The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced plans to launch a major new conference and exhibition for the veterinary profession.
BVA Live, the first BVA stand-alone conference for eight years, will debut at the NEC, Birmingham on June 24-25, 2021.
The event will cater for 1,500 veterinary professionals and provide high-value, low-cost, practical clinical and non-clinical CPD, big issue debates, and showcase key veterinary suppliers and vendors in the exhibition in a vibrant central location.
BVA Live will complement the London Vet Show, which runs in the autumn, where the BVA will continue to host its annual congress, gala dinner and a range of clinical and non-clinical CPD.
BVA president Daniella Dos Santos said: “I’m delighted to announce the launch of BVA Live. It’s an opportunity for BVA to return to hosting our own standalone conference for the first time since BVA Congress became part of the London Vet Show in 2013.
The new conference will enable the veterinary community to come together, outside of London, to develop and thrive through a programme of excellent CPD, delivered by world-class speakers.
“For me, the most important element of BVA Live is bringing the veterinary profession together to tackle the big issues we face and providing an opportunity to engage with BVA Officers, volunteers and staff in one central venue.
“By hosting the conference at the NEC, Birmingham, with its excellent direct road, rail and air links it means that we can provide a greater regional offering to the veterinary profession.
“Covid-19 has kept us all away from our usual networking events and we’re well aware that this will be at the forefront of people’s minds.
“You can be sure that as part of our planning for BVA Live we will continually adhere to all government requirements and make sure the most rigorous safety measures will be in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, speakers and exhibitors.”
The clinical streams will highlight critical and timely topics faced in everyday veterinary practice with an emphasis on highly practical, instantly applicable outcomes. The line-up includes Tobias Grave, Carolyne Crowe, Sarah Caney and Paul Horwood among the list of speakers.
Commenting on the launch, Paul Horwood, managing director of Westpoint Veterinary Group, the largest farm animal Veterinary group in the UK, said: “I’m excited to be speaking at BVA Live 2021.
“After a tough 2020, it will be great to get the community together to discuss, network, and learn in person. With excellent clinical and non-clinical CPD sessions, it should have something for everyone.”
Rob Chapman, managing director of CloserStill’s veterinary portfolio, said: “In 2020, vets have had to face challenges like never before.
“By launching BVA Live now, we are planning for a post-Covid time in June 2021 when we will be able to come together in person to look at the way forward for the veterinary profession and share together our vision for the future.”
