Can’t Miss Events

Kick off the conference by reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new faces at our Welcome Reception. This relaxed gathering sets the tone for the days ahead, giving you the chance to build connections, share ideas, and enjoy light refreshments in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The reception is in included in your registration, guest tickets are $30. Sponsored by Chewy Health

Come out and enjoy good food and conversation on Thursday evening. VMAE will make small group dinner reservations as various Lexington restaurants and will send out a sign-up closer to the event so you can select the restaurant you are interested in. Please note, this optional dinner is not included in the conference fee; each participant is responsible for the costs of their dinner.

Please join your colleagues for a relaxed evening at Mane on Main, an elegant 15th-floor venue offering panoramic views of downtown Lexington. It’s the perfect setting to continue your conversations over a memorable dinner. Your meal is included with your registration, guest tickets are $90.

Saturday afternoon, we’ll trade the meeting room for the excitement and tradition of Keeneland Racetrack, one of Lexington’s most iconic destinations. Transportation will be provided as attendees head to Keeneland for lunch and an afternoon of racing from the private Keeneland Room, offering a memorable setting to enjoy the final race day of the fall meet.

The experience will include time to take in the beauty and pageantry of Keeneland, including guided tours of the paddock area where you can get an up-close look at the horses before they head to the track. For those who are interested, a Keeneland representative will also join us to explain the basics of placing a wager, making it easy to follow along and take part in the fun. Races are expected to continue until approximately 6:00 pm, giving attendees plenty of
time to enjoy the atmosphere, connect with colleagues, and experience one of Lexington’s signature traditions.

Dress Code: Keeneland requires business formal attire for this experience. Please click here to review Keeneland’s dress code policy before packing for the conference.

The Keeneland Racetrack Experience is included in your registration fee. The fee for guests is $200 per person and includes lunch, transportation, and the full Keeneland experience.

This activity is supported by a special grant from AVMA Insurance Services

You’re already in the heart of Kentucky, so make the most of your visit with a special Sunday experience arranged exclusively for VMAE attendees. Choose between a private journey through Bourbon Country or a specially coordinated tour of Kentucky’s legendary Thoroughbred farms, with transportation, reservations, and tour details handled for you. These experiences are designed specifically for our group, making it easy to extend your stay, explore more of the region, and enjoy one more uniquely Kentucky experience with other VMAE attendees before heading home.

Kentucky Bourbon Tour
Spend the day exploring Kentucky’s legendary bourbon country with visits to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Woodford Reserve Distillery, and Castle & Key Distillery. The tours will depart around 10:00 am and return at around 5:00 pm. Transportation will be provided by Central Kentucky Tours, giving you a dedicated driver for the day so you can relax and enjoy the scenic journey between each destination.

The estimated cost is $200 per person and includes round-trip transportation, scheduled distillery tours and tasting fees, lunch, and driver gratuities. With the day’s planned expenses included in one price, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the experience.

Kentucky Horse County Tour
Experience the beauty and tradition of Kentucky’s legendary Horse Country on a guided journey through the rolling hills surrounding Lexington. Framed by Kentucky’s beautiful fall colors, the tour will include visits to a selection of local horse farms, including historic Claiborne Farm. Along the way, you’ll learn about the region’s world-renowned Thoroughbred industry and enjoy an up-close look at the horses, people, and history that make this area so special.

The tour is expected to leave the hotel around 10:00 am and return at approximately 5:00 pm. This tour will be approximately $200 and covers the full experience, including transportation throughout the day, farm admission and tour fees, lunch, and driver gratuities. Once aboard, you can leave the driving and logistics behind and simply take in the scenery, stories, and traditions of Kentucky Horse Country.

Early registration is important for both tours so reservations can be secured at each stop and the day’s itinerary can be finalized. Additional timing and lunch details will be shared with registered participants.