General Information
AETA and CETA/ACTE do not affiliate with anyone that conducts telephone or email solicitations for booking hotels and do not recommend that you make hotel reservations with any of those groups.
We’re excited to start looking ahead to the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention! While details are still being finalized, we can promise another year of engaging sessions, industry insights, and opportunities to connect with leaders and peers across the field. Stay tuned for updates on speakers, topics, and the full program as they become available.
UPCOMING DEADLINES: (ALL ARE DUE AT 11:59 P.M. CT)
Why Attend #AETACETA2026?
“AETA does an excellent job with [its] continuing education (CE) offerings.”
“The opportunity to meet all of these important and legendary people was out of this world.”
“[I] met new people and interacted with people I often only see at AETA once a year.”
“The impact of neonatal heat stress on multiple generations, as well as the series about embryo labeling and ABC forms, was very helpful.”
“I appreciate the practical tips that practitioners share[d] on stage and in the hall conversations.”
“[I] have found all Joint [Annual] Conventions to be valuable.”
“My technician enjoyed the student/technician sessions.”
“[The poster sessions were] valuable and [had] applicable research.”
“[Each year has] good meetings with practical take-home information.”
“[I intend to] evaluate our practice as to whether it has a positive work environment, and examine ways to involve staff in more responsibilities associated with the ART services in our practice.”
“[There were] a lot of tips about the lab and field part of reproduction.”
“The IVF [Practitioner Forum Roundtable session] will likely create conversations for us as a company.”
“[I’m taking away] preconference seminar tips, purchases from vendors, and technological advancements.”
“In the ‘Tiny Travelers: Precision in Shipping and Selecting Bovine Oocytes and IVF Embryos’ session, we discussed applicable techniques to take home to improve our protocols and daily practices.”
“I found several [poster sessions] to be very informative.”
What to See and Do in Madison
Nestled between two sparkling lakes, Madison blends Midwestern charm with innovative culture and natural beauty. Discover Wisconsin’s vibrant capital, with its endless opportunities for exploration, during #AETACETA2026.
Cultural Attractions
Located in the heart of downtown Madison and home to #AETACETA2026, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center is where visionary design meets the picturesque lakefront in perfect harmony. You won’t want to miss the 68,000 square-foot Rooftop Garden, which offers a birds-eye view of Madison and Lake Monona.
A five-minute walk from the Monona Terrace is the stunning Wisconsin State Capitol, which is free to visit and offers tours daily at no cost. Or catch a musical, play, or symphony performance at the Overture Center for the Arts!
Outdoors and Recreation
With over 200 miles of scenic biking and hiking trails and more than 260 parks and beaches, there’s an abundance of things to do outdoors in Madison. Madison is also surrounded by five lakes, meaning the water activities are endless!
Food and Drink Experiences
Experience the legendary Dane County Farmers’ Market (the largest producer-only market in the nation), sample craft beers at one of Madison’s 20 breweries, and explore eclectic Williamson “Willy” Street eateries.
Shopping and Local Favorites
Browse independent shops along pedestrian State Street while shopping for Wisconsin-made goods and local cheese. More than 350 shops, galleries, boutiques, eateries, and more make downtown Madison a diverse shopping experience with something for everyone!
America’s Dairyland: Cheese, Curds, and More!
Wisconsin’s capital sits in the heart of America’s Dairyland, where award-winning cheese curds, artisan creameries, and farm-fresh dairy delights make Madison a must-visit destination for cheese lovers and foodies alike.
Celebrate Madison’s dairy heritage with award-winning ice cream from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Babcock Dairy Store, artisan cut-to-order cheeses at Fromagination, and fresh, squeaky cheese curds (try them beer-battered at Lone Girl Brewing!).
Apply for an #AETACETA2026 Scholarship: Your Front-Row Seat for the Future of Embryo Transfer
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE: AUGUST 17, 2026
View the scholarship application
AETA is awarding up to 10 student scholarships—covering travel, hotel, registration, and more—for the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention in Madison, Wisconsin!
SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
- One complimentary meeting registration
- One complimentary registration to a preconference seminar of choice (pending availability)
- One banquet ticket
- One preconference social ticket
- Meals, including breakfasts, lunches, and breaks
- Reimbursement for hotel accommodations for a maximum of three nights at one of the official #AETACETA2026 discounted hotel blocks (reimbursement will be issued after the meeting and submission of the postconvention report)
- Reimbursement for round-trip airfare, or other more economical means of travel, for one after the meeting and submission of the postconvention report
WHO QUALIFIES?
