Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The BVA Live Vet Show is a premier event for veterinary professionals, taking place at NEC Birmingham on 11-12 March 2027. This two-day conference will feature a diverse range of sessions led by industry experts, covering the latest advancements in veterinary medicine.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network, gain practical knowledge, and explore innovative solutions to industry challenges. BVA Live Vet Show takes place in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: 11-12 March 2027 at NEC Birmingham; the organiser confirms hall and stream allocations with the final programme.
- 2Format: A two-day veterinary congress combining lecture streams, practical workshops and an exhibition floor of clinical and practice suppliers, built around continuing professional development.
- 3Organiser: Delivered by CloserStill Media together with the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which anchors the programme in BVA professional and policy priorities rather than a pure trade-floor format.
- 4Content Focus: Small animal medicine and surgery, veterinary nursing, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, anaesthesia and pain management, practice management, careers and team wellbeing.
- 5Who Should Attend: First-opinion and referral veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, practice managers, and students building CPD records for the 2027 cycle.
Why visit
Attending the BVA Live Vet Show offers veterinary professionals the chance to enhance their knowledge through expert-led sessions and workshops. Dates and Venue: BVA Live Vet Show takes place on 11-12 March 2027 at NEC Birmingham, UK. Scale and Focus: This event gathers thousands of veterinary professionals for two days of learning and networking. Buyer Authority: Attendees include veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and practice managers.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the BVA Live Vet Show provides a unique opportunity to showcase your products and services to a targeted audience of veterinary professionals. Connect with key decision-makers, generate high-quality leads, and enhance your brand visibility in the veterinary sector. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Veterinary equipment manufacturers, Pharmaceutical companies specializing in animal health, Pet food and nutrition suppliers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Small animal veterinary surgeons in first-opinion practice, attending for clinical refreshers in medicine, surgery, dentistry and imaging
Referral and hospital clinicians comparing advanced techniques, equipment and multidisciplinary case pathways
Registered veterinary nurses and student nurses looking for nursing-led streams on anaesthesia, inpatient care and theatre practice
Practice managers and practice owners assessing software, staffing, pricing and client-communication tools for their clinics
Farm and equine practitioners who need large-animal medicine updates alongside the small-animal programme
Final-year veterinary students and new graduates mapping CPD, internships and first-job options
Locum and part-time vets who use a compact two-day format to bank a concentrated block of CPD
Veterinary technicians and lab staff sourcing diagnostics, point-of-care testing and imaging workflows
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Veterinary pharmaceutical and parasiticide suppliers presenting prescription ranges, vaccine protocols and antimicrobial stewardship tools
Diagnostic imaging and ultrasound vendors demonstrating point-of-care and in-practice scanning systems
In-practice laboratory and point-of-care testing providers showing haematology, biochemistry and cytology platforms
Veterinary practice management software (PIMS) vendors, plus client-communication, booking and payments suppliers
Surgical instrument, orthopaedic implant and theatre consumables companies selling into first-opinion and referral theatres
Dental equipment and consumables suppliers covering dental radiography, scaling units and anaesthesia support
Nutrition, dermatology, joint-care and prescription-diet brands working through practice recommendation channels
Recruitment, locum agencies, insurance and professional-services providers serving veterinary practices and their teams
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Veterinary pharmaceuticals, parasiticides and prescription diets
Diagnostic imaging: ultrasound, radiography, endoscopy and dental x-ray
In-practice laboratory and point-of-care test platforms
Anaesthesia, analgesia and patient-monitoring equipment
Surgical instruments, orthopaedic implants and theatre consumables
Dentistry equipment, consumables and dental charting tools
Practice management software, client communication and online booking
Veterinary nursing supplies, consumables and inpatient care equipment
Practice services: insurance, finance, recruitment, locums and marketing
Infection control, hygiene, sterilisation and practice-fitout products
Location & Facilities
Venue
NEC Birmingham
North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
Facilities
Parking
NEC Birmingham in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: NEC Birmingham in Birmingham typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at NEC Birmingham for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
11 March 2027:8:45 AM – 6:00 PM
12 March 2027:8:45 AM – 5:00 PM
Who runs the show
Organisers
CloserStill Media
British Veterinary Association (BVA)
