VPMA SPVS in Gwent, Wales

Ever hear of pip pip cheerio? I thought they were cereal cartoon characters! In fact, it’s an antiquated British way of saying goodbye. But Bash Halow, CVPM, LVT will be saying HELLO to Great Britain this January 30^th at the 2016 annual VPMA/SPVS in Gwent, Wales.

The VPMA SPVS in Gwent is called a ‘Congress’?

In England, they call their veterinary conferences, congresses, which sounds so much more serious, but turns out to be just as fun, fulfilling, and full of the same wonderful networking opportunities that we have here in the States. Maybe even more.

At this year’s event, held at the stately Celtic Manor (that’s pronounced Kel-tic, not Sell-tic for my American friends), I’ll be giving our English cousins a run down of the latest ways we’re using digital communication to attract new clients and to keep our current ones engaged.

The Celtic Manor is located in Wales, about a 2 hour train ride west of London. This is my second trip to this

esteemed education venue, so I know the route. One flight with a stopover in Iceland (Icelandic Air makes sure that they recover the cost of their cheap airfare by luring you into an Iceland stay; an alien, but beautiful volcanic land with hot springs, sulfur tinged skies, and a dramatic coastline), then a train from Heathrow with one change in…can’t remember where…and you’re there! Bleary eyed, but you’re there!

More Pet Insurance in England

The business of veterinary medicine in England is much like it is in the US with a few standout exceptions. One is the high number of pets that are insured there versus here…more than 27% more! Makes you think about the opportunities we’re missing when not promoting great plans like Nationwide (uber-friendly industry liason Linda Markland, RVT can help you find a plan that’s right for you), Trupanion (try the 30 day certificates…they’re great) and Petplan (follow the 2016 veterinary awards at this year’s NAVC) to our clients on a regular basis.

More news when I get back. If any of you feel like a Jan/February jaunt to beautiful Wales (it won’t be brown like it is here in the US, but a mixture of deciduous trees in their winter stage and bright, green lawns), by all means call up your Iceland Air carrier and book yourself a trip. The VPMA/SPVS in Gwent is a distinguished veterinary management conference. You’ll enjoy the warm, carousing hospitality of the British and intelligent, entertaining, first-rate education.

See you in England! Ta Ta!