Strong veterinary associations play a vital role in supporting the veterinary profession, representing their members and advancing animal health and welfare. Building and sustaining these organisations requires effective leadership, strong governance and opportunities to learn from the experiences of others.
These themes were central to the Veterinary Medical Association Executives (VMAE) Fall Conference, held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, from 22–24 October 2026. Representing the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), President-Elect Oscar Umaña attended the conference to exchange perspectives with veterinary association executives, strengthen relationships, and explore opportunities to support association development globally.
Learning through collaboration
The conference provided an opportunity to gain insight into the challenges, priorities and experiences of veterinary association executives in the United States, while raising awareness of WSAVA’s international network and its work supporting member associations globally.
Conversations throughout the event highlighted the value of connecting experienced association leaders with organisations seeking to strengthen their structures, develop leadership capabilities and build long-term sustainability.
For WSAVA, these connections offer opportunities to encourage knowledge-sharing and explore how expertise in association management can contribute to stronger veterinary organisations across different regions and contexts.
Building connections for the future
The conference provided an opportunity to gain insight into the challenges, priorities and experiences of veterinary association executives in the United States, while raising awareness of WSAVA’s international network and its work supporting member associations globally.
As veterinary associations grow and their responsibilities become increasingly complex, effective leadership requires a broader understanding of organisational needs, stakeholder relationships and long-term sustainability. Engaging with colleagues across the association sector helps WSAVA better understand these challenges and identify opportunities to support its members in strengthening their organisational capacity.
Reflecting on the experience, WSAVA President-Elect Oscar Umaña Moncada highlighted the value of exchanging experiences and perspectives with fellow association professionals.
Boards create the greatest value when they focus on strategy, not operations. This requires strong professional management to handle day-to-day operations and support the board in providing effective governance and long-term direction.
These connections also create opportunities for continued dialogue and potential collaboration, supporting WSAVA’s commitment to helping member associations navigate an increasingly complex professional environment.
Investing in sustainable associations
The conference reinforced the value of WSAVA’s continued engagement with veterinary association leaders and the potential to develop stronger links with organisations such as VMAE.
Future opportunities could include collaboration on association development and capacity building, helping member associations access relevant expertise and strengthen their organisational foundations.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of continuing to explore how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, may shape the veterinary profession and the work of its associations.
Ultimately, sustainable associations depend not only on their structures and resources, but also on the people who lead them, the knowledge they share and the relationships they build.
By creating opportunities for collaboration and leadership development, WSAVA can continue to support its member associations in building the capacity needed to serve their veterinary communities effectively.
Through international engagement, shared learning and strategic partnerships, WSAVA continues to explore ways to strengthen veterinary associations and support a more connected global veterinary community.
To find out more about VMAE, visit their website at https://vmae.org