BVA Live 2024

Taking place on 6-7 June 2024 at the NEC Birmingham, BVA Live is the place to be to debate and discuss the professions' biggest challenges and topics, to share your thoughts with the BVA Officers, to make new connections, and to take part in high quality CPD to improve your practical knowledge.

#BVALive

What's on?

Clinical: Learn the latest clinical tips, tricks, and advancements in two small animal clinical streams delivered by world-class veterinary speakers. There will also be a dedicated nursing stream, hosted by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).

NEW this year, we’ve collaborated with several of our specialist divisions to create a brand new large animal stream that will ensure there is relevant and expert CPD for the whole profession, as well as for vets at every stage of their career.

Our sessions have a particular focus on contextualised care intended to recognise animal owners’ values, resources, and dedication, alongside animal welfare, all of which may influence treatment outcomes.

BVA Live 2024 features small and large animal sessions from:

Business, careers and debates stream: Be empowered to grow and thrive in your business and in your career. Our speakers provide practical tips and advice designed to make sure your career is as successful and fruitful as possible.

Debates programme

Thursday 6 June

[10.25] Gut instinct: what’s the influence of the gut microbiome on animal behaviour and wellbeing? Sponsored by Protexin Veterinary

Speakers:
- Fergus Allerton, Internal Medicine Specialist, Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service
- Sarah Heath, Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine, Behavioural Referrals Veterinary Practice
- Jatin Nagpal, Lecturer in Translational Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and iEd Hub - University College Cork - Investigator - APC Microbiome Ireland

[15.15] Would you euthanise a healthy XL Bully? And other challenging questions: ethical decision making and conflict resolution In partnership with In Practice

Speakers:
- Hamish Morrin, Consultant, Vet Values
- Rebecca Swan, Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Practice, University of Surrey
- Rosie Allister, Consulting Manager, Vetlife Helpline

Friday 7 June

[10.45] How sustainable is modern pet ownership?

Speakers:
- Justine Shotton, Head Vet for Wildlife and Exotics, RSPCA - BVA Past President
- Jen Gale, Founder, Sustainable(ish)

[12.00] Does running a successful practice jeopardise our commitment to animal welfare and contextualised care? In association with the Animal Welfare Foundation

Speakers:
- Kate Higgins, Director, Village Vets Formby
- Adam Tjolle, Professor and Chair of General Veterinary Practice, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
- Andrea Jeffery, Programme Development, VetSkill

[14.30] CMA Discussion: thoughts from the profession In partnership with Vet Record

Speakers:
- Malcolm Morley, Senior Vice President, BVA
- Susan Paterson, President, RCVS
- Lyndsay Hughes, President, BVNA
- Pete Orpin, Board Chair, SPVS
- Kate Higgins, Director, Village Vets Formby
- Gudrun Ravetz, Group Chief Medical Officer, IVC Evidensia
Chair:
- David Calpin, Chief Executive, BVA

Interactive Zone: We’ll be back with the fantastic BVA Interactive Zone, where we delve into topical issues with sessions run by the BVA Officer team.

Interactive Zone programme

Thursday 6 June

[10.45] Should owning an animal be seen as a luxury? Attendees will discuss society’s relationship with animal ownership and how veterinary fees are funded, including the role contextualised care plays.
[13.00] What's the future of ‘dangerous dogs’ legislation? An in-depth debate on the ramifications of recent changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act on owners, animals and vet teams and what next for Breed Specific Legislation.
[14.30] A new Veterinary Surgeons Act? Experience this unique magic trick - as performed in Parliament! By Megan Swann, Past President of the Magic Circle & BVA Policy & Public Affairs Manager
[16.30] Can we build workplaces where everyone thrives? Launching at BVA Live, find out how Great Workplaces by BVA, our new workplace accreditation scheme, can help your team thrive.

Friday 7 June

[10.15] Should RCVS Council be appointed or elected? What is a Royal College? What is a regulator? What should governance look like for a 21st century regulator? What does self-regulation actually mean? Join us to find out and bring questions of your own!
[13.15] Should animal ownership be ‘less and better’? We consider whether pet ownership is detrimental to environmental sustainability and what can be done to mitigate this.
[15.35] CMA review - good or bad for the profession? An opportunity to have your say on the impacts of the review, whilst exploring the opportunities for the profession to improve transparency and client care.
[16.30] A new Veterinary Surgeons Act? Experience this unique magic trick - as performed in Parliament! By Megan Swann, Past President of the Magic Circle & BVA Policy & Public Affairs Manager

Access the full programme.

Tickets

The new BVA Live educational bursaries scheme for 2024 will provide fully funded places for a limited number of veterinary professionals, including BVA members, to help widen access to enhanced educational opportunities across the profession. For further details and to book, visit the BVA Live website.

BVA members can claim their bursary by emailing [email protected] today with their membership number. Alternatively, you can call +44 (0) 2476 719 687

FAQs

Is there a member rate for BVA Live 2024?

Yes, all BVA members can now get a 50% discount off the full ticket price for BVA Live 2024.

Improved access to high-quality CPD was a key request from our most recent membership research so we’ve taken action to make this happen for all BVA members in 2024.

Who can get an educational bursary?

BVA has sponsored a limited number of educational bursaries to widen access to CPD opportunities for BVA members further, allowing them to fully waive the ticket price for BVA Live.

Educational bursaries are now available for any qualifying BVA member who needs one, as well as UK veterinary professionals who have previously attended BVA Live, the London Vet Show or are currently seeking financial aid.

What does an educational bursary cover?

Access to all sessions in clinical theatres 1, 2, 3 with small and large animal sessions.
Access to all Business, Careers & Debates theatre sessions including hot topics.
Access to the BVA Interactive Zone with debates led by the BVA Officer team.
Complimentary lunch and refreshments on both days.
Exhibition entry to the show floor with 150 exhibitors.
Summer Social including happy hour and networking across three venues.

How do I request an educational bursary?

BVA members will be contacted by email with details about how to access an educational bursary. Here’s where you can make sure you’re opted in to receive BVA events related emails.

For any other questions about BVA Live educational bursaries, please contact:

> [email protected]

> call CloserStill Media on +44 (0) 2476 719 687

> fill in this form to request an educational bursary code.

Can I pass on my ticket to someone else if I can no longer attend?

Yes, you are entitled to pass on your ticket to someone else as long as this individual also qualifies for an educational bursary. You will need to contact CloserStill Media to arrange this.

> call +44 (0) 2476 719 687

> email [email protected].

Are there any terms and conditions for the educational bursaries?

There are a limited number of fully-funded educational bursaries available for BVA members.

Please note, passes can no longer be cancelled as the deadline has now passed. However, if for any reason you can't attend, please contact CloserStill Media as soon as possible by calling +44 (0) 2476 719 687 or email [email protected].

To read the event organiser’s full cancellation policy, please visit the CloserStill Media website at bvalive.vetshow.com/qualifies-pass-btv5

For any other questions, please email the BVA events team for help.