The AVA’s VetFest 2020 virtual conference will be streaming live online Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings over three weeks from Sunday 5 July to Thursday 23 July 2020. This inaugural online event will be an exciting opportunity for the veterinary profession to engage with a diverse range of presenters including international experts, with the theme of ‘Thriving in today’s world’.
VetFest 2020 will feature Plenary lectures scheduled for the Sunday evening followed by a MasterClass. One of the exceptional plenary speakers presenting on Sunday 12 July is Professor Paul Young from The University of Queensland (UQ), who is the virologist heading up UQ’s COVID-19 vaccine development program.
During the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings of the three weeks of VetFest 2020, there will be over 100 half-hour presentations available, featuring more than 12 AVA Special Interest Groups and the AVA QLD Division. The virtual conference will have three ‘rooms’ running concurrently for three hours each evening for delegates to choose from.
On the Wednesday evening of each week, VetFest 2020 will be featuring the famous VetEd Talks. In these lively sessions, members of the veterinary profession will speak on their passion in the profession with a focus on resilience. Delegates will have the opportunity to vote for the best VetEd Talk at the conclusion of the event, with the winning speaker receiving a free registration to the 2021 AVA Conference in Sydney.
The Convenor of VetFest 2020, Dr Sue Beetson explained that a lot of work had gone into selecting the right online platform for the conference. “We will have the ability for live Q&A’s throughout the sessions, and all sessions will be recorded and made available to delegates for six months. The recorded sessions can also be purchased if people are unable to attend the virtual conference”.
“As with everything to do with the pandemic during the last few months – rethinking and re-organising a big CPD event for the AVA and the veterinary profession has been a big challenge. However, it has also been exciting to create a new and relevant event in such changing and crowded times. I am sure the provision of CPD will never be the same and we’re entering a new phase of education. Our aim is to produce a high-quality, flexible event – that has something for everyone”, said Dr Beetson.
Another unique aspect of the virtual conference will be the opportunity for delegates to join virtual Happy Hours at the conclusion of sessions. Delegates who register for the VetFest 2020 virtual conference, will be eligible to receive CPD points. For more information about VetFest 2020 and to register for the virtual conference, visit vetfest.ava.com.au.