This scholarship is designed for students pursuing a career in embryo transfer or those who are interested in learning more about the industry. If that’s you, don’t miss this opportunity to apply!
Applicants must
- Be current AETA student members at the time of application. Not a current member? AETA student membership is FREE—join or renew today!
- Be currently enrolled in an accredited university or program pursuing a DVM or PhD in reproductive physiology with the goal of pursuing a career in embryo transfer.
- Attend all scientific sessions (including a preconference seminar, the banquet, and the preconference social.
- Submit a postconvention report within 30 days after the meeting (required for travel and hotel reimbursement). This report will be published in the AETA newsletter, A Closer Look. The report must include
- recipients’ initial objectives for attending the meeting,
- how their objectives were met and what was gained from attending, and
- how the knowledge gained at the meeting can be used in their academic work and in the industry.
AETA student membership unlocks eligibility to the AETA Student Scholarship Program, deeply discounted #AETACETA2026 registration, member-exclusive benefits (including convention proceedings and recordings, job postings, and the triannual newsletter, A Closer Look), and more—for FREE!
Join or renew for 2026 today.
Join renew
Three Steps, One Big Opportunity
- Complete the scholarship application in full.
- Submit a 500-word written statement addressing why AETA should send you to the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention (including anticipated benefits of meeting attendance).
- Submit two letters of recommendation from faculty or current AETA members.
Submit everything to aeta@assochq.org by August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.
Hotel Information
AETA and CETA/ACTE do not affiliate with anyone that conducts telephone or email solicitations for booking hotels and do not recommend that you make hotel reservations with any of those groups.
HOTEL RESERVATION DEADLINES
Madison will be busy with multiple events during #AETACETA2026, so don’t wait! Lock in your hotel room early to guarantee the best rates and locations.
Discounted reservations can be made with the following three hotels:
BEST WESTERN PREMIER PARK HOTEL
22 S. Carroll St.
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Six-minute walk to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Reserve your room
Room reservations can also be made by calling the hotel directly at 1+ (608) 285-8000 and referring to the “Joint AETA & CETA Annual Conference 2026” room block while booking.
HILTON MADISON MONONA TERRACE
9 E. Wilson St.
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Two-minute walk to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Reserve your room
Room reservations can also be made by calling the hotel directly at +1 (608) 255-5100 and referring to the “AETA26” group code while booking.
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON MADISON DOWNTOWN
231 S. Pinckney St.
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
Four-minute walk to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center
Reserve your room
Room reservations can also be made by calling the hotel directly at +1 (608) 740-6870 and referring to the “Joint AETA & CETA Annual Conference 2026” group with the code “90S” while booking.
Abstract Submission
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE: AUGUST 7, 2026
PRESENTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 14, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M. CT
GENERAL INFORMATION
Are you an embryo transfer researcher, student, or industry professional? #AETACETA2026 abstract submissions help share your groundbreaking work with a global audience of embryo transfer experts at the AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention.
Access the abstract system
IMPORTANT LINKS
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
We welcome the submission of original research, teaching, and extension abstracts for poster presentations only. Posters should consist of original, completed work that has not been accepted for publication in a journal.
Authors should be aware of patent considerations before submitting abstracts for publication.
Access the abstract system
When you submit your abstract, you will be given a tracking number and password. Make a note of these; they will allow you to revise your submitted abstract at any time before the deadline.
NO-SHOW POLICY
If an abstract is accepted, the presenter must attend the convention.
If a presenter is not registered for the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention by August 14, 2026, the abstract will not be published. It will be removed from the program and will no longer be available for presentation at the meeting.
Presenters who fail to attend and present their paper or poster may be ineligible to present at future AETA events.
ABSTRACT GUIDELINES
- Keystroke limit: 2,300 keystrokes
- What counts? Title, text, keywords, and tables
- What doesn’t count? Author names and affiliations
- Tables allowed: One per abstract (optional)
- Special characters, such as Greek letters and math symbols, are permitted
If your abstract includes a table, the electronic submission form allows the submission of one table per abstract (optional), and the content of the table will count toward the 2,300-keystroke limit. The printed abstract width allows for 70 keystrokes per line, including spaces. Tables should be a maximum of 10 columns and 15 rows; keep this in mind when you are formatting tables. Tables that are too wide cannot be formatted properly.
ABSTRACT REQUIREMENTS
The submitting author is responsible for the content and quality of the abstract. Abstracts are required for all posters to be considered for presentation at the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention.
