The UK’s leading ECC veterinary Congress took place virtually for the second time – welcoming 1,177 visitors from 29 different countries. Organised by leading ECC providers Vets Now, the event ran from 3 to 6 November. Delegates enjoyed 70 hours of CPD, which consisted of virtual lectures (live and on-demand), networking opportunities and daily competitions — delivered on an innovative virtual events platform offering.
While the virtual format has been well received over the past two years, Vets Now is excited to return to the world of live events next year. The ECC Congress 2022 is booked as a live event at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on 3 to 4 November.
Over 30 of the profession’s leading suppliers attended the exhibition hall, including headline sponsors Woodley Equipment Company.
High-profile veterinary speakers included Kate Hopper, Marie Holowaychuk and Megan Brashear, plus Dr Chris Turner, the creator of the Civility Saves Lives movement.
The virtual Congress programme was devised by Dan Lewis, recognised ECC specialist, and Arlene Connor, Vets Now’s head of clinical operations.
Arlene said: “The big challenge for 2021 was trying to provide a virtual CPD event that was bigger and better than last year’s Congress — which was a great success.
“We added two additional themes to this year’s event in a deliberate attempt to make our CPD accessible to non-clinical staff. Our total offering was increased to over 70 hours of CPD, and all delegates have 60 days to watch back anything they missed in their own time.
“So far, delegate feedback has been just as positive as last year. The added flexibility from being able to attend at home and watch the sessions on-demand has gone down well, as has the amount of CPD available, plus the ability to attend multiple themes live and on-demand. Many delegates found it easier to ask questions within the remote setting too.
“We were thrilled to offer a second iteration of our award-winning CPD event and are excited for next year, which is likely to go ahead live and in-person in Leeds.”
The online platform allowed for live content, an interactive exhibition hall and more opportunities than ever for delegates to network and learn from some of the world’s leading veterinary experts.
Since inception in 2004, the Vets Now ECC Congress event has become one of the biggest of its kind in the world — offering delegates 70 hours of ECC CPD in one place. This year, two new non-clinical skills themes were introduced, designed to expand the offering to ACAs, receptionists, plus clinical staff who were keen to advance their communication and organisation skills.
