Dragon’s Den keynote confirmed for new virtual BSAVA Congress

6 November 2020

Jenny Campbell has been confirmed as the first of the Keynote Speakers for BSAVA Virtual Congress 25- 27 March 2021. The British entrepreneur, known predominantly for her role as a Dragon on BBC’s Dragon’s Den, is especially proud to be able to support the veterinary profession during the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Europe’s largest event for the small animal veterinary sector is taking a virtual format for 2021. Jenny is the first of three high profile keynotes to be announced for what the organisers promise will be an exciting, immersive, interactive and unforgettable BSAVA Congress.

Before becoming a dragon, Jenny worked in banking for 30 years and will be sharing her experiences as an entrepreneur and business leader. She became CEO of cash machine company Hanco, bought out the business, turned it around and sold it for £50 million. As someone who has continually juggled her career with family commitments, Jenny is aware that the profession is currently under more pressure ever to achieve a healthy work/life balance.

“Everyone should look after their wellbeing,” she said. “It’s important to recognise when you need some rest and relaxation, and to put the phone away. Just accept that you can’t manage it all, and there are only 24 hours in every day.”

“I tend to say what must I do today? What must I do that other people are waiting for me to do? And then just put things in order. And setting people’s expectations, you can’t necessarily do that today, but you’ll do it tomorrow, or in a couple of days, just keep everybody informed always on what your time scales are.”

Jenny is supportive of the BSAVA’s new virtual Congress as a necessary progression. She said: “Veterinary communities, like other professions, have seen the value that online technologies can offer, both for networking and socials, as well as essential CPD. We should all embrace these changes and look at the value that they can bring.”

The substantial Congress programme is currently being finalised and will have a significant focus on ensuring the experience is an interactive as possible for each delegate. It will deliver more than 100 hours of top quality CPD, via globally recognised speakers, visionaries and experts.

BSAVA Congress 2021 Programme Committee Chair Andy Green said: ‘Whether a virtual or a live event our entire programme is proudly created by the profession, for the profession and we are committed to providing unrivalled education, with topical, clinically relevant and evidence-based content.”

An inspiring online exhibition hall will give delegates the chance to browse and chat with exhibitors from the comfort of their home or consult room. Delegates can also make the most of networking and social opportunities with creating face-to-face chat rooms and networking sessions for virtual conversations in relaxed social environments.

“BSAVA Congress 2021 is going to be one of the most innovative in the history of our events,” said Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA. “While the pandemic circumstances we continue to find ourselves in are far from ideal, we must continue to evolve and progress as a profession. BSAVA Congress is a unique highlight in our calendar for next year and it is shaping up to be a truly memorable event.”

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