programme

Wednesday 18 March

TimeTopicSpeaker      
8.00amRegistration opens
9.00amWelcome - VBC PresidentNick Cooper 
9.15amIf great outcomes are about great relationships what to do when they’re NOT!
In this session Michael will introduce Appreciative Inquiry as a novel and practical method for recognising and reinforcing the behaviours that help teams operate at their best AND for addressing “not so great” outcomes. Participants will also explore how Relationship-Centred Care supports personalised feedback, healthier communication, and greater self-awareness around triggers and responses to those “not so great” outcomes. 		Michael Meehan                                                                                           
10.30amMorning tea
11.00amWhat are psychosocial risks—and why veterinary businesses can't ignore themDana Carver     
11.45amDriving commitment: the role of contextualised care in client decision-making
Contextualised care recognises that every veterinary decision sits within the unique circumstances of the animal, the client, and the clinic situation. Instead of a one-size-fits-all model, it supports personalised recommendations that balance medical best practice with the client's values, resources, expectations, and capacity.  By meeting clients where they are, contextualised care helps build trust, reduce barriers to decision-making, and ultimately drives stronger commitment to the agreed treatment plan.		Brendan Hickman
Lauren Gliddon
12.30pmLunch
1.15pmThe Client Journey
In this session Sue will workshop with us the importance that all clinic members play in managing these critical touchpoints every day in every way!
 Sue Crampton
2.15pmOops I'm a leader!
In this session Michael and Sue will discuss how to set your self up for success as you transition into a senior role in the clinic.
Sue Crampton
Michael Meehan         
3.15pmAfternoon tea
3.45pmThe three P's to a successful practice
The “three Ps” of thriving: positive leadership, psychological safety, and purpose - highlighting that thriving in clinical practice is a shared responsibility between individuals, practices, and the broader profession.
Lotte Cantley
4.15pmTeam based consultingBrendan Hickman
5.00pmDay concludes
6.00pmDinner - Sudima Hotel

Thursday 19 March

TimeTopicSpeaker      
8.30amValue Your Vet ProjectLauren Glibbon
Bill Hancock
9.00amHow can artificial intelligence help my business?
TBC
9.45amPausing for Vet Health
We know healthy people are critical to the veterinary profession, but what is health, and how do we maintain it throughout our lives, with the challenges of our busy jobs, being parents, and looking after everyone else before ourselves?		Sally Aitken
10.30amMorning tea
11.00amChallenges and solutions working in rural practiceMark Bryan
12.00pmNeurodiversity is not a buzzword: embracing minds that think differently
This session will unpack what neurodiversity and neurodivergence are (and are not), highlight how differently‑wired brains can both shine and struggle in veterinary settings, and explore how factors like communication style, time pressure, sensory load and masking shape workable vs overwhelming workdays for neurominorities. 

Participants will leave with practical ideas and conversation starters they can take back to their own workplaces to build more neuro‑inclusive, sustainable veterinary teams.

Tracey Rountree                                                       
1.00pmLunch
1.45pmKnow your worth
In this session Sue and Nick will discuss with you the importance of talking to your team about business financials so all can understand how they impact the client, patients, team and overall practice sustainability.
Sue Crampton
Nick Cooper
2.45pmWhat am I going to do now?Panel
3.30pmConclusionNick Cooper
3.45pmDay concludes