The South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT) invites you to their biennial congress.
Changes and challenges for the advancement of Veterinary Technology
Biennial Congress of the South African Association of Veterinary Technologists
9-10 October 2024 | 26 Degrees South Muldersdrift
On behalf of the South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT) we are pleased to invite your participation at the SAAVT 2024 Congress to be held at 26 Degrees South in Muldersdrift, Gauteng.
The SAAVT 2024 Congress will be held under the theme ‘Chances and challenges for the advancement of Veterinary Technology’.
We are looking forward to a productive and interactive Congress and are confident that you will all enjoy and contribute to the SAAVT 2024 Congress.
You are welcome to contact our Congress Secretariat to discuss your requirements for your participation at the SAAVT 2024 Congress.
With warm regards,
Absalom Makhubela
Congress Chairperson
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMELINES
11 MARCH: Abstract submissions open
11 MARCH: Early registration opens
10 MAY: Abstract submissions close
20 JUNE: Abstract acceptance notices
31 JULY: Early registration closes
4 OCTOBER: Regular registration closes
- Early Registration – closes 31 July
- Regular Registration – closes 04 October
| Member – Full Early | R2,300.00 |
| Member – Full Regular | R2,500.00 |
| Member – Day Early | R1,200.00 |
| Member – Day Regular | R1,500.00 |
| Student – Full Early | R1,650.00 |
| Student – Full Regular | R1,895.00 |
| Student – Day Early | R825.00 |
| Student – Day Regular | R950.00 |
| Non-Member – Full Early | R2,600.00 |
| Non-Member – Full Regular | R2,990.00 |
| Non-Member – Day Early | R1,500.00 |
| Non-Member – Day Regular | R1,700.00 |
| Accompanying Persons – Full | R1,650.00 |
| Accompanying Persons – Day | R825.00 |
| Congress Social Dinner | R500.00 |
ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY 10 MAY 2024.
The SAAVT welcomes abstract submissions with the following sub-themes:
- Captivating tales and enlightening moments: Unveiling intriguing laboratory stories and insights
- Research, Technology Development and Field Work
- Advancing Biosafety: Safeguarding laboratories and protecting communities
- Embracing Complexity: Addressing the dynamic challenges of test method validation
- Adapting to Change: Navigating regulatory compliance challenges in veterinary laboratories
The SAAVT will be accepting abstracts for both scientific and non-scientific presentations, under two categories.
- Abstracts can be submitted for consideration either as ORAL or POSTER presentations.
GUIDELINES – SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACTS
- Abstracts must not exceed a 300-word limit. The word limit relates only to the text of the abstract and does notinclude the title, authors, and institutions.
- Use single line spacing.
- Tables, figures, or images are permitted.
- Abstracts must be fully justified, and free of typographical and grammatical errors.
- Standard abbreviations may be used for common terms only. Otherwise, any abbreviation should be given in brackets after the first full use of the word. Abbreviations may be used in the title, provided the name in full is outlined in the body of the abstract.
- You will be asked to provide a short biography (up to 150 words) with your submission.
- You will be asked to nominate your preference for a poster or oral presentation.
- Please include degrees or professional titles (e.g. Dr, Prof., etc).
- It is the author’s responsibility to ensure the title, author, and affiliation details entered in the paper submission site are correct and exactly as they should be published on the abstract and all congress materials.
GUIDELINES – NON-SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACTS
- Abstracts must not exceed a 150-word limit. The word limit relates only to the text of the abstract and does notinclude the title, authors, and institutions.
- Use single line spacing.
- Tables, figures, or images are permitted.
- Abstracts must be fully justified, and free of typographical and grammatical errors.
- Standard abbreviations may be used for common terms only. Otherwise, any abbreviation should be given in brackets after the first full use of the word. Abbreviations may be used in the title, provided the name in full is outlined in the body of the abstract.
- You will be asked to provide a short biography (up to 150 words) with your submission.
- You will be asked to nominate your preference for a poster or oral presentation.
