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The London Vet Show will next take place on 11th and 12th November 2021 at the ExCeL Center, London.
CloserStill says the decision to cancel was made following several discussions with industry stakeholders, including partners, and considering the significant impact of both international and domestic travel.
Rob Chapman, MD of CloserStill’s veterinary portfolio, said: "COVID-19 has brought enormous pressures and uncertainty to the veterinary sector - both personally and professionally.
"Although the UK Government gave the green light for exhibitions and meetings to start again in October, after examining at the overall market and consultation with our partners, we feel the decision to postpone is in the best interest of the veterinary community.
"Although this news may be disappointing to those looking forward to the London Vet Show, unfortunately the coronavirus situation is continually developing. We want to be as clear and upfront as possible with our community and customers, and after careful consideration, our decision to reschedule was out of caution. As event organisers, the health and safety of our exhibitors, delegates, speakers, staff and supporters, is our number one priority."
"Obviously the postponement decision hasn’t been easy but we firmly believe it’s the right thing to do. We are so fortunate to have support of great partners like the Royal Veterinary College and the British Veterinary Association, along with the exhibitors, speakers and delegates we’ve spoken to so far; everyone has been really understanding. We can’t wait to see you all again virtually soon, and in person in 2021."
"The team and I are eager to continue to provide world-class education to veterinary professionals, to connect and encourage networking to foster the advancement of the veterinary sector. We are developing some great opportunities for the veterinary community come November. We will be announcing more details on this very soon."
The London Vet Show was a runaway success this year, with more delegates on day one than visited the entire show in 2010.
Rob Chapman from CloserStill Media, organiser of the event said: "We're still number crunching, but it looks like numbers were up something like 40% on last year."
VetSurgeon.org visited the event and filmed a number of the commercial exhibitors, many of whom said what a good atmosphere there was at the show and how busy it was.
CloserStill has already confirmed that the London Vet Show will again take place in the Grand Hall at London Olympia next year. However, it will be expanding into West Hall for the clinical lectures, so that everyone can have a seat, unlike this year when demand was so high, some had to sit on the floor.