Vets’ convention at ICC hailed a great success
THIS year’s BSAVA Congress, hosted at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham has been described as a “remarkable achievement” by the association’s outgoing president, as the event secured its highest ever attendance.
Early reports show that a total of 6,178 vets, vet nurses, practice managers and students attended the Birmingham event, around 6% higher than in 2011 – the last time the BSAVA hosted its own congress.
A significant number of international delegates attended this year with almost 60 countries represented – notably Scandinavia (186 delegates), Germany (56), the Netherlands (40) and the US (31).
Nearly 300 exhibitors, including new and familiar names, filled the National Indoor Arena (NIA), with many choosing to launch new products, services or research findings.
The BSAVA Balcony was also a popular draw to delegates, with its publications stand kept very busy. The top five most popular titles were Feline Practice, Neurology, the Pocketbook for Nurses, the Pocketbook for Vets, and Practice Management.
A thought-provoking keynote lecture was given by evolutionary biologist and author Professor Richard Dawkins who argued that clinicians require a greater understanding of the process of evolution of animals.
And the event provided a platform for the launch of a brand new website for epidemiological information service SAVSNET – which will provide greater knowledge to both veterinary practices and pet owners alike to help advance the understanding of small animal disease and improve welfare.
According to the Birmingham Convention Bureau, BSAVA Congress brings in an estimated £15m to the regional economy. This includes accommodation, meals, events, entertainment, and travel around the area.
Outgoing BSAVA president Mark Johnston said: “We had more delegates in 2013 than in the last purely BSAVA Congress two years ago and to accomplish that in these difficult financial times is a remarkable achievement.”
The BSAVA is the ICC’s longest standing client and have been returning to the venue consecutively for the last 22 years.
