The British Equine Veterinary Association’s (BEVA) flagship three-day Congress last month has strengthened its position as a leading event for the global equine veterinary profession. Overall daily attendance figures were the highest recorded and the commercial space expanded to accommodate over 100 stands. The figures underline the continuing demand for high-quality clinical education, professional collaboration and industry engagement.
Held over three days, Congress brought together veterinary professionals, international speakers and industry partners for a programme combining clinical science, emerging innovation and practical guidance. Overall attendance, measured in unique “attendee days”* across delegates, exhibitors, speakers and event personnel, reached 3,591, (the highest since BEVA started recording these figures in 2021).
“These impressive figures show just how important Congress’s role is as a key meeting point for the equine veterinary community, said BEVA President Kate Blakeman. “Congress remains the popular place for opportunities for professional development, knowledge exchange and engagement between practitioners and the businesses supporting the sector. Not forgetting our legendary socials too!”
Veterinary surgeon attendance highest in at least 10 years
939 individual veterinary surgeons attended Congress this year, an increase of 10.2% on the previous year and the highest figure recorded over the past decade. A total of 78 veterinary nurses also attended, and the event attracted delegates from at least 42 countries, reflecting its big international draw. Figures showed that BEVA Congress 2026 had strong appeal across age groups: 10% of attendees were students. 14% were new graduate vets (up to 3 years qualified). 19% were vets up to 10 years qualified and 58% were vets 10+ years qualified.
Recognised as the largest equine veterinary conference in Europe, BEVA Congress attracts internationally renowned speakers and delivers a comprehensive scientific programme providing access to more than 90 hours of CPD. The programme is designed by practising equine vets and nurses and built around real clinical challenges, with a strong emphasis on practical take-home insights that can be applied immediately in practice.
Delegate feedback highlighted the quality of the educational programme this year, with specific appreciation for the way welfare considerations and behaviour were incorporated across the clinical sessions, the opportunities to exchange knowledge with peers, and the practical relevance of the sessions.
One delegate commented: “The academic content was great, lively lectures and discussions - I learnt a lot!”
Another highlighted the integration of welfare and its implications for everyday practice into the programme: “It was so uplifting and refreshing; the questions on how to implement changes in people's workplaces shows how big the appetite is. Meta's plenary lecture was exceptional!”
Exhibition space reaches record levels
Industry engagement was another significant feature of Congress 2026, with 106 exhibition stands booked. This is the highest number recorded since the pandemic, occupying a huge 964mē of exhibition space.
The exhibition provides a platform for companies to showcase products, services and innovations to a specialist veterinary audience, while creating opportunities for direct engagement between suppliers and practitioners.
Exhibitor feedback also emphasised the value of the event’s networking opportunities, organisational support and wider professional community.
One exhibitor said: “I think one of the best parts of BEVA is the networking opportunities. The staff are fantastic and very attentive. The student helpers are second to none! The other exhibitors are fantastic. We are, and will always be, a proud exhibitor and partner of BEVA.”
“We are thrilled with the 2026 attendance figures,” said Kate Blakeman. “They confirm that there is still a strong demand for an event that brings together clinicians, researchers, students and commercial partners, while providing a forum for discussion on the clinical, professional and welfare challenges facing the equine sector.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s Congress which will be held from 8-11 September 2027 at the ACC in Liverpool https://www.bevacongress.org/
Images credit: Louis James-Parker
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