Staying updated with the latest in veterinary medicine is crucial for professionals looking to enhance their knowledge, network, and contribute to the welfare of animals.
The UK hosts a range of veterinary events each year, including trade shows, conferences and meetups, all designed to get the veterinary industry talking to each other, discovering new services and working together on common issues the industry faces. Many of these events count towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, meaning they can also help meet the compulsory hours required for all RCVS vets and vet nurses.
Here’s our roundup of the top 10 veterinary events across the UK, offering opportunities for learning, networking, and professional development. The list below is for the top events taking place in 2024, ordered by date.
1. SPVS Annual Veterinary Conference & Exhibition
- When: 25-27 January 2024
- Where: The Hilton Hotel Birmingham
- About: Jointly organised by the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Management Group, this event delves into the business aspects of veterinary practice. The congress covers management, leadership, financial planning, and client relations.
- Why Attend: Ideal for practice managers and owners, this congress provides tools and insights to enhance the operational and financial success of veterinary practices. There are a number of talks and workshops that count towards non-clinical veterinary CPD.
- More info: Website
2. National Equine Forum
- When: 7th March 2024
- Where: Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), London
- About: This annual event focuses on the latest issues and advancements in equine health, welfare, and management. It attracts a diverse audience, including vets, equine professionals, and industry leaders, to discuss and debate key topics affecting the equine sector.
- Why Attend: For those involved in equine medicine, it’s a crucial platform for staying informed about the latest research, policy changes, and best practices in equine care.
- More info: Website
3. BSAVA Congress
- When: 21-23 March 2024
- Where: Manchester Central (Exhibition and Conference Centre)
- About: This four-day event organised by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association is one of the most comprehensive small animal veterinary conferences in Europe. Taking place in Manchester, it offers an extensive range of scientific sessions, practical workshops, and an industry-leading exhibition.
- Why Attend: The congress is perfect for those looking to deepen their knowledge of small animal medicine, with sessions led by world-renowned speakers and ample opportunities for hands-on learning.
- More info: Website
4. AVSPNI Spring Conference
- When: 12 April 2024
- Where: Crown Plaza Belfast
- About: This conference by the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practising in Northern Ireland includes a mix of clinical sessions, workshops, and a trade exhibition, covering a broad spectrum of veterinary medicine topics. There is a Spring and Autumn version of this conference taking place every year.
- Why Attend: The event is a prime networking opportunity for vets in Northern Ireland, offering localised insights and updates on veterinary practices and challenges.
- More info: Website
5. The Titanic Vet Show
- Where: Titanic Belfast
- When: 24-25 May 2024
- About: This event is a communications & wellbeing conference, as well as a fundraiser for mental health in the industry. There will be several non-clinical talks from top veterinary professionals on how to support your mental health and develop strategies to help you connect, thrive, and cope with the stresses of working in the veterinary industry.
- Why Attend: Ideal for anyone in the veterinary industry looking to improve their mental health or understand strategies for managing communication and wellbeing within their teams. All talks count towards veterinary CPD hours.
- More info: Website
6. BVA Live
- When: 6-7 June 2024
- Where: NEC Birmingham
- About: Organised by the British Veterinary Association and the organisers of the London Vet Show, this veterinary CPD event offers a range of workshops and networking events to help veterinarians in the industry. Through expert lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, vets can advance their clinical knowledge and understanding of common challenges in the industry.
- Why Attend: The show is an invaluable resource for those looking to increase their knowledge, a real one-stop shop to hear from some of the top veterinary experts in various fields.
- More info: Website
7. Vet Dynamics Conference
- When: 19-21 September 2024
- Where: Radisson Hotel, London Heathrow
- About: This conference is for independent vet practice owners to get connect and support each other, with over 200 vet practice in attendance. There are a number of expert CPD talks aimed towards enhancing the knowledge of this sector.
- Why Attend: The show is a ideal for any independent vet practice owner looking to grow their practice, discuss challenges they face and find new resources and tools for their business.
- More info: Website
8. BVNA Congress
- When: 11-13 October 2024
- Where: Telford International Centre
- About: The British Veterinary Nursing Association Congress is dedicated to the professional development of veterinary nurses, featuring a variety of clinical and non-clinical sessions, interactive workshops, and a vibrant trade exhibition.
- Why Attend: Veterinary nurses can gain valuable knowledge and skills to advance their careers, with a focus on both medical and soft skills, such as client communication and team management.
- More info: Website
9. BCVA Congress
- When: 17-19 October 2024
- Where: Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales
- About: The British Cattle Veterinary Association Congress is specifically tailored for professionals interested in bovine health. The event spans several days, featuring in-depth sessions on cattle medicine, surgery, and husbandry, alongside social events and an industry exhibition.
- Why Attend: It’s an essential event for veterinary practitioners in the cattle field, offering updates on the latest research, treatments, and technology in bovine care.
- More info: Website
10. London Vet Show
- When: 14-15 November 2024
- Where: The EXCEL Exhibition Centre, London
- About: The London Vet Show is one of the largest vet industry events in Europe. The show brings together veterinary professionals from across the globe for two days of intensive learning and networking. Featuring leading educators and researchers, the event covers the latest in clinical practice, technology, and veterinary trends.
- Why Attend: It’s an opportunity to earn CPD points through a variety of lectures and hands-on workshops, covering topics from internal medicine and surgery to practice management and beyond.
- More info: Website
Why Should You Attend a Vet Event This Year?
These vet events provide invaluable opportunities to stay abreast of the latest advancements, meet leading experts in the field, and connect with peers.
Remember, while learning and development are at the heart of these events, they also offer a chance to celebrate the passion and dedication that drive the veterinary profession.
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