The AETA Research Committee is responsible for accepting or rejecting abstracts. Criteria include those outlined here and in the Quality Standards for Abstracts document, as well as originality, clarity, and merit. Consolidation of results into one combined abstract is urged whenever possible.
Request for Proposals
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
The Board of Directors of the American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) is pleased to provide an opportunity to secure funding to support practitioner-initiated research projects that focus on advancing the knowledge and efficiency of applied assisted reproductive technologies in livestock species. The association’s goal is to provide some financial support and access to statisticians to help ensure that the data generated by AETA-funded projects is robust under critical evaluation and will be of benefit to the AETA membership at large.
Please disseminate this request for proposals to be considered for 2026 (project start dates between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026). The submission deadline is June 30, 2026 (save the date to your calendar).
ELIGIBILITY
- The project leader must be an AETA member in good standing
- The project must address a contemporary problem in the embryo transfer industry
- The experimental design must be sufficiently robust to withstand critical review
- Results must be reported to AETA in an acceptable format (poster presentation, newsletter, etc.)
- It is strongly encouraged that project leaders include AETA student members on the research team
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
The text of the proposal should be single-spaced, in 11-point font, and no more than four pages in length. It should include the following information:
- Title of the proposal
- Names and addresses of the project leader and other key personnel
- Problem statement and impact on the embryo transfer industry
- Objectives
- Materials and methods (including locations of research)
- Conclusion and intended means of dissemination (e.g., publication, presentation)
A budget sheet should be included with the proposal (not included in the text). The AETA Board of Directors has approved a maximum of US$20,000 available for research funding for 2026.
Any individual research proposal may be funded up to a maximum of US$15,000.
Please consider the following:
- AETA does not pay for any indirect costs (indirect cost recovery, facility and administrative costs, etc.)
- Funds from AETA cannot be used to make capital purchases
- Funds from AETA cannot be used to fund internships or externships, and must only be used for hours spent on the proposed project
- For projects that require cooperation from external entities (e.g., livestock businesses or operations that own the animals on which the work will be conducted), letters of support from those entities should also be included in the proposal packet. These letters of support will not be included in the text of the proposal.
Proposals can be submitted to AETA by email at aeta@assochq.org or by mail to
American Embryo Transfer Association
1800 South Oak St., Ste. 100
Champaign, IL 61820-6974
Proposals received by AETA will be forwarded to the co-chairs of the Research Committee. The Research Committee will then evaluate the proposals and determine whether a project should be funded. Each proposal will be reviewed by at least three reviewers, and may involve reviewers external to AETA. The Research Committee will have 45 days from the submission deadline to conduct a review, and funding status will be announced at the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention.
Registration Information
EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 27, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M. CT (save the date to your calendar!)
MINITUBE USA PRECONFERENCE SEMINAR REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M. CT
STANDARD REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 23, 2026, AT 11:59 P.M. CT
Join colleagues at the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, this September 24 to 26, 2026! Explore cutting-edge research, enhance your practical knowledge, and foster valuable connections at #AETACETA2026, the premier scientific gathering for embryo transfer professionals.
Current AETA members save on registration fees before August 27, 2026—a total savings of $225 for professionals, $325 for technicians, or $675 for students—making your membership almost or entirely free! Join or renew today to save.
Secure your spot by August 27, 2026, to take advantage of early bird pricing, discounted hotel rooms, and priority access to our ticketed events!
Not ready to register yet? Save a deadline reminder to your calendar!
REGISTER ONLINE
Register online through our secure transaction system, and note that all credit card charges will appear on your statement as “ADSA FASS Merchant Services.”
Register
PREFER TO PAY VIA CHECK?
Simply select the “Bill me” option during checkout to receive an invoice with instructions for mailing in your payment.
REGISTRATION OPTIONS
All prices are in US dollars
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Registration options
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Early bird pricing
(on or before August 27)
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Standard pricing (on or before September 23)
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Late pricing, on-site ONLY (September 24 to 26)
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AETA and CETA/ACTE member registration
(excluding students)
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$550
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$575
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$675
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Nonmember registration
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$775
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$800
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$900
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Technician registration
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$450
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$475
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$575
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AETA and CETA/ACTE student member registration
(excluding scholarship recipients)
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$100
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$125
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$200
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Companion registration*
*A la carte options also available!
