The South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT) invites you to their 2026 biennial congress.
Biennial Congress of the South African Association of Veterinary Technologists
30 September – 01 October 2026
Krystal Beach Hotel, Gordon’s Bay
On behalf of the South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT) we are pleased to invite your participation at the SAAVT 2026 Congress to be held at Krystal Beach Hotel, Gordon’s Bay.
The SAAVT 2026 Congress will be held under the theme ‘United in Veterinary Excellence’.
We are looking forward to a productive and interactive Congress and are confident that you will all enjoy and contribute to the SAAVT 2026 Congress.
You are welcome to contact our Congress Secretariat to discuss your requirements for your participation at the SAAVT 2026 Congress.
With warm regards,
Dr Itumeleng Matle
SAAVT Chairperson
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 closes
- 21 SEPTEMBER: Regular registration closes
- Early Registration – closes 31 July
- Regular Registration – closes 21 September
| 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 |
- Abstract Submission Opens – 23 February
- Abstract Submission Closes – 29 May
- Abstract Status Notices – 30 June
- All speakers to be registered – 10 July
The SAAVT 2026 Congress welcomes abstracts under the theme: UNITED IN VETERINARY EXCELLENCE, and the following sub-themes:
- Innovation in veterinary laboratory diagnostics
- Emerging and re-emerging pathogens
- Disease Diagnostics
- One Health
- Proactive surveillance for Transboundary diseases
- Success stories
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 request the Sponsorship Prospectus, kindly contact our Congress Organisers through Melanie Pretorius at [email protected].
We are grateful for your support and look forward to hosting this congress with you.
Dr Itumeleng Matle
Congress Chairperson
SAAVT 2026 Congress Organisers
SAVETCON Event Management
Melanie Pretorius
[email protected]
+27(0)71 587 2950