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Why it matters
Attending BVA Live Vet Show on 2027-03-11 to 2027-03-12 in Birmingham lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · GBP
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Birmingham Airport
Closest and most practical gateway. The free Air-Rail Link connects the terminal to Birmingham International station, which is a short walk from the NEC halls. Allow 30-40 min door to badge on arrival day
Approx. 2 mi (3 km)
to venue
10-15 min by road; free Air-Rail Link plus one rail stop to Birmingham International
by car
East Midlands Airport
Useful for travellers on East Midlands routes and freight-friendly carriers; there is no direct rail link to the NEC, so plan a road transfer or a coach/train combination into Birmingham
Approx. 40 mi (65 km)
to venue
45-60 min by road via the M42
by car
Coventry Airport
Small regional airport with limited scheduled service; check that your route actually operates before relying on it. Road transfer to the NEC is straightforward via the A45 and M42
Approx. 12 mi (19 km)
to venue
25-35 min by road
by car
London Luton Airport
A budget-carrier option that usually means a longer transfer. Thameslink into London then a West Coast Main Line service to Birmingham International is the least stressful rail pattern
Approx. 90 mi (145 km)
to venue
1 hr 45 min - 2 hr 15 min by road; rail via London or a direct coach
by car
London Heathrow Airport
Best choice for long-haul connections. Allow a half day for the transfer: Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line into central London, then a train from Euston to Birmingham International
Approx. 110 mi (175 km)
to venue
2 hr - 2 hr 30 min by road; rail via London Euston to Birmingham International
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hilton Birmingham Metropole
4-star
NEC Birmingham complexApprox. 410 m to venueThe on-complex option: walkable to the halls, indoor pool, gym, bar and restaurant. Breakfast and parking are charged separately, and rates spike during NEC event weeks - book a flexible rate early. Room-only night band, approximate, confirm live GBP rates.
Novotel Birmingham Airport
4-star
Birmingham Airport / NEC corridorApprox. 720 m to venueAirport-side 4-star within walking distance of the NEC and the Air-Rail Link. Fitness centre, bar and restaurant on site; parking availability and charges vary by rate plan. Approximate night band, confirm live GBP rates.
ibis Birmingham Airport - NEC
3-star
Birmingham Airport / NEC corridorApprox. 660 m to venueReliable mid-budget choice with air conditioning, bar and restaurant, and a short walk to the halls. Good for teams who want walkability without 4-star pricing. Approximate room-only band, confirm live GBP rates.
Premier Inn Birmingham NEC Airport hotel
3-star
NEC BirminghamApprox. 1 km to venuePredictable UK chain rooms, paid breakfast and parking, free Wi-Fi. Often the best value walkable option if you book a saver rate early. Approximate night band, confirm live GBP rates.
ibis budget Birmingham Airport - NEC
2-star
Birmingham Airport / NEC corridorApprox. 680 m to venueCheapest walkable tier captured near the NEC: compact rooms, free Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant, no frills. Suitable for students and one-night stays. Approximate room-only band, confirm live GBP rates.
Travelodge Birmingham Airport
3-star
Birmingham Airport / NEC corridorApprox. 2 km to venueBudget chain with paid breakfast and parking, free Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant. A taxi or short bus ride to the halls rather than a walk. Approximate night band, confirm live GBP rates.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rail
Estimated costApprox. GBP 2-4 single for the one-stop rail journey; the Air-Rail Link between terminal and station is free
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to Birmingham International station (NEC)
Shortest and cheapest airport arrival: free Air-Rail Link, then one train stop to Birmingham International, which sits beside the NEC halls. Confirm live fares and service times before travel.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 9-16 for a metered or app taxi, 10-15 min depending on traffic
Best forBirmingham Airport (BHX) to NEC Birmingham
Black cabs and app cars rank outside the terminal. Cheaper than most other airport transfers and useful with luggage, but the rail option is faster at peak times. Approximate fare, confirm live pricing.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP 26-38 for a city-centre taxi, 25-35 min via the A45
Best forBirmingham New Street (city centre) to NEC Birmingham
Useful if your hotel is in central Birmingham rather than the NEC corridor; the train from New Street to Birmingham International is usually quicker and cheaper. Approximate fare, confirm live pricing.
bus
Estimated costApprox. GBP 2.50-4.50 single local fare; day tickets usually cost a little more
Best forLocal bus services to the NEC and Birmingham International
West Midlands bus routes serve the NEC and airport area, with contactless or app payment. Slower than rail at peak times but useful from nearby suburbs. Approximate fare, confirm live pricing and routes.
parking
Estimated costApprox. GBP 12-18 per day for event parking, paid on entry or by app
Best forNEC Birmingham on-site car parks
Large surface car parks with walkways or shuttle links to the halls; pre-booking is often cheaper than turn-up. Expect queues on day one between 08:00 and 09:30. Approximate tariff, confirm on the NEC parking page before travel.
