VPMA 2012 Congress opens!
Guest speakers Mark Opperman and Sheila Grosdidier
The 2012 Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA) Congress has opened at the Chesford Grange Hotel of Kenilworth, Warwickshire. A packed program of guest speakers, lectures, seminars and social events awaits those attending.
Those arriving on the evening of Thursday 26th are advised to do so before 7pm so they do not miss the beginning of the social programme. 'Team Generation Game', complete with cuddly toy and conveyor belt, will hopefully break the ice and bring back memories of the old TV favourite.
Friday 27th will be devoted to a stream on the subtleties of modern marketing, complete with presentations on websites, social networking, search engine optimisation and e-marketing. That practices are adapting – some with more success than others – to these new forms of communication with clients is by now a well known industry trend, so it is expected that the presentations will be useful and well-attended. Six sessions will be on offer and they will be appropriate for the expert and the novice alike.
The evening, however, will be devoted to a sparkling drinks reception sponsored by the veterinary wholesaler Henry Schein and a four-course banquet provided by Norbrook. Blind Lemon will also be making a triumphant return, and it is hoped that this year's Congress will enjoy their appearance as much as last year's.
Saturday 28th, once those attending have recovered sufficiently from the previous evening, will see three streams on offer: Retailing Masterclasses, HR Boot Camp, and Impact on People sessions. Delegates are welcome to move between streams so that they can learn what will benefit their practices the most.
More details are available from the Congress website at www.vpmacongress.co.uk.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
