This is a hands-on, one-day event designed for youth aged 11–17 years old to explore careers in veterinary medicine. Students rotate through mock veterinary stations—surgery, emergency care, large-animal medicine, and even dentistry! They’ll get to perform standard diagnostic tests and techniques used with animals and learn directly from veterinary professionals. 

For VMX 2026, we will be offering four programs 

• blendVET 1.0 (expose): Programming for students who have had no hands-on veterinary experience. Stations offered include General Medicine, Nutrition, Zoo Medicine, Surgery and Emergency Medicine

• blendVET 2.0 (expand): Programming for blendVET 1.0 graduates or in a formal veterinary training program in school (ex, CVA, FFA).  They will learn about new pathways, including Forensics Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Pathology, Ophthalmology, and Large Animal Medicine.  Students will also learn about academic processes for higher education. 

• blendVET 3.0 (elevate): Advanced Student Professional Preparation.  Students will experience advanced-level Aquatics Medicine, Neurology, Anesthesia, and Surgery. 

• blendVET Parent/Educator Program

blendVET Educators (Volunteers) are the primary point of interaction for students throughout the day. Whether serving as a Team Captain leading a group of students through each of the stations or as an instructor at one of our VETlab substations, you have the opportunity to mentor and encourage students to pursue the veterinary industry by sharing your own story and answering any questions they may have. Prior volunteers have expressed that the program profoundly impacts them and reignites their spark for the industry. If you can imagine yourself enjoying a day of mentoring youth about the veterinary industry, the best way to see the impact is to experience it yourself!

No. We welcome licensed veterinary professionals, industry professionals, educators, and students in veterinary-adjacent fields. We’ll match your role to your background and comfort level.

Volunteers are needed for the whole day (7:30 am–5:00 pm) to support setup, student programming, and breakdown. If you have limited availability, please email us so we can see if there is a role that fits.

Yes. Volunteers will receive a run-of-show and role description the week before the event, including a recording and slide deck.  There will be a short on-site briefing the morning of the event.

There is no fee to volunteer with blendVET. Volunteers are responsible for their own VMX conference registration, travel, and lodging. If you are only attending to support the pathway event, contact us about a day badge.

The student and parent program runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The rooms are Ballroom I-J-K and L-M-N.  We ask volunteers to arrive at 7:30 am to help with final setup and student registration and stay until 5pm to help break down the event.

Comfort is key! Volunteers can expect to move throughout the day and therefore, are encouraged to wear business casual pants or scrubs. We’ll provide a blendVET® event t-shirt upon check-in to wear during the day. Closed-toe shoes are a must (there will be live animals and sharps).  

There are a few primary roles volunteers may serve during the event. All volunteers serve as mentors to young people interested in the veterinary industry. 

The most common role, especially for clinical professionals, is our VET immersion station instructors. Based on your prior experience and the event's needs, clinical veterinary volunteers are assigned to a substation to teach students throughout the day on their specific topic. These volunteers are provided with all the supplies needed for their substation and can customize their teaching style to suit the needs of the volunteers and students. 

Another role volunteers, especially non-clinical volunteers, serve is as Team Captain and “floater.” Team Captains lead their assigned group of students from one VET station to the next and can experience all stations alongside the same group. This is an excellent role for volunteers with a natural ability to build a team bond. 

Finally, we have a floater role, which is great for anyone willing to support wherever needed. Floaters may be asked to monitor various VET stations and locate blendVET team members when supplies need to be refilled. They may also be asked to support the blendVET team in distributing items/food throughout the day. Floaters are very flexible and happy to pitch in and help anyone who needs it throughout the event.

This program is being held during the Veterinary Meeting and Expo (VMX) 2026 conference.  All volunteers must be registered to attend the conference and wear their conference badge. If there is a volunteer who is only attending the Believe and Belong in Veterinary Medicine Program, please alert the blendVET team so we can arrange a day badge. 

Yes! Lunch, snacks, and beverages are included. blendVET Volunteers will be allowed to get breakfast and lunch in the Speaker Lounge that will be located in the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

Absolutely. Just list any dietary or supply-related allergies (like latex) when registering. 

Absolutely, please mark down any allergies you have, and we will accommodate your station or position responsibilities accordingly.   

Follow this link. You’ll get a confirmation email and any necessary forms right after.

Please email us at pathwaydevelopment@blend.vet if you can’t attend.