Marion Desmarchelier (CA)

Marion started her career in mixed practice in the French Alps. She moved to Canada where she specialized and worked in zoological medicine for over 10 years before pursuing in parallel a behavior medicine residency program. She is a diplomate of European and American Colleges of Zoological Medicine and of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Dr. Desmarchelier is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Montreal. Her research interests include chronic stress across species, compulsive disorders, and the human-animal bond.

Joe Mayhew (NZ)

Joe is a clinical equine veterinarian with interests in large animal neurology and comparative neuropathology. After three years in practice in New Zealand, followed by graduate studies at UC Davis and Cornell, and then clinical, research and teaching experience on staff at the Universities of Florida, Cambridge, and Edinburgh, he returned to New Zealand and is currently Professor Emeritus in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, and is a private veterinary consultant in New Zealand. Joe has published in veterinary neurology, equine medicine, and comparative neuropathology. Currently he is editor of the EVNZ journal, the Equine Veterinary Practitioner, and the 3rd edition of his textbook Large Animal Neurology has been published this year with Rob MacKay from the University of Florida.

David Hayman (NZ)

David is the Percival Carmine Chair in Epidemiology and Public Health and Co-Director of the Molecular Epidemiology and Public Health Laboratory in the School of Veterinary Science, Massey University. He has a veterinary degree from Edinburgh, an MSc from Kent, and a PhD from Cambridge. His research focuses on the ecological and epidemiological drivers of zoonotic disease spillover and how environmental change and human activities influence emerging infectious diseases. He serves on the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP)—established by WHO, FAO, WOAH, and UNEP—contributing to evidence-based strategies in their collaboration on One Health.

Holger Volk (GER)

Holger is Professor and Head of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Visiting Professor at the Royal Veterinary College, London, and Affiliate Professor at the University of Copenhagen. He earned his PhD in Neuropharmacology studying drug-resistant epilepsy and completed his neurology/neurosurgery residency at the RVC, where he later held several leadership roles. A former President of the European College of Veterinary Neurology, he has chaired international epilepsy task forces and co-authored key consensus statements. Holger has received numerous awards, including the Bourgelat Award, BSAVA Woodrow Award, and the International Canine Health Award. In 2022, he became a Fellow of the RCVS. He has published over 350 articles, multiple books and chapters, and regularly lectures at international conferences.

11.30am, Tuesday 18 May 2026 

Veterinary Surgeons Boards: A National Conversation 

Veterinary Surgeons Boards (VSBs) play a vital role in shaping our profession and safeguarding standards.  

Join representatives from VSBs across Australia for an interactive plenary session that tackles key issues facing veterinary teams today, including: 

• Navigating complaints: challenges, management strategies, and prevention 

• Clearing up common misconceptions about VSB responsibilities

• Exploring the support VSBs offer to veterinary professionals

• Understanding the roles and opportunities for the entire practice team 

• Addressing the complexities of public engagement and expectations 

This is your chance to ask questions, gain clarity, and connect directly with regulators. Don’t miss this informative discussion designed to empower and support your practice. 

12.00pm, Wednesday 19 May 2026

Paige Williams

Better Together: Leading with humanity to strengthen teams, care, and culture

Veterinary work is high stakes and deeply human. When we lead with clarity, connection, and courage, teams become steadier, care becomes stronger, and culture becomes a source of energy rather than strain. This session cuts through the noise and gets to what really makes the difference: how we show up for each other.

About Paige Williams (AUS)

Dr Paige Williams works with people who are ready to do the real work. A leadership strategist and researcher with a PhD in Organisational Behaviour, she helps established and emerging leaders see the patterns they’ve been reinforcing, the potential they’ve been holding back, and the culture they’re actively shaping. Paige has partnered with organisations across healthcare, business, education, and government, translating research into tools that shift behaviour and performance. Author of seven books, including Becoming Antifragile and Own It!, she is known for bringing clarity, courage, and humanity to the moments that matter most.  

12.00pm, Thursday 20 May 2026 

The Ben Cunneen Memorial Plenary  

David Hayman

Viral Spillover and the Ecology of Emerging Infectious Diseases 

In this plenary, Professor Hayman addresses the ecological and evolutionary drivers of viral spillover from animals to humans. He will explore the conditions that allow pathogens to cross species barriers, using examples from bats and other wildlife, and including the role of domesticated species. The talk will highlight key lessons for prevention, surveillance, and global health security in an era of accelerating change.