The AAV Annual Conference is known for world-class scientific sessions — but for many attendees, the hands-on workshops are the highlight of the week. These are small-group, instructor-led experiences designed to build practical skills you can take directly back to your patients.

This year's lineup covers seven topics across surgery, diagnostics, orthopedics, and more. Whether you're looking to sharpen a specific technique or explore a new area of practice, there's a workshop for you.

This year, we are adding some new and exciting material to the hands-on workshop, Surgical Procedures of the Beak and Skull!
New, groundbreaking material on the development and application of synthetic prosthetics will be presented, led by Dr. Roberto Fecchio along with Dr. Brian Speer and Dr. Scott Echols. Participants will have one psittacine cadaver head and one non-psittacine head to work with and will be able to apply pre-printed prosthetics during the lab. (see more details below)

These workshops fill up fast. Enrollment is limited by design to keep sessions hands-on and instructor-focused. If a workshop is on your list, don't wait — register for the conference and secure your seat now.

These popular workshops typically sell out. Register early to secure your seat!

Surgical Procedures of the Beak and Skull
Includes new content this year presented for the first time ever!
Gain a solid grounding in psittacine skull anatomy, cranial kinesis, and beak biomechanics before moving into hands-on cadaver work. Procedures include corrective beak shaping, a range of soft tissue surgical techniques, and the application of 3D-printed synthetic beak prosthetics — including a live demonstration of CT-based prosthetic design and printing.

Practical Ultrasound of the Chicken Coelom 
Full-immersion ultrasound training focused on the chicken coelom, covering evaluation of the heart, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tract in both healthy and diseased states. Participants will leave with the hands-on confidence to apply ultrasound as a powerful diagnostic tool beyond what radiographic imaging alone can achieve. 

Advanced Raptor Procedures
Focused on procedures frequently used in raptor and wildlife rehabilitation medicine but rarely encountered in companion avian practice. Using raptor cadavers, participants will practice ocular evisceration in owls, feather imping and repair techniques, and bandaging and splinting. Discussion covers fractures amenable to external coaptation.

Essential Skills for the Avian Practitioner
Part of AAV's Avian Veterinary Clinical Competency Program, this workshop is designed for veterinarians, techs, and students newer to avian practice. Non-invasive techniques are practiced on live birds; more advanced techniques on cadavers. Skills covered include handling, physical examination, injections, venipuncture, gavage feeding, radiographic positioning, endotracheal and air sac tube placement, and basic splinting.

Avian Orthopedics
Using raptor cadavers, participants learn and practice orthopedic surgical techniques with a focus on the hybrid fixator — the external skeletal fixator intramedullary pin tie-in — for repair of the avian humerus and tibiotarsus. The workshop also introduces IM pins, external skeletal fixators, and surgical approaches to long bones.

Surgery of the Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal System, and Reproductive Tract
A fully immersive soft tissue surgery experience using chicken cadavers, with magnification and microsurgical instruments provided. Procedures span the upper and lower respiratory tract, celiotomy, and an extensive range of reproductive and gastrointestinal surgeries — from sinusotomy and tracheotomy to salpingohysterectomy, ingluviotomy, and intestinal resection and anastomosis.

Wild Avian Disease Investigation: Submission, Postmortem, and Reporting
Full-day offsite workshop — 7:15 AM–4:15 PM.
Hosted at the A.E. Wood State Fish Hatchery south of Austin, this unique field experience covers the complete workflow of wild bird mortality response: carcass submission and environmental sampling, postmortem examination with documentation and sample collection, and result reporting, diagnostics, emergency planning, and agency collaboration. Approximately 2.5 hours are dedicated to hands-on postmortem of diverse native wild avifauna, with species assigned based on each participant's practice region. Skills are directly applicable to captive birds and zoological specimens as well. 

Click below to view full program information.

Students and technicians:  Click here for opportunities to volunteer as lab assistants and get paid!

We are pleased to invite you to join us in Phoenix, Arizona for the 46th Annual AAV Conference & Expo from Friday, October 3 through Monday, October 6, 2025. This event will attract hundreds of veterinary professionals for quality learning and networking opportunities. 

This year’s conference is more than just an event—it’s our way of saying thank you! We appreciate all you do to support our mission and want to help you continue the great things you do for birds everywhere. This year you'll experience more value with hosted food functions and lower cost to attend!

Five Hands-on Workshops

These popular workshops typically sell out. Register early to secure your seat!

Students and technicians:  Click here for opportunities to volunteer as lab assistants and get paid!

Click below to view workshop descriptions.

Three Concurrent Tracks of Cutting Edge Scientific Sessions and In-depth Masterclasses!

Click below to view the preliminary agenda.

There are two ways to reserve your room at our host hotel, the Gila River Resort and Casino, at Wild Horse Pass. Attendees are eligible for our discounted group room rate of $209.00 per night, plus all applicable taxes.

1. Book Your Hotel Room Online by Clicking "Book Now" below.

2. Book directly through the Hotel at: 520-796-4900.

Note: Please reference the AAV 2025 Conference and Expo to receive the discounted group rate.

Need a Roommate? Check out our roommate finder tool here. 

Join us at the Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass - a premier luxury destination located in Chandler, Arizona, just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. As a AAA Four Diamond Awarded resort, it offers a polished blend of modern comfort, vibrant entertainment, and Southwest charm.

The resort features 446 well-appointed rooms and suites equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and in-room safes. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining experiences, from upscale meals at Prime, A Shula’s Steak House to flavorful Asian-American fusion at Ling & Louie’s. A food court and 24-hour café ensure there’s always something to satisfy every craving.

The on-site casino offers nonstop excitement. Or, for those looking to unwind, the resort is conveniently close to the luxurious Aji Spa, two championship golf courses, the Koli Equestrian Center, and the Phoenix Premium Outlets. 

See you in Arizona!

Join us for the 46th Annual AAV Conference & Expo, taking place October 3-6, 2025, at the beautiful Gila River Resort & Casino – Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona, USA! This desert oasis offers a serene backdrop with stunning landscapes and lovely weather, creating an ideal atmosphere for avian veterinarians to gather, learn, and connect. Experience cutting-edge avian veterinary education with the latest advances and insights delivered by the experts! Enjoy world-class amenities, dining, and entertainment while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. We can't wait to soar with you to this breathtaking location for an unforgettable event!

Serene desert gardens, one-of-a-kind museums, award-winning dining and more: Make sure these can't-miss spots are on your Phoenix to-do list. Click  here to learn more about things to do in Phoenix! 

Don't forget to also book your hotel reservations at the event hotel, the Gila River Resort & Casino – Wild Horse Pass. We have a discounted group room rate of $209.00 per night plus all applicable taxes available by booking through one of two methods:

Note: Please reference the AAV 2025 Conference and Expo to receive the group rate.