputation as a healthcare hub likely contributed to the symposium’s draw, with veterinarians from across the Southwest excited to gather in a city that values both tradition and innovation.

Office staff attendance surged from 102 in 2023 to 126, a sign of the vital role every team member plays in delivering quality care and a reflection of the valuable resources SWVS provides for all practice roles. Technicians and veterinary assistants also made a strong showing, with technician attendance remaining robust at 1,102 and veterinary assistants growing slightly from 162 to 164. The city’s warm hospitality and professional ambiance gave them the perfect environment for learning, networking, and inspiration.

Practice managers were another critical group, increasing from 267 attendees in 2023 to 282. With Fort Worth’s mix of business resources and Texas charm, practice managers found a welcoming space to exchange ideas and expand their knowledge, all while enjoying the city’s unique offerings.

SWVS also provided an essential platform for industry vendors and service providers to showcase their latest products and innovations, with booth staff attendance growing from 1,098 to 1,131. The increase reflects SWVS’s importance as a marketplace for new veterinary technologies, and Fort Worth offered an ideal, bustling setting for meaningful connections between vendors and attendees.

While student attendance experienced a slight dip from 162 to 123, SWVS remains committed to fostering the next generation of veterinary professionals. Fort Worth’s academic ties and vibrant educational landscape are expected to inspire more students in the future.

The 2024 SWVS in Fort Worth was a resounding success, blending professional growth with the spirit of a city rich in Texan warmth and tradition. As SWVS continues to evolve, the enthusiasm and support from Fort Worth made this year’s event memorable and impactful. We look forward to building on this momentum, as SWVS continues to be a cornerstone for the veterinary community across the Southwest.