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Registration opens for BVNA Congress 2026
This year's theme is 'Compassion and Empathy'.
The congress will run from 9 -11 October 2026.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has launched registration for this annual three-day congress.

This year’s congress will take place from Friday, 9 October 2026 to Sunday, 11 October 2026 at Telford International Centre.

The theme for the event will be ‘Compassion and Empathy’. BVNA members are being encouraged to come together and ‘share in the strength of community’.

Each morning of the event will include a ‘Compassion and Empathy’ stream, exploring how such values are relevant to a veterinary workplace. Among the topics will be the ‘no-blame’ practice culture, fertility and parenthood, and careers while managing chronic illness.

This year’s keynote speaker, who will also explore the congress theme, is veterinary nurse Linda Ryan.

Ms Ryan, a Veterinary Technician Specialism (VTS) holder in behaviour and oncology, will discuss her passion for the human-animal bond. Her keynote lecture will open the event on Friday, 9 October.

Returning this year is BVNA’s Makers Market, along with a new Nurse-Led CPD Market. Meanwhile the Exhibition Hub Theatre will feature interactive discussions on the latest industry developments.

There will also be dedicated streams for referral and first opinion nursing, as well as anaesthesia and analgesia, emergency and critical care, equine nursing and veterinary care assistants.

Attendees will have access to hands-on and small group learning, with BVNA’s practical workshops available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Delegates have the opportunity to improve their confidence in laboratory techniques, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, wound management, CPR, and more.

Sarah Holliday, BVA president, said: “My presidential theme of ‘Compassion and Empathy’ will be reflected throughout the event and scientific programme.

“As veterinary nurses, we provide skilled care for our patients and veterinary clients, and we also support our colleagues around us. The traits of compassion and empathy underpin everything we do. However, it can be easy to overlook the importance of taking care of ourselves.

“I am looking forward to providing a timely reminder to the profession to promote our own self-kindness and care – enabling us to remain resilient and thrive in our work.”

Tickets for BVNA Congress 2026 are now available, with a launch discount available until 30 April 2026. BVNA members will receive a member discount, while non-members get a year’s digital BVNA membership with their Congress registration.

Image © BVNA

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