Connecting, celebrating, and growing in Barcelona

Beginning of November, we brought together our entire global VetFamily team for three unforgettable days in Barcelona. More than a conference, it was a chance to come together as one global team. To connect, learn, and celebrate our mission of supporting over 10,000 independent veterinary clinics worldwide.

With employees from all 11 countries where we operate, from Europe to Brazil, Australia to the US, the VetFamily Global Team Conference 2025 created space for connection, collaboration, and learning across borders. The goal? To get inspired, share ideas, and become an even stronger partner to the clinics and suppliers we work with every day.

“We don’t grow without each other.”

Ali Tajbakhsh, VetFamily CEO, described the event as one of the most energizing moments of the year.

“It’s hard to explain how powerful it is to see the full team in one room. This conference wasn’t just about strategy or numbers, it was about reminding ourselves why we exist. We are here to support clinics, and that requires all of us to learn from each other and lead together. What I take with me is the incredible strength of this team. The ideas that were shared, the new connections made, the level of engagement, it tells me that our culture is real, and that we’re ready for what’s next.”

Celebrating our stars: The VetFamily Awards

A conference highlight was the VetFamily Awards Dinner, where we honoured the individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond over the past year. Each award reflects a core dimension of what makes VetFamily special; innovation, leadership, collaboration, commitment, and the courage to push boundaries in service of our clinics.

“We believe in celebrating the people behind the progress,” said Ali. “It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it, and these winners remind us of the kind of organization we want to be.”

This year’s winners were:

• Rookie of the Year – Alishea Young (VerticalVet USA)
  Recognized for an extraordinary first year of impact, energy, and execution.
• Salesperson of the Year – Nikki Mons (VetFamily Netherlands)
  Honoured for her outstanding results, member focus, and ability to build trust and drive growth in a mature market.
• Achievement of the Year – VetFamily Group Finance Team (Global)
  Awarded for their precision, grit, and teamwork in delivering a flawless milestone: Vimian’s successful uplisting on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
• Collaborator of the Year – Linn Borg Torstenrud (VetFamily Norway)
  Celebrated for her exceptional teamwork, dedication, and ability to bring people together.
• Vimian Colleague of the Year – Linn Anstérus (Vimian HQ)
  Recognised across the entire group for her care, collaboration, and positive influence on colleagues worldwide.
• Innovator of the Year – Fredrik Zetterqvist (VetFamily Global)
  Awarded for his creativity and ability to turn data into powerful, accessible tools that support teams everywhere.
• Leader of the Year – Jerome Bennouar (VetFamily France)
  Honoured for his clarity, empathy, and ability to build strong, high-performing teams through change.
• Employee of the Year – Hitesh Dua (VetFamily USA)
  Recognized for his integrity, mentorship, and “make it happen” mindset. A true role model across continents.

These individuals exemplify what VetFamily stands for and what we can achieve when we lift each other, support our clinics with heart, and work as one global team.

A program built on purpose

The agenda combined strategic updates, industry insights, and practical breakout discussions, all focused on how we grow our business while staying true to our purpose: supporting independent veterinary clinics.

The program was shaped not just by our management team, but by voices from across the organization. Our country teams led workshops, hosted breakout discussions, and shared examples of how they develop the business and continue to be relevant for our members and partners. From digital marketing and AI to partner engagement and clinic services to culture and values, the sessions reflected the real work happening every day to move us forward.

We also welcomed colleagues from across the Vimian Group including Nextmune, Movora, and iM3 alongside our main owners Fidelio Capital, and strategic partners from MWI Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Hill’s, who brought valuable industry insight and energy to the discussions.

More than just a workplace

Yes, we work hard. But we also have a lot of fun. From live music and spontaneous karaoke to team workouts and Ping-Pong tournaments, the conference was also about joy, laughter, and building real friendships.

“There’s real power in understanding a strategy slide, and just as much in sharing a laugh over a bad karaoke duet. When we do both, we build alignment and connection. These days in Barcelona reminded me that when people genuinely enjoy being together, great things happen. And that shows in how we show up for each other and for our clinics” said Ali.

What this means for our members and partners

At its core, the VetFamily Global Team Conference was designed to strengthen the foundation that supports thousands of clinics every day. When we learn together, we serve better. When we collaborate across borders, we innovate faster. And when we invest in our people, we all grow.