IAVRPT

13th IAVRPT Symposium Cancelled

Statement from the IAVRPT Board

It is with great disappointment that the IAVRPT Board announces the difficult decision not to proceed with the 13th IAVRPT Symposium, which was scheduled to be held in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, in July 2026.

This decision has not been made lightly. Despite an outstanding scientific programme, exceptional speakers, and strong support for Knoxville during the planning phase, registrations did not reach the level required to deliver a financially sustainable Symposium. After careful consideration, the Board concluded that cancelling the Symposium at this stage was the most responsible course of action to protect the long-term financial sustainability of IAVRPT and ensure the Association can continue to support its members and advance the veterinary rehabilitation profession.

We recognise that this news will be deeply disappointing for our members, registered delegates, speakers, sponsors, the University of Tennessee, our organising committee, and everyone who contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to planning what promised to be an exceptional Symposium. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported the event.

Information for Delegates, Speakers and Sponsors

Registered delegates will receive a full refund of their Symposium registration fee.

Sponsors will receive a full refund of their sponsorship, and we look forward to continuing our partnerships through future IAVRPT educational initiatives.

Speakers will be contacted individually regarding reimbursement of any eligible travel-related expenses and invited to participate in our forthcoming webinar programme.

For any queries regarding any of the above, please contact Caitlin Millis caitlin.iavrpt@gmail.com.

Looking Ahead

Although we are deeply disappointed that the Symposium will not proceed as planned, our commitment to education remains unchanged.

Over the coming 12 months, IAVRPT intends to deliver many of the planned Symposium presentations as an online webinar series, allowing members to benefit from the exceptional expertise and scientific content developed for Knoxville.

The Board will also undertake a comprehensive review of the current Symposium model and IAVRPT’s continuing professional development programme. We recognise that international conferences are operating in a rapidly changing global environment, and we will be seeking feedback from members, speakers, sponsors and stakeholders to help shape the future direction of IAVRPT educational events.

We remain committed to delivering high-quality education, fostering international collaboration, and advancing veterinary rehabilitation worldwide.

Thank you for your continued support, understanding, and commitment to IAVRPT as we move forward together.

The IAVRPT Board
President: Ionut Ciuperca
Treasurer: David Levine
Secretary: Lesley Goff
Past President: May Römer-Bartels
Anna Bergh
Sarah Cruickshank
Nathaly Gaudreault
Diane Messum
Executive Secretary: Darryl Millis