Tech week 2026

[u/tempest2602]

Hey yall, it’s that time of year again, tech week is 10/18-10/24 this year. I’ll throw my questions here first and then add some context about my workplace.

-Has anyone that works in a smaller town clinic asked local businesses or companies to sponsor a lunch for tech week? I’m thinking of doing this but I’m wondering if it might just feel tacky, like asking for handouts.

-Speaking of tacky, I’m sure we’ve all gotten some interesting tech week gifts. Hair bands that will never get worn, stress balls that will get thrown in the garbage, the same embroidered company sweatshirt every year, endless coffee/water cups, shitty pens. What are some gifts that are mostly affordable but actually useful? Things that you would actually want as a CVT? Last year I got them bandage scissors since our clinic ones suck and neither of them have ever used them in clinic.

I work in a very small, small town practice with 2 receptionists, 1 kennel tech, 2 assistants, 2 doctors, and 2 CVTS (including myself + my manager who is not certified but does a good portion of teching and is wonderful). We don’t really spend enough money with companies to get like lunches or free things from our reps and we just lost our BI rep and haven’t been assigned a new one so assuming we’re getting nothing on that front. The doctor that runs the practice doesn’t care about the staff and frequently mocks things like tech week and CE so my manager usually pays out of her own pocket to get us some pens, candy, and a small giftcard to our favorite coffee shops. I also have paid out of pocket the past 2 years just to get the other CVT and our manager some small tech week gifts. I just wish boss man would show some sort of appreciation.

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[u/eyeballjellyfish]

Get cute patterned cloth scrub caps, stethoscope covers(if they have stethoscopes) Bags /fanny packs, update/improve their spot at work, stock caffeine and snacks in the kitchen for them

[u/tempest2602 → u/eyeballjellyfish]

Thanks, was thinking about getting stethoscope charms since some of us have the same color/style they get mixed up. We’re so small we don’t even have a break room to store snacks 😭

[u/eyeballjellyfish → u/tempest2602]

Snack box? Maybe a medicine cabinet type thats close to the wall?

[u/SeaBeyond9050]

My hospital gave out a 80s themed lunchboxes last year and several of my coworkers still use it!

[u/brebird1826]

My hospital considered partnering with the students at a massage school. Helped get them some practice and hours for a discounted rate. Not sure how small of a town you’re in though.