BVA President Justine Shotton at BVA Live
BVA Live Takes Its Place As The Must-attend Event Alongside The London Vet Show After More Than 1,000 Veterinary Professionals Attend The Inaugural Edition In Birmingham
2 years ago 
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More than a thousand members of the veterinary profession joined 100 exhibiting companies to enjoy two days of exciting CPD, debates and discussions, exhibits and hands-on sessions at the inaugural BVA Live.
After being postponed for the last couple of years due to the pandemic, BVA Live, a brand-new two-day event held by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and CloserStill Media (CSM), finally took place with great success at NEC Birmingham last Thursday and Friday (23 and 24 June 2022).
Organised to inspire and empower those within the veterinary profession, the event included an impressive exhibition, high quality CPD, big issue debates with experts from within and outside of the veterinary community, and hot topic sessions designed to involve delegates and get them talking about contentious subjects such as exotic pets and brachy breeds. There were also special business and careers sessions to help delegates learn about boosting their CVs, the importance of flexible working and rebuilding veterinary businesses for “health, wealth and happiness”.
The programme also included a clinical nursing stream, supported by the British Veterinary Nursing Association, with sessions held in a dedicated theatre created with veterinary nurses in mind. There were also state-of-the-art practical training sessions and wet labs, which covered topics including ophthalmology, respiratory emergencies, suturing techniques for nurses, arthocentesis and bone fracture repairs.
Delegates also enjoyed a fabulous social event on the first evening, which gave them the opportunity to continue conversations, discussions and debates from earlier in the day, network with other professionals and experts and relax with a drink at several venues around the NEC.
Ray McApline, Brand Ambassador for Greencross pet Wellness Company, said: "We did probably twice as many referrals from yesterday than we did from the duration of any of the other events so far this year! We've spoken to a lot of people and the turnout and footfalls were very good.”
Attendee John Willdig, Veterinary Surgeon for Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre, said: “Just a great experience and place to get your CPD while networking and enjoying yourself.”
In addition, Alexandra Dobson, a vet at Medivet, said: “To get a day out for a live event is a luxury. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s just like the London Vet Show here, except in the summer which is perfect timing.”
BVA President Justine Shotton said: “After being postponed for two years, it has certainly been worth the wait for BVA Live. It has been a huge success! It was wonderful to see so many people from across the veterinary community under one roof and to have the opportunity to meet with and hear from such a wide range of experts about so many fascinating topics.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the feedback we have had so far and delighted to hear so many veterinary professionals have been inspired and have learnt so much from this event. We are already looking forward to next year and cannot wait to build on the success of this first, incredible event.”
Rob Chapman, MD of CloserStill Media’s Vet Shows, added: “It was an incredible couple of days. Inaugural events often hold a special energy, and this was no exception. From the moment the first exhibitors came through the doors for set up, there was a sense of the excitement but also really nice, relaxed air to everyone’s approach. Obviously it was even better when the vets and nurses arrived at the start of the show!
“The feedback that I received throughout was brilliant – people loved the lecture programme put on by the BVA, really enjoyed the hands-on sessions from Central CPD and the interactions in the exhibition hall and at the Vet Show Summer Social seemed to add to everyone’s experience. Can’t wait for London Vet Show in November!”
For information about BVA Live 2023, which will run on the 11 - 12 May 2023, visit www.bvalive.vetshow.com.
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