Europe’s largest event for the small animal veterinary sector, the BSAVA Congress, will move online for 2021, the organisers have announced. The event will be held from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 March 2021.
The uncertainty due the global pandemic is the driving force behind the decision and the BSAVA is confident that delivering a virtual Congress is the best option for the all the veterinary professions in 2021.
“A rich programme of content that makes full use of technology means attendees can still expect an event that brings together the veterinary professions for world-class CPD and the opportunity to network with delegates,” said Amanda Stranack, Chief Executive of the BSAVA.
“Making this decision now means we can be sure there will be a safe and dedicated space for all our visitors, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors.”
Manchester Central, the original venue for the 2021 Congress, is currently contracted as a Nightingale Hospital and that contract doesn’t conclude until 1 March 2021.
“While no one has a crystal ball, there is the possibility cases could increase over the winter and we cannot be certain the venue will be available to host our annual event,” explained Amanda. “Transferring to a virtual event this year was unanimously agreed by the BSAVA’s Congress Organising Committee as the best solution.
“In order to ensure that delegates and exhibitors will have an excellent experience, moving Congress online is the most sensible option, without the need to worry about travel restrictions, or guidance that might change on a weekly basis.
“The positive is that without the need to travel Congress becomes accessible to a wider audience, with scope for more practitioners to attend more sessions. There’s a level of flexibility and convenience, that’s just not possible with a physical event.”
BSAVA has partnered with a leading international provider of large-scale virtual conferences, tradeshows and exhibitions, with interactive elements facilitating one-to-one and group conversations.
The planned programme for 2021’s inaugural Manchester event is currently being repurposed for the virtual format, with a significant focus on ensuring the experience is as interactive as possible for each delegate. The BSAVA will also be engaging with members to find out what else they would like to see during this alternative Congress experience.
Community is one of the overarching benefits of Congress, and with this move online BSAVA is also committed to ensuring delegates can make the most of networking and social opportunities.
“While we are deeply disappointed that we won’t, as a sector, be able to come together in person, we have made significant educational and financial investments in the online platform, to give us the tools to take the work we’ve been doing to deliver online CPD to the profession to a different level,” said Amanda. “We intend to make the most of that opportunity and provide a personalised experience, satisfy scientific curiosity and broaden horizons for all attendees.”
Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA continued: “After months of lockdown, like many of our delegates, I was looking forward to meeting friends at the 2021 Congress at Manchester. Sadly, this is not to be, however BSAVA is going to be investing heavily in this project and I will be excited to welcome colleagues from the widest possible audience to what I think will be the best virtual small animal veterinary conference in the world. Of course, we are still also planning for a slow return to face- to-face events in the future when it is safe to do so, and more details will follow when there is greater clarity and confidence in physical events.
“As for those invaluable conversations enjoyed over a drink, we intend to create face-to-face chat rooms and networking sessions for virtual conversations in relaxed social environments.”
“We are focused on delivering an online event to be remembered. There’s a lot of work to be done and the BSAVA continues to be committed to providing events of the highest standard whatever happens.” said Amanda. “We hope our 2021 visitors, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors will join us for what will undoubtably be a unique Congress in spring next year.”
For further information visit the event’s website.