tram
Estimated costApprox. GBP 2-3 for a short metro hop, plus the onward rail fare to Birmingham International
Best forWest Midlands Metro to Birmingham city centre, then rail to Birmingham International
The metro network does not reach the NEC directly; it is a city-centre connector. Use it only if your accommodation sits on a metro line, then change to rail at New Street or Snow Hill. Approximate fare, confirm live routes and pricing.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from EMA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forEast Midlands Airport (EMA) to NEC Birmingham
45-60 min by road via the M42; Useful for travellers on East Midlands routes and freight-friendly carriers; there is no direct rail link to the NEC, so plan a road transfer or a coach/train combination into Birmingham.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. GBP taxi/rideshare from CVT to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forCoventry Airport (CVT) to NEC Birmingham
25-35 min by road; Small regional airport with limited scheduled service; check that your route actually operates before relying on it. Road transfer to the NEC is straightforward via the A45 and M42.
Weather
March in Birmingham is changeable and often breezy, with daytime temperatures typically around 8-12 C (46-54 F) and overnight lows near 2-4 C (36-39 F). Rain is common in short showers rather than all-day downpours, and frost is still possible early in the month. The NEC halls are large and involve long walks between car parks, the rail station and conference rooms, so a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes matter more than heavy winter kit. Forecasts beyond about 10 days are unreliable: check a UK forecast in the week before travel and treat these figures as seasonal bands, not a forecast for 11-12 March 2027.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
UK mobile coverage is good across Birmingham and the NEC site, with 4G and 5G from EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Visitors from outside the UK can buy a prepaid SIM or use an eSIM before arrival; EU roaming rules do not automatically apply to UK networks, so check your home plan's roaming charges. Venue Wi-Fi at large NEC events is often shared and slow at peak times, so download the programme, tickets and any session handouts before you travel and keep a mobile hotspot as backup. Charging points are limited in the halls; bring a power bank for two full days of badge scanning and app use.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Currency and payments
The UK uses pounds sterling (GBP). Contactless card and mobile payment are accepted almost everywhere at the NEC, including car parks and catering, so you rarely need cash; keep a small amount for tips or odd kiosks.
Business dress
Veterinary congress dress is smart casual: most delegates wear clinical or business-casual clothing, with comfortable shoes for long days between lecture rooms and the exhibition floor. Formal dress is unusual unless you have a specific meeting or dinner.
Tipping and service
Tipping is not expected at the venue or in chain restaurants, though 10-12.5 percent is common in sit-down restaurants if service is not already included. Taxi drivers generally appreciate rounding up rather than a fixed percentage.
Professional etiquette
UK veterinary audiences respond to evidence-led, non-salesy conversations. Ask before scanning a badge, be explicit about whether a product is prescription-only, and use practice names and roles rather than generic small talk when you introduce yourself.
Getting around
Birmingham is a compact, walkable city centre with good rail links, and the NEC sits in a business-park district served by Birmingham International station. Queueing, standing on the right on escalators and letting passengers off trains first are the small local norms that smooth a commute.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BHX
Book into Birmingham (BHX) whenever a route exists, because the terminal-to-NEC transfer is short and cheap. For long-haul travellers, Heathrow (LHR) offers the widest choice but adds a half-day rail transfer via London Euston; Luton (LTN) is a budget-carrier alternative with a similar transfer penalty, and East Midlands (EMA) works best for road arrivals via the M42. Fares for the 11-15 March 2027 window will move slowly until about six months out, then firm up; book a flexible or refundable fare if your CPD programme depends on a specific session. Allow a two-hour buffer on arrival day before any fixed meeting, and check that your return flight leaves enough room after the second day's afternoon sessions.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Birmingham Airport (BHX): 10-15 min by road; free Air-Rail Link plus one rail stop to Birmingham International; East Midlands Airport (EMA): 45-60 min by road via the M42; Coventry Airport (CVT): 25-35 min by road; London Luton Airport (LTN): 1 hr 45 min - 2 hr 15 min by road; rail via London or a direct coach. Allow road or rail time to NEC Birmingham; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near NEC Birmingham: NEC Birmingham complex: Hilton Birmingham Metropole; Birmingham Airport / NEC corridor: Novotel Birmingham Airport; Birmingham Airport / NEC corridor: ibis Birmingham Airport - NEC.
Ride-hail: Uber, Bolt and local private-hire firms operate across Birmingham, including the airport and NEC ranking areas, so app pickups are practical for the 2-mile airport run and for central Birmingham hotels. Pickup points at the NEC shift with event traffic management, so follow the venue signs to the designated private-hire zone rather than hailing on the ring road. Fares surge around show close, so if you are heading to a fixed dinner reservation, pre-book a car or take the train from Birmingham International instead. Confirm live app availability and pricing when you arrive.
