2026 CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention

Wednesday, September 23

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

AETA Board of Directors Meeting

8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

CETA/ACTE Certification Exam

11:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

CETA/ACTE Board of Directors Meeting

Thursday, September 24

6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Registration Open

6:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Golf Tournament at TPC Wisconsin (additional registration required)

Transportation, breakfast, lunch, drink tickets, and prizes included! Rental clubs available for an additional fee.
Sponsored by Partnar Animal Health

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Preconference Tour of Reproduction in and Around Madison (additional registration required)

Transportation and lunch are included.

Tentative schedule:

• 7:00 a.m.: Board bus at Embassy Suites by Hilton Madison Downtown
• 7:30 a.m.: Bus departs for ABS Global (Rio, WI)
• 8:15–10:45 a.m.: Tour of ABS Global
  • A tour of the ABS Global Leeds Facility gives participants a practical look at how large-scale bovine semen production is managed through strong animal care, biosecurity, employee safety, reproductive technology, and sustainability practices. The visit connects veterinary principles with real-world production systems that support domestic and international markets.
• 10:45 a.m.: Bus departs ABS Global for lunch
• 11:00 a.m.: Lunch at the Sassy Cow Creamery (Columbus, WI)
• 12:00 p.m.: Bus departs for Trans Ova Genetics (Madison, WI)
• 12:30–2:00 p.m.: Tour of Trans Ova Genetics
  • Join Trans Ova Genetics for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Madison Advancement Center (MAC), one of the industry's premier embryo production facilities. Attendees will rotate through three interactive sessions featuring:
    • MAC History, Production Data & Embryo Performance: Explore the growth of MAC and the metrics driving reproductive success.
    • Laboratory Tour: Experience the embryo production process from oocyte handling through cryopreservation.
    • Fertilization Demonstration: Observe key laboratory techniques and protocols used to support embryo development.
  • This unique tour offers veterinarians and reproductive professionals practical insights into the science, technology, and expertise behind modern embryo production.
• 2:00 p.m.: Bus departs for Boviteq (Madison, WI)
• 2:30–4:30 p.m.: Boviteq Laboratory Tour: A Practical Overview of Bovine IVF for Veterinary Professionals
  • Join the Boviteq team for an interactive educational tour offering veterinarians a practical understanding of modern bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF). Participants will explore oocyte quality, bull selection, embryo production, and cryopreservation, learning the biological principles that drive success at each stage and the current applications of IVF in beef and dairy operations. Attendees will also review examples of oocyte and embryo quality and discuss factors affecting donor and bull performance, gaining practical, science-based insights to guide client conversations and reproductive management decisions.
• 4:30 p.m.: Bus departs for Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 5:00 p.m.: Arrive at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

Estimated RACE approval: 8 CE hours

7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Lodi Veterinary Care Clinic Preconference Wet Lab: Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAP AI) in Small Ruminants (additional registration required)

Speakers: Abigail (Abby) Collison, DVM (Collison Embryo Services, USA); Tim Collison, DVM (Collison Embryo Services, USA); Marianna Jahnke, MS (Iowa State University, USA); Caitlin Messerschmidt, DVM (Wild Meadow Veterinary Service, USA); and Clem Neely, DVM (SEK Genetics, USA)

Transportation and lunch are included.

Tentative schedule:

• 7:00 a.m.: Board bus at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 7:30 a.m.: Bus departs for Lodi Veterinary Care Clinic (Lodi, WI)
• 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Lecture and lab prep work
• 12:00–1:00 p.m.: Lunch
• 1:00–4:30 p.m.: Wet lab with live animals
• 4:30 p.m.: Bus departs for Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 5:00 p.m.: Arrive at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

Estimated RACE approval: 8 CE hours

7:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m.
OR
11:15 a.m.–5:45 p.m.

Minitube USA Preconference Seminar (additional registration required)

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. Transportation will also be provided.

Tentative morning schedule:

• 7:15 a.m.: Board bus at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 7:45 a.m.: Bus departs for Minitube USA (Verona, WI)
• 8:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Morning session
• 12:15–1:15 p.m.: Lunch for both sessions
• 1:15 p.m.: Bus departs for Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 1:45 p.m.: Arrive at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

Tentative afternoon schedule:

• 11:15 a.m.: Board bus at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 11:45 a.m.: Bus departs for Minitube USA (Verona, WI)
• 12:15–1:15 p.m.: Lunch for both sessions
• 1:15–5:15 p.m.: Afternoon session
• 5:15 p.m.: Bus departs for Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
• 5:45 p.m.: Arrive at Hilton Madison Monona Terrace

Estimated RACE approval: 6.5 CE hours each session

8:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

 AETA Certification Committee Meeting

8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

 CETA/ACTE Certification Exam Review (for initial certification)

9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

AETA Recertification Session 1 (additional registration required)

Participants are required to bring physical pictures of straw, goblet, and cane labels as well as a cane tap/top and an ABC form.

Recertification Sessions 1 and 2 will cover the same content; attendees need only attend one session. Recertification Session 1 is scheduled to accommodate participants who wish to attend the Minitube USA Preconference Seminar from 11:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Exhibitor and Poster Setup

2:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.

AETA Recertification Session 2 (additional registration required)

Participants are required to bring physical pictures of straw, goblet, and cane labels as well as a cane tap/top and an ABC form.