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$175
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$175
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$175
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TICKETED EVENTS
All prices are in US dollars
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Ticketed events
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Early bird pricing
(on or before August 27)
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Late pricing (on or after August 28)
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Additional lunch tickets (Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 2026)
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$50
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$50
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Golf tournament
(Thursday, September 24, 2026)
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$200
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$200
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Golf clubs for tournament
(Thursday, September 24, 2026)
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$50
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$50
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Preconference social
(Thursday, September 24, 2026)
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$100
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$100
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Awards and networking social
(Friday, September 25, 2026)
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$100
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$200
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AETA recertification session
(AETA certified members only; Thursday, September 24, 2026)
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$0
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$0
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Event
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Member
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Nonmember
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Technician
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Student
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Companion
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Breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday
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Included
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Included
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Included
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Included
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Available for a fee
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Preconference seminars
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Included (pending availability)
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Not available
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Preconference social
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Included
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Golf tournament
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Available for a fee
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Awards and networking social
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Included
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Included
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Included
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Available for a fee
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Included
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NEW THIS YEAR: THREE PRECONFERENCE SEMINARS
Preconference Tour of Reproduction in and Around Madison
Kick off the conference with a behind-the-scenes look at three leading names in embryo transfer on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This full-day session takes attendees to ABS Global, Boviteq, and Trans Ova Genetics, offering a firsthand view of the facilities, technologies, and innovations driving the field. Transportation and lunch are included. More information coming soon!
Minitube USA Preconference Seminar
Join AETA and Minitube USA for an exclusive preconference experience at the Minitube USA headquarters in Verona, Wisconsin, on Thursday, September 24, 2026! Designed for hands-on learning and industry connection, this special event will feature one morning session and one afternoon session, each accommodating up to 40 attendees to ensure a comfortable and interactive experience.
Participants can look forward to practical training and demonstrations focused on embryo transfer techniques, semen quality analysis, and Henryetta, the bovine training model. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills, explore new innovations, or connect with fellow professionals in the industry, this preconference offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from experts in an engaging environment.
Minitube USA is proud to sponsor lunch for both morning and afternoon attendees, offering participants an exclusive opportunity to connect with others outside of their session. Registration for this session closes on September 10, 2026; secure your spot early!
Lodi Veterinary Clinic Preconference Seminar: Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination in Small Ruminants
Held off-site at the Lodi Veterinary Clinic, this preconference seminar on Thursday, September 24, 2026, offers attendees an in-depth look at laparoscopic artificial insemination in small ruminants, combining practical demonstration with expert instruction. More details to follow!
GOLF TOURNAMENT AT TPC WISCONSIN
Join us at this year’s annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, September 24, 2026, hosted at TPC Wisconsin. Transportation, breakfast, lunch, drink tickets, and prizes are included! Rental clubs are available for an additional fee.
NEED TO MAKE CHANGES AFTER REGISTERING?
Updating your registration later is easy:
- Log in to your dashboard
- Go to “Events” and “My event registrations”
- Add special programming or ticketed events
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO MADISON
We have compiled some helpful travel information to make your journey to #AETACETA2026 in Madison, Wisconsin, smooth and stress-free.
Step one: Register online and book your discounted hotel room.
Step two: Plan your travel to Madison. It’s easy to get to this year’s convention by plane, car, or bus!
- Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, Madison is conveniently connected through multiple nearby airports. Check your airport’s terminal guide before you arrive!
- Prefer to drive? Madison is within a day’s drive of several major Midwestern cities, including Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago, Des Moines, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Detroit. Use the Park Smarter app to pay for on-street metered parking or find a nearby garage or lot.
- Leaning toward a bus? Metro Transit, Madison’s public bus transportation, operates a variety of routes, and there are two Greyhound bus stations located throughout the city.
Not sure which travel option is best for you? Map out your options for free before you book.
Step three: Apply for any travel authorizations if you are traveling to #AETACETA2026 from outside the United States.
All international travelers joining us must have a valid travel authorization. Depending on the purpose of your trip to Wisconsin, you can obtain a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Please contact your nearest US embassy or consulate if you have questions or need assistance.
GETTING AROUND MADISON
Taxi and Rideshare Services
Public Bus Transportation
Bikes and Scooters
Explore the #AETACETA2026 Program
We’re excited to announce our tentative program for the upcoming 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention! This year’s program is packed with cutting-edge presentations from industry leaders and hands-on insights designed for practitioners at every level.
- Golf Tournament at TPC Wisconsin
- Preconference Seminar I: Tour of Reproduction In and Around Madison
Learn more about this event!
- Preconference Seminar II: Minitube USA
Learn more about this event!
