11 Nov 2020
Jenny Campbell, previously lined up for cancelled live event in 2020, is first of three keynotes confirmed for online-only offering in 2021.
Paul Imrie
Job Title
Dragons’ Den star Jenny Campbell.
The first of three keynote speakers for 2021’s virtual BSAVA Congress has been named – Dragons’ Den star and UK entrepreneur Jenny Campbell.
Mrs Campbell was originally lined up for BSAVA Congress in March, but the Birmingham gathering was one of the first high-profile sector casualties of COVID-19.
The association has now confirmed her for BSAVA Virtual Congress 2021, taking place from 25 to 27 March.
Before becoming a dragon on the BBC Two show, Mrs Campbell worked in banking for 30 years and became chief executive of cash machine firm Hanco before buying out the business, and turning it around and selling it for £50 million.
Having continually tackled career and work commitments, she is fully aware of the veterinary profession being under more pressure than ever as the pandemic rages.
She said: “Everyone should look after their well-being. It’s important to recognise when you need some rest and relaxation, and to put the phone away. Just accept that you can’t manage it all and there are only 24 hours in every day.”
Mrs Campbell added: “I tend to say ‘what must I do today?’; ‘what must I do that other people are waiting for me to do?’ and then just put things in order. And setting people’s expectations – you can’t necessarily do that today, but you’ll do it tomorrow or in a couple of days – just keep everybody informed always on what your timescales are.”
On the virtual congress, she said: “Veterinary communities, like other professions, have seen the value that online technologies can offer – both for networking and socials, as well as essential CPD. We should all embrace these changes and look at the value they can bring.”
The virtual congress programme is being finalised and two further keynote speakers will be announced soon. More than 100 hours of CPD – featuring globally recognised speakers, visionaries and experts – is planned, and an online exhibition hall and networking chat rooms will also feature.
BSAVA Congress 2021 programme committee chairman Andy Green said: “‘Whether a virtual or a live event, our entire programme is proudly created by the profession, for the profession, and we are committed to providing unrivalled education with topical, clinically relevant and evidence-based content.”
