VECCS is headed to Costa Rica! If you’ve yet to experience one of our Spring Symposiums, get ready for an unforgettable experience! This member-only Symposium seamlessly merges top-tier continuing education with a relaxing vacation experience, making it a must-attend event for veterinary emergency & critical care professionals.
700 Meters West From Bridgestone/Firestone, Heredia, Costa Rica 40703
+506 2298-0000
Experience the warmth and natural beauty of Costa Rica at the Marriott Costa Rica Hacienda Belen. Surrounded by lush tropical landscapes, the resort offers inviting pools, relaxing outdoor spaces, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the flavors and atmosphere of the region. Whether you’re unwinding at the hotel, discovering nearby sights, or spending time with colleagues, it’s a welcoming setting to make the most of your time in Costa Rica.
To Book Your Hotel Room:
Visit the Link in Your Confirmation Email.
Additional Fees
If booking outside the VECCS Room Block: If the room block does not fill by the reservation deadline, an additional fee of $500.00 (USD) will be charged for all attendees NOT STAYING in the VECCS room block. To receive special discounted room rates and inclusions, reservations must be made through the link you are sent after registration. The $500 additional fee (USD) is due to the fact, as with all other conferences, that in order to receive a discounted rate for our registrants and preferred rates for meeting space, we must guarantee a specified number of rooms will be booked at the hotel. If this room block is not filled, VECCS is contractually obligated to pay the hotel the difference and pay additional meeting room charges.
Early-Bird Pricing: $700
* Price Available through 1/7/2027
Standard Pricing: $800
Price on/after 1/8/2027
Early-Bird Pricing: $550
* Price Available through 1/7/2027
Standard Pricing: $650
Price on/after 1/8/2027
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests received on or before January 7th, 2027 will receive an 85% refund.
Any cancellation requests received on or after January 8th, 2027 will not be refunded.
Registrations are non-transferable.
VECCS membership dues are non-refundable.
All cancellations or changes to your registration type must be made in writing to [email protected].
Yes, the Spring Symposium is only open to VECCS members. Memberships must be good through the end of the event. Non-members can join VECCS here. Please wait 10-15 minutes after joining VECCS or renewing membership for the registration system to recognize you.
Click here to login to your membership account, but if you need further assistance, please email [email protected] or call 210-698-5575.
No, there are no virtual sessions for this event.
No, each individual will need to register for the entire conference.
Early-bird pricing is available through January 7, 2027. Standard pricing takes effect on January 8, 2027.
Register by January 7, 2027, to take advantage of early-bird pricing!
Cancellation requests received on or before January 7th, 2027 will receive an 85% refund.
Any cancellation requests received on or after January 8th, 2027 will not be refunded.
Registrations are non-transferable.
VECCS membership dues are non-refundable.
All cancellations or changes to your registration type must be made in writing to [email protected].
Lunch & Learn Cancellation Policy:
A $10 fee will be charged for removing a Lunch & Learn from your registration. The fee does not apply to add a session to your registration. Lunch & Learn registrations cannot be transferred to another registrant. There will be absolutely no refunds starting January 8th, 2027.
No, substitutions are not allowed and registrations are non-transferable.
To modify or change your registration, click on the button “View/Modify Your Registration” located in your Registration Confirmation Email. You will need your confirmation number to log in.
For session changes or refund requests, please email [email protected]. A $10 fee will be charged for removing a Lunch & Learn. The fee does not apply to add a session. Lunch & Learn registrations cannot be transferred to another registrant.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is the closest international airport to the symposium location in Costa Rica.
Transportation is not provided by VECCS, but guests staying at the hotel can use the complimentary airport shuttle. You must reserve in advance by calling (506)22980000.
The hotel booking link is in your Registration Confirmation email. Use the link to book at the discounted rate. The group rate is only available until January 18th, 2027 or until the room block is full. The hotel rooms sell out fast, so book early to secure your room!
If you are staying at the Marriott Costa Rica Hacienda Belen and booked in the VECCS room block, the room rate includes daily Buffet breakfast for the number of registered guests per room at the Hacienda Kitchen Restaurant.
Complimentary self-parking is available for registered hotel guests.
Attendees can earn up to 18 CE credits (RACE Approved).
Session attendance is tracked by submitting the session code word for each session attended. The code word will be displayed at the beginning and end of each session, and a QR code with a form will be provided to submit the code words. CE Certificates will be emailed to you in the weeks following the symposium. Click here for more detailed CE information.
Food is not provided with your registration, except for some light snack breaks between sessions. However, if you booked within the VECCS room block, the room rate includes daily Buffet breakfast for the number of registered guests per room at the Hacienda Kitchen Restaurant. If you purchase the optional Lunch & Learn session, a boxed lunch is included with your purchase. Hor d’oeuvres and drinks are available at the Welcome Happy Hour.
During registration, you will be asked to express any dietary restrictions. This helps VECCS provide the Food & Beverage team with more accurate counts and is used for ordering purposes. Meals are not assigned to your registration. VECCS does our best to provide enough food for different needs.
Wednesday, March 17th: 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Thursday, March 18th: 6:30am – 5:00pm
Friday, March 19th: 11:30am – 5:15pm
Sunday, March 21st: 7:30am – 12:00pm
Thursday, March 18th: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Friday, March 19th: 1:00pm – 5:15pm
Sunday, March 21st: 7:30am – 12:00pm
Don’t forget to check out the exhibit area and get it stamped by all the exhibitors for a chance to win a Free IVECCS 2027 Registration! The passport will be located in your attendee badge. Once completed, it can be dropped in the box located at registration. The drawing will be held at the end of the break on Sunday, March 21st. The winner must be present to win!
No, a valid government-issued photo ID is required to check in and pick up your badge/tickets.
Yes! Your badge is required for admittance into sessions and the Welcome Happy Hour. If lost, your badge can be replaced for a $20 fee. Tickets cannot be replaced.
All attendees have free online access to the proceedings. You will receive login instructions in the weeks prior to the show. Attendees that register after March 15th will receive access after the show. A flash drive of the proceedings is also included with your registration. You have the option to purchase a hard copy proceedings book as an add-on during registration or on-site at the registration desk (while supplies last). Any remaining proceedings books or flash drives after the conference will be available for purchase on the VECCS online store.
Contact VECCS at 210-698-5575 or email us at [email protected].
