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Veterinary Human Factors Live 2026 brought together veterinary professionals from across the UK for a day of connection, collaboration, and meaningful conversation, demonstrating the power of bringing people together in person to create positive change.
Hosted jointly by VetLed and Vet Empowered at The Studio in Birmingham on Friday 26th June, the inaugural in-person Veterinary Human Factors Live built on the legacy of the Veterinary Human Factors Conference while embracing a new format centred around participation, discussion, and community.
The atmosphere throughout the day was one of optimism. Conversations flowed, new relationships were formed, and delegates explored how collaboration can strengthen not only individuals and teams, but the profession as a whole.
“A couple of things were out of our control (hello train timetables!). And none of it mattered next to what actually filled that room - the conversations, the hope, the people daring to do things differently, together. With themselves, with each other, with their clients. Being the change.” Dr Katie Ford, Founder, Vet Empowered
A community united
The event centred around the theme Collaboration for Collective Change, with delegates exploring collaboration with ourselves, our teams, our clients, and the wider profession.
Rather than a programme of back-to-back lectures, the day created space for discussion, reflection, and shared learning. From practising deep listening to interactive sessions that invited everyone in the room to contribute, Veterinary Human Factors Live was designed to ensure every voice could be heard.
A particular highlight was the contribution of keynote speaker Dr Chris Turner from Civility Saves Lives, whose opening and closing sessions framed the day with insight, curiosity, and practical reflections. Remaining with delegates throughout the event, Chris became part of the conversations rather than simply presenting from the stage, reinforcing the event's commitment to genuine collaboration.
Collaboration in action
Veterinary Human Factors Live also marked the first partnership event between VetLed and Vet Empowered.
Built on a friendship and shared purpose, the collaboration reflected the very message the organisations hoped to champion throughout the day: that meaningful change happens when people work together.
Rather than viewing overlapping missions as competition, the two organisations chose to demonstrate a different approach — one rooted in generosity, shared values, and a commitment to improving the profession together.
“Hearing the buzz in the room as people shared ideas, and watching the sparks fly as new connections developed, led to a real sense that change is possible, it’s happening, and WE’RE DOING THIS TOGETHER!”
Dr Hannah Godfrey, Managing Director, VetLed
More than a conference
After hosting the Veterinary Human Factors Conference online since 2021, VetLed responded to years of requests for opportunities to connect face-to-face.
The result was a day that many described as energising, hopeful, and deeply human.
From the buzz of conversations between sessions to the collective moments of reflection throughout the programme, Veterinary Human Factors Live reinforced a growing belief that positive change is not only possible — it is already happening through the people who make up the veterinary profession.
The organisers extend their sincere thanks to everyone who made the event possible, including delegates, speakers, sponsors, collaborators, and the team at The Studio Birmingham, whose support helped create an inclusive, welcoming environment throughout the day.
Looking ahead
While the conversations from Veterinary Human Factors Live 2026 continue, planning has already begun for next year's event.
The organisers hope this year's gathering will be remembered not simply as a conference, but as the beginning of an even stronger community committed to learning together, supporting one another, and shaping the future of the profession.
"We left Birmingham feeling hopeful. The conversations we heard, the connections we saw developing, and the willingness of people across the profession to work together reminded us of how powerful we are together. Veterinary Human Factors Live showed what is possible when we create the space for people to connect and this is just the beginning!"
Dr Hannah Godfrey, Managing Director, VetLed.
Register your interest for next year’s event at https://forms.gle/x2Fzon9Dq8h6yDi8A
