The South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT) invites you to their 2026 biennial congress.
The South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT) is proud to announce its flagship event – the Biennial SAAVT Congress 2026, will be taking place from 30 September to 1 October 2026 at the stunning Krystal Beach Hotel in Gordon’s Bay.
This prestigious congress will bring together veterinary technologists, industry professionals, academics, students, and key stakeholders from across South Africa and beyond to engage in meaningful dialogue, share cutting-edge research, and explore the future of animal health and welfare.
As a leading platform for professional development and collaboration, the SAAVT Congress offers sponsors a unique opportunity to connect directly with a targeted audience of veterinary professionals who are actively shaping the field.
With a dynamic programme of keynote speakers, exhibitions, and networking events, the 2026 Congress promises to be one of our most impactful gatherings to date.
We encourage you to Save the Date in your calendars!
We look forward to meeting you at the picturesque Krystal Beach Hotel for two days of insight, innovation, and inspiration — and position your organization at the heart of veterinary progress.
The SAAVT Executive Committee
IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMELINES
- 23 FEBRUARY: Abstract submissions open
- 23 FEBRUARY: Early registration opens
- 29 MAY: Abstract submissions closed
- 30 JUNE: Abstract acceptance notices
- 31 JULY: Early Registration & Payment Deadline*
- 31 JULY: Accommodation Payment Deadline
- 11 SEPTEMBER: Regular Registration & Payment Deadline
Early Registration – closes 31 July 2026 (Payment or PO must be received by this date)*
Regular Registration – closes 11 September 2026
* If Purchase Order from academic institutions or organizations are received by this date, the Early Registration Fee will be honoured until payment can be made. If no PO or payment is received by this date, your registration will automatically be carried over to the Regular Registration fee.
Full registration fees includes:
- Electronic Programme and Abstract Book
- Conference bag
- Mid-Morning Refreshments x 2
- Lunches x 2
- Mid-Afternoon Refreshments x 2
- Excluded: Gala Dinner.
Day registration fees includes:
- Electronic Programme and Abstract Book
- Conference bag
- Mid-Morning Refreshment (on the day of attendance)
- Lunch (on the day of attendance)
- Mid-Afternoon Refreshment (on the day of attendance)
- Excluded: Gala Dinner.
Accompanying person registration fees includes:
- Attendance to refreshment breaks only – not to the conference sessions
- Mid-Morning Refreshments x 2
- Lunches x 2
- Mid-Afternoon Refreshments x 2
- Excluded: Gala Dinner.
| Member – Full Early | R2,800.00 |
| Member – Full Regular | R3,000.00 |
| Member – Day Early | R1,500.00 |
| Member – Day Regular | R2,000.00 |
| Student – Full Early | R2,100.00 |
| Student – Full Regular | R2,300.00 |
| Student – Day Early | R1,100.00 |
| Student – Day Regular | R1,300.00 |
| Non-Member – Full Early | R3,300.00 |
| Non-Member – Full Regular | R3,800.00 |
| Non-Member – Day Early | R1,900.00 |
| Non-Member – Day Regular | R2,100.00 |
| Accompanying Persons – Full | R1,900.00 |
| Accompanying Persons – Day | R980.00 |
| Congress Social Dinner – All attendees (Optional) | R600.00 |
Our theme, “United in Veterinary Excellence,” highlights the strength of collaboration, professionalism, and high standards across the veterinary community, recognising that excellence is achieved through teamwork, ongoing learning, and a collective dedication to best practice. This theme celebrates the vital role veterinary technologists play in advancing animal health and welfare, while inspiring members to remain connected, innovative, and proudly committed to the continued growth of the profession in South Africa.
While the congress theme highlights Veterinary Excellence, we welcome both scientific and non-scientific abstracts under the following themes:
- From Sample to Solution: Strengthening Veterinary Diagnostic in South Africa
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics
- Transforming veterinary laboratories for emerging and endemic diseases threats
- Laboratory Quality at Core: Beyond Compliance towards diagnostic excellence
- One Health
- Surveillance-Driven Diagnostics
- Success stories (non-technical)
- Abstract Submission Opens – 23 February
- Abstract Submission Closes – 29 May
- Abstract Status Notices – 30 June
- All speakers to be registered – 10 July
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.
- Poster Guidelines: http://colinpurrington.com/tips/academic/posterdesign/
- Wednesday 30 September
- 07h00 – Registration opens
- 08h30 – Congress starts
- 17h00 – Close Day 1
- 19h00 – Congress Social Dinner
- Thursday 01 October
- 07h30 – Registration opens
- 08h30 – Congress starts
- 16h00 – Awards & Closing of Congress
- Friday 02 October
- Breakfast & Check-out at 10h00 (for guests departing on the Friday)
KRYSTAL BEACH HOTEL
Situated on the waterfront of the idyllic Harbour Island peninsula in Gordon’s Bay, Krystal Beach boasts breath-taking panoramic sea views, luxury Gordon’s Bay accommodation, delectable dining options and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
At Krystal Beach, guests have the choice of 112 elegant rooms and suites, each with their own mountain or marina view, modern furnishings and convenient amenities. The decor throughout this luxury Gordon’s Bay hotel reflects cool textures, tones and colours while local art and photography adorn the walls of each room, bringing a true taste of South Africa to complement the hotel’s muted colour palette.
