Tweet
BVNA has today released its full 2026 scientific programme – offering both lectures and hands-on learning designed to meet veterinary nurses’ unique needs, and reflecting the BVNA Presidential theme of ‘Compassion and Empathy’.
Register via the BVNA website before Friday 31st July 2026 to access a special early bird discount.
Compassion and Empathy
Carefully designed in response to feedback from BVNA members and delegates, the scientific programme recognises the significant impact veterinary nurses make on all areas of their professional practice, in both clinical and non-clinical settings.
Lecture streams include:
· Emergency and critical care
· Anaesthesia and analgesia
· Confidence in nurse clinics
· Exotics, zoo and wildlife
· Surgical nursing
· Behaviour
· Nutrition
· Student
· Equine
· Leadership
· Clinical supervisors
· Diagnostics
· Plus – a new Exhibitor stream
Whilst the ‘Compassion and Empathy’ theme will be incorporated across the programme, a headline stream also takes place each morning. Topics include workplace culture, supporting clients through bereavement, and managing a chronic illness diagnosis.
Also speaking on the theme will be keynote speaker, Linda Ryan. Linda is a renowned registered veterinary nurse (RVN), a VTS holder in both oncology and behaviour, a certificated clinical animal behaviourist for cats and dogs, and a certified animal trainer. She is passionate about honouring the human-animal bond and promoting the connection between physical and mental health in veterinary patients. Titled ‘Compassion in action: Considering empathy at the heart of veterinary nursing’, Linda’s keynote will celebrate veterinary nurses as powerful advocates for both patients and caregivers.
VNJ Live
Following the recent digital transformation of BVNA’s membership publication, the Veterinary Nursing Journal (VNJ), this year’s BVNA Congress will welcome back the VNJ in a live format. With interactive and friendly discussion sessions taking place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October, potential future researchers, authors and speakers will be encouraged to discuss their ideas and showcase their work.
BVNA is now inviting submissions across four categories:
· Case reflection (SVN)
· Case reflection (RVN)
· Research project
· Clinical audit
· Plus – submission of ideas for future research More information and the submission form can be found on the BVNA website here.
Small group interactive learning
One of the most popular features of BVNA Congress, a varied selection of small group and hands-on workshops will be on offer*. Sessions are specially designed to incorporate practical learning and interactive discussions, enabling skills to be transferred straight back into professional practice. The workshop programme includes:
· British Sign Language and deaf awareness
· Practical CPR
· Physiotherapy and rehabilitation for the RVN
· Anaesthesia monitoring
· Wound management
· Haematology
· Practical suturing
*Small group workshops must be booked at the time of registration.
Message from BVNA President Sarah Holliday
"BVNA is delighted to launch the scientific programme for BVNA Congress 2026, and I can't wait to see this year's theme of 'Compassion and Empathy' being embraced throughout the event.
"The programme is - as always - packed full of valuable learning opportunities. There really is something for everyone, at every stage of their veterinary nursing career. I am especially looking forward to the panel discussions taking place this year, including on fertility and parenthood within the Compassion and Empathy stream, and animal emotional health within the Behaviour stream. I
would also urge all to come along to the keynote session with Linda Ryan, which opens this year's BVNA Congress on Friday 9th October.
"I find that I am always recharged and inspired by each and every BVNA Congress, which provides a vital opportunity for the veterinary nursing community to come together and share knowledge, experiences and peer-to-peer support. I'm looking forward to seeing our delegates, speakers, exhibitors and guests in October."
The veterinary nursing event of the year
BVNA Congress empowers delegates to feel connected, inspired and energised as part of the veterinary nursing profession.
BVNA members receive a special rate, discounted even further by booking at the current early bird rate ending on Friday 31st July.
All non-member registrations will also receive a year’s digital BVNA membership within their ticket price.
For more information and to register, visit the BVNA website.
Attached Files