- Please include degrees or professional titles (e.g. Dr, Prof., etc).
- It is the author’s responsibility to ensure the title, author, and affiliation details entered in the paper submission site are correct and exactly as they should be published on the abstract and all congress materials.
GUIDELINES – ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Presentation
- The time given for oral presentation is 15 minutes only, then 5 minutes for questions.
- Note that the audience usually reads the text on a slide before they listen to the speaker. So:
- Minimise the text on the slides to essential information only.
- Keep it simple.
- Avoid reading out loud the text as it is on the slides.
- Practice your oral presentation thoroughly beforehand to make sure the timing is correct.
Content
- We recommend that you limit the total number of slides based on the time that you are allocated.
- For a 15-minute talk, about 17 slides with text are suggested as a guide.
- With pictures, it’s advised to put no more than 2 per slide for good visibility.
- Make sure any graphs or charts are easy to understand. Check that the caption is large enough read from a distance.
- Avoid animations and videos unless they are pivotal to the presentation.
- If you must include a video, it is up to you to make sure that it is set up correctly to play. Please inform SAVETCON if there is a video in you presentation, email of SAVETCON.
- Referencing, consent for images or tables should be available on request.
Text and Layout
- Please include a key message slide at the beginning or end of the presentation. This should highlight the main relevance of your project and the practical application of your findings.
- Recommendations:
- Plain white background and black text for presentations
- Font sizes: Title 40, Subtitle 30, Text 28.
- A large font is recommended so all text is legible.
- Use the same font throughout the presentation.
- Maximum of 7 lines of text per slide. Prefer bullet lists with short sentences.
- Use italics or bold to emphasize certain words or phrases.
- Remember to check the spelling before sending the final version.
GUIDELINES – POSTER PRESENTATIONS
- Poster presenters must print their own posters and bring them to the congress.
- The maximum poster size is A0 (approx. 84cm x 119cm).
- Posters must be printed on 180 gsm paper.
- Poster must not be laminated, or printed on material etc.
- Poster boards and the means to attach them will be provided by SAAVT.
- The posters will be on display throughout the congress.
- Presenters have been notified of which poster session they are allocated to. Each poster presenter must stand by their poster and present it to interested audience members during their allocated session in the program.
- If a presenter is not there during the allocated time, then they will not be considered for the “Best Poster Presentation” prize.
- Tuesday 8 October – Registration and check-in from 15h00
- Wednesday 9 October – Full day congress | Congress Social Dinner at 19h00
- Thursday 10 October – Full day congress | SAAVT AGM | Awards & Prize giving | Guests check-out and departure
- Friday 11 October – Breakfast & Check-out (for guests departing on the Friday)
CONFIRMED KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr Faith Peta
Chief Research Technician in the Vaccine Production Programme
OVR
Prof. Mulunda Mwanza
HOD Animal Health Department
North-West University
26° SOUTH
26 Degree South Hotel offers all the creature comforts required for an unforgettable stay, within the soothing serenity of the African bush. The Magaliesberg mountain range forms a picturesque backdrop for weddings, corporate getaways and leisure seekers alike. Situated within the Cradle Moon Conservancy in Muldersdrift Gauteng, this private reserve provides the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city but is a convenient 20 minute drive from Lanseria International Airport and 1 hour drive from OR Tambo.
ACCOMMODATION
All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and free toiletries, rooms at the hotel also have pool view. Guest rooms at 26 Degree South Hotel are fitted with a seating area.
RATES
- Single Room – R1,075 per person, per night, bed & breakfast.
- Sharing Room – R1,690.00 per room, per night, bed & breakfast | or R845.00 per person sharing, per night, bed & breakfast
- PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE HOTEL DIRECTLY AS WE ARE HOLDING A BLOCK BOOKING.
- Accommodation can be booked on the registration system.
SAAVT 2024 Congress Organisers
SAVETCON Event Management
Melanie Pretorius
[email protected]
+27(0)71 587 2950