The BSAVA reports the highest ever attendance at Congress this year: 6,178 veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers and students, 6% cent higher than in 2011 (the last time the BSAVA hosted its own Congress).

According to the association, 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 USA (31).

Other highlights included:

  • Vets and vet nurses jointly acquired more than 100,000 CPD hours in a scientific programme which included subjects such as orthopaedics, neurology, anaesthesia and analgesia, dermatology, oncology and pain management.
  • Nearly 300 exhibitors filled the National Indoor Arena.
  • The top five most popular titles at the BSAVA Publications stand were: Feline Practice, Neurology, the Pocketbook for Nurses, the Pocketbook for Vets, and Practice Management.
  • 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 cosmopolitan destination.

Outgoing BSAVA president Mark Johnston said the event was the highlight of his presidential year: "Last year we showed the world how well the BSAVA can organise a major veterinary congress. But what is pleasing is that the momentum we gained from hosting the World and European meetings has continued into this year.

"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."

Newly inducted BSAVA president Michael Day (top right) said he was looking forward to extending the international aspect of BSAVA. The Australian-born Professor who has lived in the UK for well over two decades said: "BSAVA has made huge contributions to veterinary practice in the UK, and already has a global reputation for Congress and publications - I believe we have such a wealth of resources and so I am convinced we have so much more to offer the world".

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