- What: Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX).
- When: January 25-29, 2025.
- Where: Orlando, Florida.
- Venue: Orange County Convention Center.
Picture this: you’re at VMX, surrounded by cutting-edge technology, fascinating talks, and maybe a few too many tote bags. Somewhere in the sea of booths is the perfect practice management software for your clinic - if only you knew where to find it.
Researching new practice management software can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially at an event as massive as VMX. But with the right strategy, you can navigate the noise, find the right fit for your practice, and maybe even enjoy the process (yes, really).
This guide will help you approach VMX like a pro, so you can leave Orlando with more than just a suitcase full of swag. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and maybe even the perfect software solution for your business.
1. Define your needs before VMX
Before you set foot in the conference center, take a good, hard look at your practice. What’s working? More importantly, what isn’t?
Maybe your current software doesn’t play nice with diagnostic integrations. Perhaps you can’t access patient records from home. Or maybe your front desk staff is drowning in administrative tasks that could be automated. Whatever the pain points, make a list.
Then, think about your goals. Are you planning to introduce new specialist services? Do you want to open an additional site? Are you focused on improving the client experience? Your practice management software should be more than just a band-aid for today’s problems - it should be a tool that supports your vision for the future.
By defining your needs and goals upfront, you’ll know exactly what to look for when you’re evaluating vendors at VMX.
2. Research exhibitors and plan your schedule
VMX is massive, and it’s easy to get sidetracked by shiny booths and free swag. Don’t let that happen.
Start by reviewing the list of exhibitors online. Identify the practice management software vendors that interest you and note their booth locations (you can catch us with the rest of the IDEXX family at Booth #4600!).
Be realistic about your time. You won’t be able to visit every vendor, attend every session, and network with every colleague. Prioritize the software providers you’re genuinely interested in and build your schedule around those.
3. Prepare questions to ask vendors
Walking up to a booth and saying, “Tell me about your software” is a recipe for vague sales pitches. Go in with specific questions that help you cut to the chase.
Here are some examples to get you started:
Features: Does your system have [insert your must-have feature]?
Integrations: How does it connect with labs, diagnostics, and other tools?
Customization: Can the software adapt to my practice’s unique workflows?
Support: What does onboarding look like? What kind of support is available post-implementation?
Scalability: Can this system grow with my practice?
Cost: What’s the pricing structure, and are there any hidden fees?
Tailor these questions to your practice’s needs, and don’t be afraid to push for specifics. A good vendor will be happy to provide clear, detailed answers.
4. Compare demos and gather insights
At VMX, many vendors offer live demos of their software. This is your chance to see the product in action and decide if it’s as intuitive as they claim.
Pay attention to how the software looks and feels. Is it easy to navigate? Does it seem like something your team could pick up quickly? Ask the demonstrator to walk you through specific workflows - like scheduling an appointment, processing a payment, or tracking inventory.
Take notes, snap photos, or record videos if the vendor allows it. Trust us, after a few demos, it all starts to blur together. These materials will be invaluable when you’re comparing options later.
5. Network with other veterinary professionals
You’re not the only one navigating the labyrinth of software options. Use VMX’s networking opportunities to learn from your peers.
Strike up conversations with other attendees - what software are they using? What do they love about it? What drives them crazy? Their real-world experiences can offer insights that vendors might not mention in their sales pitches.
If there are sessions or panels on practice technology or management trends, consider attending. These discussions often highlight challenges and solutions that might resonate with your practice.
You can find the VMX schedule here.
6. Follow Up After VMX
VMX only lasts a few days, but that doesn’t mean you need to make any snap decisions. The real work begins after the conference ends.
Organize your notes, compare your top choices, and schedule follow-up calls or webinars with the vendors that impressed you most. A second demo in a quieter setting can help you dive deeper into the features and pricing. Check out this blog post for more information on the best questions to ask during a veterinary software demo.
Don’t forget to involve your team in the decision-making process. After all, they’ll be the ones using the software daily. Share your top picks with them, gather their input, and consider setting up team-wide demos so everyone can weigh in.
Want to see ezyVet in action? Book a FREE demo today!
Conclusion
VMX is an unparalleled opportunity to research practice management software, but it’s also a lot to take in. By defining your needs, preparing questions, and staying organized, you can cut through the noise and focus on finding a solution that truly fits your practice.
So, bring your checklist, your questions, and maybe a good pair of walking shoes. And if you’re ready to see how ezyVet can help your practice run more efficiently, drive revenue, and deliver better patient care, visit us at IDEXX Booth #4600!