NEC Birmingham, 6-7 June 2024. The highly successful BVA Live 2024 concluded, attracting 2,025 attendees. The event showcased innovative sessions, engaging debates, and notable exhibitors poised to bolster the veterinary industry. Hosted at the NEC Birmingham, this two-day gathering drew veterinary professionals from all roles across the UK.

In its third year, CloserStill and the British Veterinary Association have reinforced their dedication to creating an event that fosters unity within the veterinary community through the implementation of an educational bursary scheme. This initiative goes beyond offering CPD sessions and networking opportunities, aiming to ignite tangible, positive changes throughout the entire industry. Delegates have reported feeling a strong sense of outreach and support, describing the event as "an honest, open, safe space to discuss the current state of the UK veterinary landscape."

The programme for this year, centred on contextualised care and received high praise. Delegates described it as "relevant, refreshing, and informative," appreciating a packed agenda thoughtfully designed to address current challenges in the veterinary profession. The session “CMA Discussion: Thoughts from the Profession” was highly attended and debated, with an additional live stream provided to accommodate the demand.

Set apart by its many learning features such as the BVA Interactive Zone, providing direct engagement with BVA officers and a platform for veterinary professionals to voice their opinions, alongside additional content covering business and leadership, this event established itself as a top-tier option for CPD.

BVA President, Anna Judson said: “British Veterinary Association President Anna Judson said: “This year’s BVA Live was truly unmissable, the biggest and best yet. With so many challenging issues affecting the profession, from the Competition and Market Authority’s investigation to ongoing retention issues, this was an invaluable opportunity to hear from both the experts and from veterinary professionals on the ground. I was delighted by the overwhelming positive response to the launch of our Great Workplaces by BVA scheme, the robust and respectful discussions in the interactive sessions made me proud to be a member of #TeamVet and the clinical CPD was top-notch as always. It was also fantastic to see so many new faces thanks to our new fully funded educational bursaries.”

Building on the success of the previous year, the event expanded its scope. With an unprecedented number of theatres, the dedicated Equine and Farm Clinical Theatre made its debut, offering enriching content that received positive feedback from veterinarians. The addition of the Referrals and Diagnostics Theatre, featuring specialised content by industry leaders from IDEXX, Peninsula Vet Referrals, and Willows, attracted full-capacity audiences.

Delegates praised the event. Vicky Payne, a vet at Companion Care Vets Eastbourne, called it “an inspiring event in the heart of the UK.” Senior Surgical RVN Simon Goulty expressed his excitement for the future, saying, “I absolutely loved BVA Live 2024! I had such a blast networking and learning and recommend people attend next year! Roll on BVA Live 2025!”

With community at the heart of the event, attendees immersed themselves in the lively ambiance of BVA Live during the Vet Show Summer Social. Starting with the renowned Happy Hour in the exhibition hall, delegates then moved to various venues across the NEC. There, they discussed their newfound knowledge and connected with peers over drinks, enjoying the buzzing atmosphere of a sunny June evening.

With over 120 exhibitors, the bustling exhibition floor was a vibrant hub representing all corners of the industry. Stands were filled with conversations about groundbreaking products and services that support veterinary practices and encompass all roles and professions within the field.

Aidan Gibbs, Event Director of BVA Live added: “This year has been truly exceptional—a palpable shift in energy marked this BVA Live. The community spirit, always a hallmark, soared to unprecedented heights, evident the moment our doors swung open. The introduction of our bursary scheme heightened this atmosphere of positivity and industry support.

I'm proud to note that this year, several new features made the event exceptionally memorable for our attendees and exhibitors. From the debut of the Equine and Farm Clinical Theatre to the insightful Referrals and Diagnostics Theatre, complemented by the addition of 20 new exhibitors, the event showcased a remarkable evolution. Moreover, the captivating debates and discussions heard throughout the show reaffirmed its significance and impact in our industry.

With over 120 exhibitors representing every facet of the industry, it was a comprehensive showcase. Companies that have long been pillars of our industry mingled with newcomers, conversing and covering all aspects of veterinary care, and on a personal, I witnessed some of the most impressive giveaways and stand activities I've ever seen!

Thanks to all of those that made the event so special this year and I look forward to seeing you in June next year!”

For details about BVA Live 2025, scheduled for June 12-13, 2025, visit bvalive.vetshow.com. For information on the London Vet Show, taking place on November 14-15, 2024, visit london.vetshow.com. 

More information on any of CloserStill Media’s Vet Shows can be requested from Jasmin Mathans Senior Marketing Manager, j.mathans@closerstillmedia.com 

ENDS

About CloserStill Media

CloserStill Media- the company behind the London Vet Show, was founded in 2008, CloserStill Media now have more than 70 events in the UK and international markets including the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Singapore, and Hong Kong. We are one of the world’s fastest-growing exhibition businesses, running best of class events in the learning, medical & healthcare, technology, and veterinary sectors. In the last 11 years we have won over 50 major industry awards, including the coveted ‘Best Business Exhibition’ seven times, featured in The Sunday Times 100 Best Places to Work (2018 & 2019) and HSBC International 200 (2018, 2019, 2020), been voted by members of the Association of Exhibition Organisers as the ‘Most Respected Company’ in the exhibition Industry and winners of over 50 major industry awards in the last 10 years, including: Best Business Exhibition (x7), Best Marketing (x8) and Best Sales (x4) Best Launch or Brand Extension (x5).

About BVA

BVA is the largest membership community for the veterinary profession in the UK. We represent the views of over 19,000 vets and vet students on animal health and welfare, and veterinary policy issues to government, parliamentarians, and key influencers in the UK and internationally.

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