Veterinary Business Group Summit 2022 wrap up

_{Image (L-R): Veterinary Business Thought Leader award winner 2022 Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker with Sue Crampton}

 

‘Emergence’ was the theme of the 2022 Veterinary Business Group (VBG) Summit and it was certainly an apt description. Delegates gathered from across the country, coming together at the Crown Conference Centre Melbourne to celebrate the emergence of the veterinary profession from the challenges of the past few years.

^{Image: delegates watching one of the 2022 VBG Summit lectures}

Speakers from Day One took us on several journeys, from post-tsunami disaster zones in Thailand to the peak of mountains in the Andes. Sessions were moderated by Dr Moss Siddle and Dr Geoff Golovsky, and featured keynote speaker Peter Baines discussing how good leadership allows us to find “unique solutions” for “unique challenges”. 

^{Image: keynote speaker Peter Baines}

^{Image (L - R): AVA Head of Education Dr Meredith Flash and keynote speaker Peter Baines}

Keynote speaker Kirrily Dear showed us how a learnt mindset allowed her to become the first woman on record to complete marathons and ultramarathons in extremely challenging circumstances, including running during one of the hottest Australian summers on record, and climbing the high-altitude mountains of South America. Finding joy in the challenges one sets oneself, and setting boundaries to preserve one’s health were common themes from these sessions.

^{Image: keynote speaker Kirrily Dear}

Closer to home, presentations on the current state of the veterinary market, a leadership panel and a small-group workshop session prompted vibrant discussions. The mood was interactive and collegiate, with a focus on positive leadership highlighting the passion veterinary business owners have for not only their own teams, but also the wider profession.

^{Image: Dr Moss Siddle leads a workshop table during the VBG Hub Session, a highlight of the VBG Summit, where industry leaders host small group discussions covering various aspects of veterinary business.}

Dovetailing into the self-care themes, keynote speaker Dr Nick Mabbott got us up bright and early to highlight the importance of sleep in optimising wellbeing, workplace safety and performance. This was followed by a number of tactical and practical sessions covering all aspects of business to round out Day Two.

^{Image (L-R): AVA Executive Officer (VBG) Kimberley Moore with keynote speaker and Fatigue Risk Management Specialist Dr Nick Mabbott}

The AVA provided carer passes, allowing delegates the choice to attend with their young babies. This is a family-friendly initiative that AVA president, Dr Bronwyn Orr, will likely be utilising in the very near future!

^{Image: creating the next generation of leaders!}

^{Image (L - R): AVA President Dr Bronwyn Orr with Dr Allie Corripio, owner of Brindabella Equine, and baby Ailana.}

The Exhibition Hall provided an array of interesting displays, with one stand offering free massages and others showcasing a range of fantastic prizes and offers. Industry representatives and delegates alike were keen to catch up for a chat, the overall atmosphere being extremely positive.

^{Image (L - R): Lyz Smoothy and Mark Laudrum from Guild Insurance}

^{Image (L - R): Martin Johnson, Samantha Schooley, Leonie Dodson and Dr Annabel Robertson from Hill's Pet Nutrition}

^{Image (L - R): Elissa Roberts from Covetrus Software Services, Linda Banks from Drouin Veterinary Clinic and Emma Flynn from Provet}

^{Image: Ash McLeod from Credabl and Anton Zaidan from Macquarie Bank}

^{Image: Compounded Pty Ltd's Freddy Umlil speaks with a delegate}

^{Image (L - R): Harry Thacker and Mark Thacker from Life Bioscience} 

^{Image: Carolyn Smith from Vet Stationery}

^{Image (L - R): David Smidt from Zoetis, Doug Sutherland from Idexx and Matthew Jones from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health}

^{Image: Dr Matthew Jones from Boehringer chats to a delegate}

^{Image (L - R): Shane De Silva and speaker Luke James, both from BOQ Specialist}

^{Image (L - R): Heather Turley and Julia Gullaci from Edenhills Pet Cremation}

^{Image: Martin Johnson from Hills Pet Nutrition speaks with a delegate}

^{Image: free massages were being given at the Royal Canin stand}

^{Image: delegates catch up over morning tea in the Exhibition Hall}

Student volunteers were on hand to help out, even participating in the workshop!

^{Image (L - R): student volunteers Elizabeth and Alexandra}

^{Image (L - R): Dr Geoff Golovsky from Vet HQ and student volunteer Elizabeth Khor}

And last but not least, the VBG Awards Dinner at the end of Day One was a smashing success, with attendees relishing the opportunity to get dressed up and catch up with colleagues at this long-awaited in-person social event. Dr Catherine Harper from Barossa Veterinary Service won the award for Veterinary Business of the Year, and Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker was named the Veterinary Business Thought Leader for 2022.

^{Image (L - R): Dr Annabel Robertson from Hills Pet Nutrition, Veterinary Business of the Year award winner Dr Catherine Harper, Veterinary Business Thought Leader winner Dr Jocelyn Birch Baker, Sue Crampton and Dr Moss Siddle.}

The AVA congratulates Dr Harper and Dr Birch Baker for their fantastic achievements. We hope to see you next year for the VBG Summit 2023!