Attendance at BVA Live increases by 20% in second year
BVA Live 2023, held by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and CloserStill Media (CSM), saw a 20 per cent growth in attendees in its second year, attracting 1,324 attendees to the two-day event, despite last-minute rail strikes.
The event, which brings the veterinary community together for unparalleled learning opportunities, took place at NEC Birmingham between 11 -12 May. It offered delegates access to a range of inspirational, topical, and cutting-edge practical content alongside an innovative exhibition.
The event provided 360-degree learning; an impressive clinical programme offered stimulating sessions designed to share clinical advances and insight. Practical 'wet lab' sessions that enabled delegates to hone their surgical techniques and build experience, were extremely popular; while the business, careers and debates theatre, equipped delegates with the skills to develop, grow and feel empowered.
The show also provided space for a range of thought-provoking discussions. The popular BVA Interactive Zone offered friendly and inclusive sessions, with crowds around the ethical dilemmas and contentious issues sessions spilling into the aisles.
Back with a bang for 2023
Malcolm Morley, BVA President summarised this year’s event: “BVA Live was back with a bang for 2023, building on last year’s success and confirming its place in the veterinary calendar. It was fantastic to see so many people from Team Vet coming together in Birmingham to take inspiration from meeting up, hearing great speakers and tapping into the high-quality CPD.
“The challenging hot-topic debates were a particular success with many delegates joining in with the discussion. This year’s BVA Live reminded me why I'm so proud of our profession—it's all about passionate people, bringing about change and delivering the very best for the animals in their care. I know that next year’s event will be even better, and I can’t wait to see you all there.”
As well as hosting clinical, political and careers content, the show floor proudly welcomed Affinity Futures’ brand-new workshop, “Active Allyship Cards Against Inclusivity”. Amazing conversations and experiences were shared, encouraging people to stand up to discrimination and start the movement for change within their own workplaces.
Attendee Alyssa Mages BS Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of Empowering Veterinary Teams said: “It’s very welcoming and educational. The (other) reason I was so excited to come is many of us forget there are always other things to learn, I’m looking forward to being able to bring that from here back home.”
Vet Spring Social
Energised delegates soaked up the BVA Live atmosphere at the Vet Spring Social, starting at the infamous vet show’s Happy Hour before moving on to several venues across the NEC. Delegates got the opportunity to digest what they had learned and network with fellow professionals over complimentary drinks.
The exhibition
The vibrant show floor was filled with over 100 exhibitors offering a wide range of pioneering products and services from dental and surgical equipment and cutting-edge software, diagnostics, and technology, through to supportive recruitment and charity stands.
Matt Burton, Marketing Director at Burtons said: “BVA Live is a great opportunity to get into one room with everybody in the industry and it’s nice to catch up with all our potential. This time around, it's given us the chance to debut our new product, which has been very well received by everyone here at BVA Live.”
John Crook the Biomedical Technical Manager at Woodley added: “We’ve had some good quality leads, sold equipment off the stands, and met a lot of customers that we will need to follow up with after the show. What more can you ask for?”
Aidan Gibbs, Event Director of BVA Live remarked about the success of the event: “BVA Live was an amazing two days. It's always so great to get together as an industry and this year really felt special.
“The range of content at the Vet Shows are what makes them so fantastic; the BVA's interactive zone was an amazing success once again, Central CPD's wet labs were an absolute smash hit, and the range of products we have on the trade show floor was amazing. We’re already getting started on next year and look forward to seeing you all there!”
BVA Live 2024 will be back on the 6-7 June 2024. For more information visit bvalive.vetshow.com.
For information on London Vet Show, which will run between 16-17 November 2023, visit london.vetshow.com.