SOCIAL EVENTS
Welcome Reception & Scientific Poster Session
Sunday, March 8 • 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM • Crabtree Ballroom, Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Hotel
Kick off the 2026 ACVNU Lower Urinary Tract Symposium with an evening of connection and celebration! Join us for the Welcome Reception & Scientific Poster Showcase, where we’ll honor our scientific poster presenters and toast the start of an exciting week of innovation in veterinary urology. Enjoy lively conversation, delicious refreshments, and bar stations as we gather with colleagues from around the world.
There is no charge for this event but we do ask that you register so that we can plan accordingly.
Sponsored by Contura Vet — combining bioengineering and veterinary expertise to advance the treatment and management of canine urinary incontinence.
The Bladder Ball – Go with the Flow!
Monday, March 9 • 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM • Crabtree Ballroom, Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Hotel
Get ready to let your hair down and go with the flow at the can’t-miss social event of LUTS 2026! Whether you’re rocking a cocktail dress, your comfiest conference casual, or full-on urological flair, The Bladder Ball invites you to show up however you feel best - just come ready to have fun.
We’ll kick off the evening with a delicious dinner and flowing drinks, followed by an all-out dance party featuring none other than DJ KStones (yes, that’s really her name—fate clearly brought her to LUTS!). From throwback hits to crowd-pleasing bangers, her set will get everyone, young and old, on the dance floor.
This is your moment to relax, connect, and celebrate with friends and colleagues. No lectures, no labs—just laughter, music, and memory-making. Make sure to register now!
Puppy Yoga – Stretch, Breathe, Cuddle
Tuesday, March 10 • 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM • Crabtree Ballroom, Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Hotel
Start your day with a smile (and maybe a sloppy kiss or two)! Puppy Yoga offers the perfect blend of gentle movement and joyful chaos, featuring a 30-minute all-levels yoga session surrounded by adorable, adoptable puppies followed by dedicated time before and after class for extra snuggles and photo ops.
Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a total beginner, this session is designed to help you unwind, laugh, and connect with both your breath and your furry companions. It’s the ultimate reminder to stay present and maybe not take yourself too seriously when a pup decides your mat is the perfect place for a nap.
Free to attend, but we ask that you register and kindly encourage donations to the local rescue group providing the puppies for this event. Your generosity supports their incredible work and helps more pups find loving homes.
Kitten Café & Puppy Parlor – Your Daily Dose of Cuteness
Kitten Café: Sunday, March 8 • 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Puppy Parlor: Monday & Tuesday, March 9–10 • 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Capital/Braise Room, Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Hotel
Missing your furry friends back home? Don’t worry we’ve got the purr-fect remedy!
Take a break from sessions and recharge in the Kitten Café (Sunday) or Puppy Parlor (Monday & Tuesday), a cozy lounge where you can relax, unwind, and cuddle with adoptable animals provided by local rescue groups. Whether it’s a curious kitten on your lap or a playful pup at your feet, these snuggle stops are guaranteed to lift your spirits and melt your heart.
Beyond being a favorite highlight at veterinary conferences, these lounges are a meaningful way to promote rescue and adoption awareness. While there’s no charge to visit, we encourage attendees to show their support by making a donation to the rescue organization caring for these lovable companions.
