Reflecting on a triumphant first BVA Live

What a fantastic couple of days we just had at BVA Live! The buzz was tangible, and it was so good to reconnect with colleagues and friends between lectures in the exhibitor hall. We’ve had to postpone the event due to the pandemic, so we’ve been absolutely thrilled to be able to finally host it, at the wonderful venue of the NEC in Birmingham.

Highlights of a special event

BVA Live had a real ‘feel good’ factor, bringing together our incredible veterinary community. I was delighted to see such a fantastic nursing stream of CPD content in the nurses’ theatre in conjunction with BVNA, and practical sessions for nurses including suturing wet-labs, as well as wet-labs aimed at vets too. As well as a wide range of veterinary CPD, we ran a number of BVA ‘hot topic pop-up’ sessions, which were small group, campfire-type discussions led by myself and other BVA Officers past and present, discussing some really contentious and complex issues. These were a delight to be part of and I loved hearing the wide views from our members and the wider profession on challenging topics such as the provision of 24-hour care, the licensing of exotic pets and what would happen if the routine use of parasiticides was banned. 

I also greatly enjoyed the panel sessions, such as how to have a more flexible workforce, how to champion cats in the eyes of the public and policy makers, and how best to tackle the rise in unregulated canine fertility clinics. A particular highlight for me was the ‘Sustainability Showcase’, where delegates were inspired through real life examples of practical, impactful changes in practice to become more sustainable. They also learn how this could help to save not only the environment, but also money, as well as increasing staff and client bonding and positive experiences. The business and careers sessions also empowered members to work on non-clinical skills and explore diverse future possibilities for their careers in the profession we all love. 

Time for networking and socialising

We all need time to relax and socialise and the exhibition and social events did not disappoint. I was so impressed with the trade stands, the quality of the experience as a delegate interacting in the exhibition hall and the fabulous drinks events across various bars at Resort World, a short walk from the NEC, where the free drinks vouchers meant the drinks and conversation were flowing well into the early hours.

Bring on 2023

With more than a thousand veterinary professionals at the event, we’re now focusing on plans for 2023,  building on the success of our inaugural conference. Our profession is facing many challenges right now, but we all know how important it is to take the time to learn, to explore the solutions to these challenges in a collaborative way, and to ensure we take a break too. BVA Live offered all this and more, and I’m thrilled we were able to put on such a great show and look forward to welcoming you all to BVA Live 2023 on 11 and 12 May next year!