- Preconference Seminar III: Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination in Small Ruminants at Lodi Veterinary Clinic
Learn more about this event!
- Preconference Social
- Session 1: Management Factors that can Impact Embryo Production
By George Perry, PhD (Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, USA)
This presentation will examine how management decisions can directly impact embryo development, focusing on the timing and type of pre-breeding vaccination, nutritional changes, and transportation stress, and their effects on embryo development and fertility.
- Session 2: Impact of Service Type, Semen Type, and Fetal Sex on Embryo Development and Pregnancy Outcomes in Lactating Dairy Cows
By Megan Lauber, MS (University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA)
This presentation will examine how service type (artificial insemination vs. embryo transfer), semen type (conventional vs. sexed), and fetal sex (male vs. female) affect in vivo embryo development and pregnancy outcomes in dairy cattle, where sexed semen use has grown despite ~80% relative fertility compared to conventional semen, and where sexual dimorphism during preimplantation development persists throughout gestation.
- AETA Certification Session
Chaired by Clay Breiner, DVM (AETA Certification Committee chair; Cross Country Genetics, USA)
- CETA/ACTE Session
By Jennifer Heaton and Sadie Potvin (FASS-ADSA, USA)
This presentation will provide an update from FASS on CETA/ACTE, marking one year since the organization took over management of our association, by highlighting key developments, changes, and progress from the past year.
- Student/Technician Session: Hands-On IVF Embryo Evaluation and Grading
By Jennifer Barfield, PhD (Colorado State University, USA); Lauren M. Bell, MS (Trans Ova Genetics, USA); and Marianna Jahnke, MS (Iowa State University, USA)
This presentation will allow participants to learn about embryo evaluation and grading from each speaker, then apply that knowledge by examining real embryos under microscopes.
- Student/Mentor Lunch
- AETA and CETA/ACTE Joint Lunch
- Session 3: Influence of Dry Matter Intake on Cattle Reproduction
By Roberto Sartori, PhD (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
The presentation will present data from dairy and beef cattle studies demonstrating the negative effects of high dry matter intake on oocyte and embryo quality, as well as on pregnancy and pregnancy loss.
- Session 4: Pregnancy Loss Associated with Embryo Transfer in Dairy and Beef Cattle
By Roberto Sartori, PhD (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
This presentation will review the multiple factors associated with pregnancy loss in dairy and beef cattle embryo transfer programs.
- Session 5: The Bull’s Effect on Bovine IVF—Biological Variability and Its Impact on Efficiency and Profitability
By Paula Rodriguez-Villamil, DVM, MVSc, PhD (Genus ABS, USA)
The presentation will show, using data from 71,263 in vitro bovine embryo production (IVP) sessions and 5,464 bulls, that bull selection is the most impactful variable in IVP—more so than the lab, protocol, or donor—and will cover its effect on fertilization and key performance indicators, strategies to close the fertility gap, the economic cost of low-fertility bulls, and a closed-loop optimization model for more efficient insemination.
- Session 6: Molecular Insights into Bovine Early Embryo Development Following Assisted Reproductive Technologies
By Jingyue (Ellie) Duan, PhD (Cornell University, USA)
This presentation will highlight how functional genomics advances our understanding of bovine embryo development and assisted reproductive technologies, covering ultrafast vitrification, molecular differences among in vivo, in vitro fertilization, and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos, and sex-specific developmental regulation—together offering insights into embryo quality, developmental competence, and reproductive outcomes.
- Social Gathering
- Awards Reception and Entertainment
- The Broken Wagon Ranch House Breakfast
By Glenn Crumpler, MDiv (Cattle for Christ, USA)
Breakfast and beverages will be served in the room. Learn more about this event!
- AETA Business Meeting
- CETA/ACTE Annual General Meeting
- Student/Technician Session: Hands-On Oocyte Evaluation, Grading, and Post-Mortem Collection
By Jennifer Barfield, PhD (Colorado State University, USA); Lauren M. Bell, MS (Trans Ova Genetics, USA); Marianna Jahnke, MS (Iowa State University, USA); Ashley Lansing (Driven Embryo Services, USA); and Kaitlyn Olson (Trans Ova Genetics, USA)
This presentation will allow participants to learn about oocyte evaluation and grading from each speaker, then apply that knowledge by examining real oocytes under microscopes.
- Session 7
More information coming soon!
- Session 8
More information coming soon!
- Session 9
More information coming soon!
- Session 10
More information coming soon!
Stay tuned for the full program. Bookmark this webpage and join the AETA Annual Meetings email list for the latest information!