Recertification Sessions 1 and 2 will cover the same content; attendees need only attend one session. Recertification Session 2 is scheduled to accommodate participants who wish to attend the Minitube USA Preconference Seminar from 7:15 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Preconference Social: “Taste of Wisconsin”

(additional registration required)

Sponsored by Vetoquinol

Join us for an evening of ice-cold beer, sizzling brats, and squeaky-fresh cheese curds—all the flavors that make the Badger State famous. Attendees can design their own custom hat to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir from the night. This event will take place on-site at the Monona Terrace William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens.

Friday, September 25 (audiovisual sponsored by Boviteq)

6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Registration Open

6:30 a.m.–7:30 a.m.

AETA Past Presidents and Board Breakfast

6:45 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Exhibits and Poster Session Open

6:45 a.m.–7:45 a.m.

Breakfast

Sponsored by MAI and PETS

7:45 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

Welcome and Exhibitor/Sponsor Recognition

8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.

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 affect 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.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

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.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

10:00 a.m.–10:45 a.m.

Break and Poster Session: Visit with the exhibitors and sponsors!

Sponsored by MAI and PETS

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

AETA Certification Session

Chaired by Dr. Clay Breiner (AETA Certification Committee chair; Cross Country Genetics, USA)

This session is required for AETA-certified individuals, and all are welcome.

Approved for 1.25 RACE CE hours

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

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.

10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

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 how to properly evaluate and grade IVF embryos, then apply that knowledge by examining real IVF embryos under microscopes.

Approved for 1.25 RACE CE hours

12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Student/Mentor Lunch

All students are welcome to attend!

Lunch and beverages will be available in the meeting room.

12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Sponsored by MAI and PETS

12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.

AETA and CETA/ACTE Joint Lunch

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Session 3: 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)

This 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.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Session 4: The Role Embryo Transfer Plays in Gene Editing in Terrestrial Livestock

By Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD (University of California, Davis, USA)

This presentation will address the essential role of embryo transfer in the production of gene-edited livestock. Gene editing in mammals can be undertaken in cells followed by cloning of that edited cell line, or by introducing editing reagents into developing zygotes. Both approaches are followed by embryo transfer of the developing embryo.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

3:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Break and Poster Session: Visit with the exhibitors and sponsors!

Sponsored by MAI and PETS

3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Session 5: What Role Might Embryonic Stem Cells Play in the Future of Gene-Edited Livestock?

By Alison Van Eenennaam, PhD (University of California, Davis, USA)

This presentation will explore how stem cells from elite embryos could enable multiplex gene editing, followed by cloning to produce animals while avoiding the mosaicism associated with direct embryo editing. Embryonic stem cells are immortal, pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of an early embryo that can differentiate into all cell types.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

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.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Social Hour

Open Bar sponsored by Reproduction Provisions

6:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Awards Reception and Entertainment

Open Bar sponsored by Reproduction Provisions

Saturday, September 26

6:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Registration Open

7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Exhibits and Poster Session Open

7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

The Broken Wagon Ranch House Breakfast (additional registration required)

By Glenn Crumpler, MDiv (Cattle for Christ, USA)

Start the final day of this year’s convention with purpose at the Broken Wagon Ranch House Breakfast—and leave with both a full heart and belly.

Join fellow attendees for a warm breakfast and beverages while supporting a cause that truly matters: The Broken Wagon Ranch House, an organization dedicated to supporting young families who have experienced the devastating loss of a child or the death of a young parent.

Sponsored by MAI and PETS

7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

AETA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs Breakfast

7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Sponsored by Astec Bio

8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

AETA Business Meeting

8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

CETA/ACTE Annual General Meeting

8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

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 teach participants proper oocyte evaluation and grading, followed by hands-on practice examining real oocytes under microscopes. Post-mortem oocyte collection will also be demonstrated, with participants given the opportunity to practice the procedure themselves.

Approved for 1.5 RACE CE hours

9:30 a.m.–10:15 a.m.

Break and Poster Session: Visit with the exhibitors and sponsors!

Sponsored by ABT 360

10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

Session 7: Influence of Dry Matter Intake on Cattle Reproduction

By Roberto Sartori, PhD (University of São Paulo, Brazil)

This 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.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Session 8: 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.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.

Lunch

12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.

AETA New Board Lunch

12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.

CETA/ACTE New Board Lunch

1:15 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Poster and Exhibitor Teardown

1:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m.

Session 9: Perspectives and Advances in Small Ruminant IVF—What Do We Know, and Where Are We At?

By Tad Thompson, DVM (Reproduction Specialty Group Inc., USA)

This presentation will review the literature and current data to answer two plain questions: What do we know about small ruminant IVF, and where does the field really stand today? We will cover published benchmarks, limitations holding the technology back, oocyte competence, sire and donor variability, seasonality, and cryopreservation differences. The session will also present recent datasets of more than 740 IVF procedures and 9,000 oocytes from RSG's sheep and goat program, examining what drives success, where the bottlenecks are, and where small ruminant IVF is headed next.

Approved for 1 RACE CE hour

2:15 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Break

Sponsored by ABT 360

3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Session 10: Practitioner Forum Roundtable—Victories and Pitfalls of Small Ruminant Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination

Moderated by Tad Thompson, DVM (Reproduction Specialty Group Inc., USA)

Panelists: Christopher Rumsey, DVM (Livestock Veterinary Associates, PC, USA) and Rachael Weiss, DVM (Applied Reproductive Concepts, USA)

Stay tuned for additional speaker details; more information coming soon!

Approved for 1.5 RACE CE hours

4:30 p.m.–4:45 p.m.

Closing Remarks

See you in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 21–23, 2027!