Veterinary leaders’ real-world challenges shape VMG Congress 2027 programme

21–23 April 2027, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Stratford-upon-Avon

The challenges veterinary leaders say matter most to them will be at the heart of Veterinary Management Group (VMG) Congress 2027. Under the theme Real Leaders. Shared Solutions and with a focus on creating high-performing cultures and building resilient, close-knit teams, the event will offer practical sessions for both experienced veterinary leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles.

The programme has been influenced by discussions during ShareSPACE, the VMG’s peer forum where veterinary professionals explore leadership challenges and share approaches to tackling them. Focus groups led by VMG President Rebecca Robinson have also helped identify the issues members most want to address.

The resulting programme, says the VMG, combines fresh thinking with practical ideas and tools delegates can take back into their own workplaces.

The 2027 keynote speaker Claire Johnson of Shrine London will bring insights from one of the most demanding performance environments – motorsport. The only female performance coach in motorsport history to hold an active racing licence, she has raced at circuit level and coached world champions.

During her address, Think Like an F1 Driver, Claire will explore the disciplines that help elite performers make better decisions under pressure, recover quickly from mistakes and maintain performance when conditions are difficult – and suggest how these principles can be applied to leadership in veterinary practice.

ShareSPACE Live will return to VMG Congress following its successful introduction in 2026. The participant-led format enables delegates to identify issues of mutual interest, share experiences and work together to develop practical solutions and follow-up actions.

The programme will also cover topics including sustainable performance and wellbeing, psychological safety, difficult conversations, multi-site leadership, implementing CMA recommendations, financial confidence, decision-making under pressure and the use of AI in veterinary practice.

Commenting on VMG Congress 2027, VMG Junior Vice President Andrew Whitfield-Roberts RVN said: “Our Congress in 2027 will build on the momentum we created this year, bringing our community together once again to learn, share and grow.

“We’re very excited about our 2027 speaker line-up, which brings together an inspiring and diverse mix of veterinary and non-veterinary voices, offering fresh perspectives, practical insights and new ways of thinking.

“Above all, Congress 2027 is about our community: creating meaningful connections, supporting one another and sharing solutions that can make a real difference to the people, teams and organisations we lead. We can’t wait to welcome everyone and continue the conversation.”

The full programme is available at https://vetmg.com/vmg-congress-programme/

A range of ticket options is available, currently at Early Bird rates. They include single-day attendance and the Complete Congress Experience, which includes accommodation and tickets to the Welcome BBQ and President’s Party. More information is available at https://vetmg.com/vmg-congress-2027/

As the professional body for those in leadership and management roles within the veterinary sector, the Veterinary Management Group provides education, peer support and accredited leadership and management qualifications, including the VMG/ILM Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership and Management.