10. Top tips and key take aways
Use these top tips and key take aways when building veterinary events to promote wellbeing.
- Plan in advance, considering the needs of different audience members, including speakers and volunteers. This includes the needs of those with accessibility requirements, chronic illness, pregnancy and speakers/attendees who are neurodivergent.
- Encourage speakers and presenters to define terms, use plain English and avoid jargon to ensure talks are accessible and can be understood by those who are new, such as students.
- Provide clear headers for talks and events, making it clear if there is a potentially sensitive topic, so individuals can plan whether or not to attend.
- Prepare your session chairs and ensure they know and understand the role they play in creating an inclusive and safe environment.
- Consider the needs of new joiners and those who may be lonely or isolated. Think about how the event could bring people together, particularly those who may not know anyone else at the event.
- Ensure all attendees, including speakers and chairs receive a pre-event information pack in a timely manner, to help individuals plan effectively and ensure some predictability.
- Signpost effectively throughout the event to sources of support and ensure speakers who are talking about potentially sensitive topics signpost to resources in their presentations.
- Look for venues that have a separate breakout space or wellbeing area, where possible, for attendees to be able to step away if needed.
- Ensure that when considering catering and refreshments, a variety of beverages are available in addition to alcohol. Consider alcohol-free events.
- Build in feedback and evaluation so that you know what’s working well, and where improvements may be required.