By Digital Practice
Vet Technology Forum: From 2026 takeaways to 2027 opportunities
On 1st July 2026, veterinary professionals, technology providers, practice leaders, regulators and industry organisations came together in London for our Vet Technology Forum.
What made the day special wasn’t just the discussions around technology. It was the shared willingness to tackle some of the profession’s biggest challenges together.
From artificial intelligence and integration standards to CMA readiness and client communication, one theme echoed throughout every session:
Technology isn’t the goal. Better outcomes for practices, teams, clients and animals are.
As we look ahead and begin shaping VTF 2027, sponsorship opportunities are now available for organisations that want to connect with the veterinary community and support the discussions driving progress in the sector.
Moving beyond the hype around AI
AI was inevitably one of the most talked-about topics of the day.
Rather than focusing on futuristic predictions, panellists concentrated on real-world applications already making a difference.
Many practices are seeing value from AI through administrative support, clinical note generation, workflow automation, communication tools and data analysis. Speakers highlighted how AI scribes, automated reporting and intelligent administrative processes are already helping teams reclaim time and reduce pressure.
At the same time, there was broad agreement that successful adoption isn’t just about technology. It requires education and strong leadership. Several contributors emphasised the importance of supporting teams through change rather than imposing solutions from the top down.
Perhaps most importantly, discussions reinforced that it’s key that veterinary professionals remain firmly in control of clinical decision-making, using AI as a tool to support professional judgement rather than replace it.
The challenge of turning technology into outcomes
One of the strongest messages of the day was that bringing in technology is often the easy part. Achieving meaningful adoption is much harder.
Practice leaders shared candid experiences of introducing new systems, overcoming resistance, identifying internal champions and ensuring teams understand the value behind new tools. The consensus was clear: successful technology projects start with solving a real problem, not simply introducing another platform.
The most successful implementations were those where teams could clearly see how technology reduced friction in their daily work, improved client communication or gave them more time to focus on patient care.
Integrations matter more than ever
As practices adopt more specialist tools, the importance of integration came sharply into focus.
Our “Integrations: should PMSs do more, or connect better?” panel explored the growing ecosystem surrounding practice management systems, including payments, communications, reporting, client engagement and AI solutions. Discussions highlighted that practices increasingly want technology to work together seamlessly, reducing administration rather than creating more of it.
While opinions differed on whether practice management systems should become all-in-one platforms or act as the centre of a wider marketplace of specialist solutions, there was agreement on one key principle:
Technology should reduce complexity for practices, not increase it.
Preparing for a changing regulatory landscape
The CMA reforms featured prominently throughout the day as well.
Industry leaders discussed the practical realities of implementing new requirements and the role technology can play in helping practices manage increased administrative demands. Sessions explored pricing transparency, prescriptions, client communication and workflow challenges, alongside opportunities for software providers to support compliance in ways that minimise workload.
Rather than viewing regulation solely as a challenge, many speakers encouraged practices to see it as an opportunity to strengthen trust, improve communication and demonstrate value more effectively.
Building trust through transparency
Another important milestone discussed during the event was the development of the Veterinary AI Transparency Alliance.
The initiative, supported by the RCVS and industry stakeholders, aims to create greater transparency around veterinary AI tools, helping practices understand how systems work, what data they use and how they can be adopted responsibly.
The conversations reflected a broader commitment across the profession to ensure innovation is accompanied by trust, accountability and clear standards.
A community effort
One of the most inspiring aspects of the forum was the spirit of collaboration that filled the room.
Throughout the day, competitors shared ideas, technology providers discussed common challenges, regulators engaged openly with practitioners and practice leaders exchanged experiences and lessons learned.
Looking ahead to Vet Technology Forum 2027
Following the success of this year’s event, planning is already underway for Vet Technology Forum 2027.
Vet Technology Forum 2026 wouldn’t have been possible without the brilliant participation of our panellists and the dedicated support of our sponsors: Wisentic, Pet and Equine Insurance Association, Veterinary IT Services, MWI Animal Health, Vetsure, VidiVet, IDEXX Veterinary Software, VetDrive, Co.Vet, iRecall and Lupa.
Their support was key to creating a valuable space for open, practical and forward-thinking conversations across the veterinary technology community. As we start shaping the next event, we’re looking forward to building on that momentum and bringing the sector together again in 2027.
Sponsorship opportunities are now open
If your organisation wants to be part of these conversations and connect directly with veterinary decision-makers, technology leaders and industry stakeholders, sponsorship opportunities for Vet Technology Forum 2027 are now available.
Whether you’re launching a new product, building brand awareness or looking to engage with the profession’s most forward-thinking practices, VTF offers an opportunity to be at the centre of the discussions shaping veterinary technology’s future.
To find out more about sponsorship packages and opportunities for 2027, get in touch with the Digital Practice team.
We look forward to welcoming you to Vet Technology Forum 2027!