Public transit: The NEC's public transport anchor is Birmingham International rail station, a short walk from the halls and connected to Birmingham Airport by the free Air-Rail Link. West Coast Main Line services link Birmingham International with Birmingham New Street, Coventry and London Euston, making rail the default choice for delegates staying in the city centre or Coventry. Local West Midlands buses serve the NEC and airport area, and the West Midlands Metro covers parts of central Birmingham but does not reach the NEC directly, so a metro plus rail change is needed. Buy rail tickets in advance for the best price and allow extra time on day one; confirm live timetables and fares before travel.
Parking: The NEC has extensive on-site surface parking with pedestrian routes and shuttle links to the halls, and event parking is typically charged per day rather than per hour. Pre-booking through the NEC parking site is usually cheaper than turning up, and the main queue builds between 08:00 and 09:30 on the first morning. Blue Badge bays are available close to the halls; check the venue accessibility page for the current allocation and access route. Tariffs and car-park allocations change by event, so confirm the current rate and which car park is open for BVA Live before you drive. Approximate range for budgeting: GBP 12-18 per day, paid on entry or by app.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 8-12 C (46-54 F), overnight lows around 2-4 C (36-39 F). Frost and a cold wind are still possible, especially early morning at the NEC where the site is open and exposed.
Seasonality: March is a changeable month in the West Midlands: expect a mix of bright spells, breezy days and frequent short showers rather than a settled dry week. Rain is rarely heavy enough to disrupt travel, but an umbrella and a waterproof layer are worth packing, and wet-weather gear makes the walk from car parks and the rail station to the halls much more comfortable.
Packing: Pack layers rather than a heavy coat: a waterproof shell, a warm mid-layer, comfortable worn-in shoes for 10,000-plus steps a day, and a compact umbrella. Bring a power bank and a refillable water bottle for long days in the halls, and keep documents in a waterproof sleeve if you are walking from Birmingham International station. Evening temperatures drop quickly, so add a scarf or light jacket for the walk back to an airport-corridor hotel.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at BVA Live Vet Show usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day 14 - Confirm your registration category (vet, nurse, practice manager, student) for BVA Live on bvalive.vetshow.com and check whether your badge is posted or collected on site.
T-2
Day 13 - Book NEC-area accommodation on a flexible rate; the Hilton Birmingham Metropole and airport-corridor hotels fill first during Birmingham event weeks.
T-3
Day 12 - Map your travel: Birmingham International rail station and the free Air-Rail Link from BHX are the simplest arrivals, with NEC car parks as the road option.
T-4
Day 11 - Download the programme and shortlist sessions by stream (small animal medicine, surgery, nursing, practice management) so you are not choosing on the day.
T-5
Day 10 - Check the CPD certification instructions for your role and set up whatever record or app you use to log attendance.
T-6
Day 9 - Book any workshop or practical session that has a capped capacity; these are the first items to close.
T-7
Day 8 - Build a supplier hit-list: diagnostics, imaging, PIMS, dental and nutrition stands you want to see, with two questions per vendor.
T-8
Day 7 - Prepare a practice brief from colleagues: the three products or services your team wants priced or compared at the show.
T-9
Day 6 - Sort travel tickets; advance rail fares to Birmingham International are cheaper than walk-up tickets.
T-10
Day 5 - Check the venue plan and walking routes between halls, plus accessibility requirements for anyone in your group.
T-11
Day 4 - Pack for a changeable West Midlands March: layers, a waterproof outer layer and comfortable shoes for long exhibition days.
T-12
Day 3 - Charge devices and load the programme, tickets and hotel confirmation offline in case venue Wi-Fi is congested.
T-13
Day 2 - Confirm meeting times with exhibitors or colleagues and set a realistic daily step budget across halls and conference rooms.
T-14
Day 1 - Arrive early for badge collection, pick up a floor plan, and head to your priority clinical stream before the floor gets busy.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at NEC Birmingham
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2BVA Live Vet Show registration concourse
NEC Birmingham
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
NEC Birmingham
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights£190.00
- Per diem × 2£150.00
Estimated total£340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether BVA Live Vet Show fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Veterinary pharmaceuticals and medications solutions and benchmarking suppliers at BVA Live Vet Show in Birmingham.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change — confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Veterinary pharmaceuticals and medications products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall — confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Birmingham show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is BVA Live 2027?
BVA Live runs 11-12 March 2027 at NEC Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The NEC is served by Birmingham International rail station and is roughly 2 miles from Birmingham Airport (BHX).
Who organises BVA Live and who is it for?
