2025 AVA Conference – early bird registration opens next month!

With less than 120 days to go until the 2025 AVA Conference in Sydney, we go behind the scenes to hear from AVA Conference Convenor Dr Laura Hardefeldt on how preparations are going ahead of the highly anticipated event.

Dr Hardefeldt is one of the driving forces behind the conference, having previously been at the helm of the Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures from 2018 to 2022. An equine medicine specialist and researcher in antimicrobial resistance at the University of Melbourne, Dr Hardefeldt is driven by a desire to provide a platform for the experts of tomorrow, where researchers and clinicians can share their expertise through a “vibrant, diverse, and high-quality research stream”, adding that she took the role for the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with successfully organising a large-scale event from start to finish.

This year is set to feature an impressive lineup of over 80 speakers spread across 3 days and 7 streams, making it the standout conference in the Australian veterinary calendar. Bringing together professionals from all sectors of the veterinary profession from May 12 – 15, the 2025 AVA Conference will return to the International Convention Centre in Sydney, marking the first time in over 20 years that this prestigious event will be held in New South Wales. With the theme 'Cutting Through', the conference promises to deliver groundbreaking insights into the evolving world of veterinary science, with industry leading speakers and innovative topics at the forefront.

“We are looking forward to welcoming world-class speakers in dentistry, surgery, and cancer therapy as well as a suite of other topics that will ensure there is something for every veterinary professional,” Dr Hardefeldt said.

The conference will showcase experts who are not just leaders in their fields but also skilled communicators who can translate cutting-edge knowledge into daily practice.

“The committee looks for engaging speakers with exceptional knowledge and the ability to present practical skills that you can implement the next day in general practice. Equine, cattle, small ruminant, small animal, dentistry, reproduction, public health and more are all represented in the program."

Dr Hardefeldt acknowledges that one of the challenges of organising such a comprehensive event is balancing multiple tracks and speakers without scheduling conflicts. “Identifying the right speakers and convincing them to participate can be difficult when everyone is so busy,” she said.

“With multiple tracks and sessions, avoiding scheduling overlaps for popular topics/speakers is tricky. Ensuring appropriate room sizes and setups is also key to delivering a seamless experience for delegates.”

The AVA Conference will also feature several plenary sessions, including one which will delve into the potential and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in veterinary practice, with a panel of experts, including Dr Tom Brownlie, Dr Diana Barker, and Dr Steve Joslyn, facilitated by Dr Gerardo Poli.

Dr Hardefeldt is particularly excited about these sessions, noting that “the plenary speakers always stand out to me—they are inspiring, motivational, and offer insights that foster cross-disciplinary discussions.”

The AVA Conference isn't just about learning but also a vital opportunity to network, collaborate, and build relationships with colleagues from across the veterinary community.

“Conferences provide an excellent platform to connect with professionals from various organisations, industries, or fields.

“This can lead to potential collaborations, partnerships, job opportunities, or valuable industry connections. Also, even if not directly related to education or training, conferences can expose attendees to emerging trends, innovative ideas, and different perspectives sparking creativity and inspire new approaches. 

“Stepping out of one's comfort zone, meeting new people, and engaging in discussions at conferences can contribute to personal growth, improved communication skills, and increased confidence. 

“Conferences provide a change of environment from the daily routine, allowing attendees to disconnect from their usual surroundings and potentially network with individuals they may not typically encounter.”

The full scientific program can be viewed here. Discounted early bird registrations will open in early February.