ACCOMMODATION
Boasting well-appointed, classy and comfortable accommodation in Gordon’s Bay, Krystal Beach offers 112 stylish and elegant rooms and suites varying in size, design and sophistication. Situated along the False Bay coast, the hotel’s placement takes advantage of both the panoramic ocean views and the picturesque Harbour Island Marina.
Tying into the tranquil colour palette of the surrounding bay, the décor in the hotel reflects cool textures, fabrics and colour. This air of calm created by the muted colour palette is beautifully accented by the local art and photography that adorns the walls and brings a taste of African creativity to the space. All rooms have stunning mountain, sea or marina views, which can be enjoyed from a private balcony or comfortable lounge suite.
Comfort is a top priority at Krystal Beach, and all rooms and suites feature chic furnishings and all the necessary amenities such as Wi-Fi, satellite TV and air conditioning for your convenience.
RATES
- Single Room – R1,965 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.
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of The South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT), I am delighted to extend a warm invitation to all of you to attend our 2026 Biennial Congress, which will take place at Krystal Beach Hotel, Gordon’s Bay from 30 September – 01 October 2026.
The conference will be held under the theme: United in Veterinary Excellence.
This is one of the biggest highlights on the Veterinary Technologists calendar, with the aim of encouraging the purpose, status, and pride of veterinary technology, fostering close cooperation between Veterinary Technologists and promoting healthy communication with other professional bodies and institutions.
None of this would be possible without the involvement and support of companies such as yours. The layout of the venue and structure of the programme is such that there will be extensive opportunities for your representatives to interact with delegates.
Your presence and contribution will enhance the overall impact of the congress through promotional opportunities, scientific exchange and community engagement. In principle, all sponsors will be treated on a „first come, first served“ basis and will be mentioned in all Congress Publications, such as the Final Programme and the Congress Website.
There are different sponsorship packages and opportunities available.
To book your Sponsorship Package, please click here.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to hosting this congress with you.
Dr Itumeleng Matle
Congress Chairperson
Payment or Purchase Order not received by the advertised due date will automatically be carried over to the next payment category.
Cancellations & Refunds
- All cancellations must be made in writing (via email) to the Congress Secretariat at [email protected]
- Substitute delegates can be nominated and accepted with no additional fee.
- Cancellations before 29 May 2026 will incur a ZAR 300.00 cancellation fee.
- Cancellations from 30 May to 31 July 2026 will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
- Cancellations from or after 31 July 2026 will receive no refund.
- Please note that cancellation fees will apply whether or not payment is received at the time of registration. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to these conditions.
Liability / Insurance
In the event of industrial disruptions or natural disasters, the SAAVT Congress LOC or organisers cannot accept responsibility for any financial or other losses incurred by the delegates. The SAAVT Congress LOC and the Organising Committee take no responsibility for injury or damage to persons or property occurring during the Congress is the individual delegate’s responsibility. Delegates are encouraged to choose a travel insurance policy that includes loss of fees / deposits through cancellation of your participation in the Congress , or through the cancellation of the Conference itself, loss of airfares for any reason, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The SAAVT Congress LOC or organisers will take no responsibility for any participant failing to insure.
Force Majeure
The SAAVT Congress LOC or organisers shall not be liable for any loss caused by the cancellation of the Congress where such cancellation is due to Force Majeure. The organisers will use all reasonable efforts to conduct the Congress despite the intervention or occurrence of any such cause.
In this clause, Force Majeure means circumstances which are beyond the reasonable control of the SAAVT Congress LOC or organisers and which are reasonably likely to affect the SAAVT Congress’s successful delivery or would make it inadvisable, impracticable, illegal, or impossible for a party to perform its obligations as originally contracted under this Agreement, including: fire, flood, earthquake, extreme adverse weather conditions, failure of electric power, gas, water, or other utility service, collapse of building structures, widespread disease or other public health emergency (including pandemic or epidemic), strike or other industrial action, the outbreak or declaration of war, act of terrorism, revolution or government orders or action (including the declaration of a State of Emergency).
If, as a result of Force Majeure, the SAAVT cancels the Congress , the SAAVT shall use reasonable commercial endeavours to reschedule the Meeting.
Without prejudice to its obligations the SAAVT Congress LOC or organisers accepts no liability and will not be liable for any compensation where the performance of its obligations under this Agreement is affected by Force Majeure.
SAAVT 2026 Congress Organisers
SAVETCON Event Management
Ms Corné Engelbrecht
[email protected]