The show is delivered by CloserStill Media together with the British Veterinary Association. It is built for the UK veterinary team: veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, practice managers and students, rather than the general pet-owning public.
Can I attend as a student or a newly qualified vet?
Students and new graduates are part of the core audience, and the programme includes career-focused content. Registration categories differ, so select the student or recent-graduate option on the registration page and carry proof of your course or RCVS status.
How do I register and is pre-registration required?
Registration is handled online through bvalive.vetshow.com. Booking in advance gets you your badge and joining instructions before you travel, and it lets you pick sessions before popular workshops fill up.
How many CPD hours can I claim?
BVA Live is structured as CPD content, with the organiser publishing certification arrangements alongside the programme. Claim only the sessions you actually attend and confirm the credit method for your role (vet or nurse) on the official site before booking travel.
What is the best way to reach NEC Birmingham from the airport?
From Birmingham Airport (BHX), take the free Air-Rail Link to Birmingham International station and then a short walk or one-stop train to the NEC. A taxi from the terminal to the halls is a short ride; allow extra time on the first morning for badge collection.
Is there parking at the venue and do I need to book?
The NEC operates large on-site car parks with pay-on-entry or pay-by-app options and shuttle or walkway links to the halls. Rates change by event, so check the NEC parking page and arrive early on day one, when the busiest arrival window is roughly 08:00-09:30.
Which hotels are closest to the NEC for BVA Live?
The Hilton Birmingham Metropole sits on the NEC complex, with Novotel, ibis and ibis budget properties around the airport/NEC corridor and Premier Inn and Travelodge options within a short walk or taxi ride. March is a busy period, so book a flexible rate early.
Are the exhibition and sessions open to non-veterinary visitors?
The event is a professional veterinary gathering rather than a consumer pet show. If you are a supplier, use the exhibitor enquiry route rather than general visitor registration; if you are a practice owner bringing a non-clinical colleague, check the registration categories first.
Can I buy products on the stand and take them home?
Many stands display prescription medicines, diets and equipment that are supplied through practice accounts rather than sold off the stand. Talk to the rep about practice ordering, delivery and any VMD rules that apply to the product you are interested in.
Glossary
- CPD (continuing professional development)
- The ongoing learning UK veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses record to stay on the RCVS register; BVA Live is structured as a CPD event, so attendees typically claim hours for the sessions they attend and should check the organiser's CPD statement for how certification works.
- RCVS
- The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the UK regulator that sets standards for veterinary education, registration and practice, and publishes the Practice Standards Scheme.
- MRCVS
- Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the post-nominal used by UK-registered veterinary surgeons; overseas-qualified vets normally need RCVS registration before practising in the UK.
- RVN
- Registered Veterinary Nurse, a nurse on the RCVS veterinary nurse register. Many BVA Live sessions are aimed specifically at RVNs and student veterinary nurses.
- Practice Standards Scheme (PSS)
- The RCVS voluntary accreditation framework for UK practices, covering facilities, hygiene, team roles and clinical governance; practice managers often visit the show to benchmark suppliers against PSS requirements.
- First-opinion practice
- A general practice that is the client's first point of contact for a case, as opposed to a referral hospital; most BVA Live exhibitors and clinical speakers target this setting.
- Referral practice
- A practice receiving cases from first-opinion vets for specialist work such as orthopaedics, oncology, cardiology or advanced imaging.
- PIMS
- Practice Information Management System, the software that holds clinical records, appointments, invoicing and stock for a veterinary practice; several vendors exhibit practice-management and client-communication integrations.
- EMS (extra-mural studies)
- The practical work placements UK veterinary students complete in practices and other animal businesses as part of their degree; students attending the show often use it to line up EMS placements.
- Point-of-care testing
- In-practice diagnostics run during the consultation, such as blood gases, biochemistry, coagulation or cytology, rather than sending samples to an external laboratory.
- OOH (out-of-hours) care
- Emergency and overnight veterinary cover, increasingly delivered by dedicated OOH providers or shared regional services; it is a recurring topic in practice-management and staffing sessions.
- VMD and the prescribing cascade
- The Veterinary Medicines Directorate regulates UK veterinary medicines; the cascade sets the order in which vets may prescribe authorised products for a species or condition, and it shapes what exhibitors can promote for which animals.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- BVA Live Vet Show 2027
- BVA Live Vet Show Birmingham 2027
- BVA 2027
- BVA Birmingham 2027
- Birmingham United Kingdom
- Veterinary Conference Birmingham 2027
- Veterinary Conference Conference Birmingham
- Veterinary pharmaceuticals and medications
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.