The NMVMA Board has approved bringing back the NMVMA Lounge at SWVS.26 in San Antonio.

Last year’s first New Mexico Community Lounge gave attendees a place to rest between sessions, meet NMVMA leaders, reconnect with colleagues, and find familiar faces in the middle of a regional conference. It also helped New Mexico’s veterinary community become more visible and connected.

That sense of belonging matters. Veterinary professionals often travel to conferences with full schedules and limited time. A shared home base makes it easier to have the conversations that do not always happen during a formal session: comparing practice experiences, introducing a student to a potential mentor, meeting someone from another part of the state, or learning how to become more involved with NMVMA.

The 2026 lounge will welcome New Mexico veterinarians, technicians, assistants, practice managers, students, and other veterinary team members. Room information, operating hours, and gathering details will be shared as plans are finalized.