BAS Members Conference 2025
October 3 @ 8:00 am - October 5 @ 5:00 pm
Celebrating Alpaca Ownership
October 3 @ 8:00 am – October 5 @ 5:00 pm
British Alpaca Society Members Conference
Celebrating Alpaca Ownership
Doubletree Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent
4th-5th October 2025
We are delighted to announce that registration for our inaugural BAS Members Conference will open on 7th April 2025. Subsidised by the BAS, this exciting event will feature a diverse range of engaging sessions designed to appeal to all members of the alpaca community. Led by industry experts and experienced alpaca owners, these sessions will provide invaluable insights and knowledge, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.
Keynote International Speakers
Molly Gardner (Thistledown Alpaca Farm, New Zealand). Molly is a leading breeder of Black and Coloured Suri Alpacas on her farm at Le Bons Bay, Banks Peninsular NZ. She is an accredited Senior Australian Alpaca Association Judge as well as a Level 1 judge in NZ and has been judging since 2009 in NZ, Australia and Europe.
Prof Ahmed Tibary (Washington State University Veterinary School) Professor Tibary is a world leading research expert on Camelid Reproduction (Theriogenology) as well as a leading educator. Among his many publications is the book, Llama and Alpaca Care: Medicine, Surgery, Reproduction, Nutrition, and Herd Health.
Confirmed Speakers include: Claire Whitehead, Ami Sawren, Lissie Gercke, Drew Thomas, Prof Helen Cowie, Prof Mike Coffey, Mary-Jo Smith, Tim Hey, Roger Clarke, Julia Corrigan Stuart, Emma Taylor, Shirley Bettinson.
Social Activities: The event will provide valuable networking opportunities, including a Friday night drinks reception and buffet, as well as a Saturday Conference Dinner. These gatherings are designed to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing members to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships within the community.
By offering a well-rounded programme that combines education, interaction, and celebration, the event aims to strengthen the bond within the BAS community and promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise. We look forward to welcoming all members to what we anticipate will be an enriching and enjoyable gathering that we trust will fulfil member requests for in-person meetings, including the AGM.
Cost to BAS Member Delegates
The event is limited to 150 delegates. An early bird rate of £100 (+VAT) per delegate is available for bookings made before 1st July 2025. If the delegate limit has not been reached by this date, the fee will increase to the full price of £150 (+VAT). Payments will be processed through Grassroots via the ‘menu icon’ at the top right of the Online Registry, from 9am on 7th April.
The delegate fee includes a wine reception and buffet on Friday evening, lunch on both Saturday and Sunday and a 3 Course Conference Dinner on Saturday night. Delegates will also receive Tea and Coffee throughout the event as well as a Conference Pack containing a Conference Handbook.
A special rate has been organised for overnight accommodation (on a B&B basis) of £100 per room on Friday 3rd October (either double or single occupancy). And £100 single occupancy/£110 double occupancy on Saturday 4th October. Rooms should be booked directly with the Doubletree Hilton, Stoke-on-Trent, referencing the BAS Conference. https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mandidi-doubletree-stoke-on-trent/
After registering, members will receive the full programme and have the opportunity to sign up in advance for workshops and parallel talks. All talks and presentations will take place on Saturday 4th (from 9.15am) and Sunday 5th October (finishing at 3.15pm to be followed by the BAS AGM).