Scribenote at Vetforum 2023: Our Experience and Key Learnings

September 20, 2024

Co-founder Emily Merry at our booth at Vetforum 2023.

2023 was a year of many exciting milestones for Scribenote — from launching the first veterinary AI scribe on the market to exhibiting at our very first conference, to attending our first VetForum. This event was not only a pivotal moment for our startup but also a deep dive into the veterinary industry's most pressing challenges and innovations.

We were initially quite hesitant about attending, especially considering that we were a budding startup running lean on cash. However, after hearing from trusted industry connections about the unique, intimate nature of VetForum, which allows for focused conversations with key players in the veterinary sector, we knew we had to take the leap. Think of it like “speed-dating,” but for veterinary vendors and practice groups!

Ultimately, we decided to go for gold — quite literally — as the Gold Sponsor for VetForum 2023. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made all year.

Why We Chose VetForum 2023

As a rapidly growing company, we knew that VetForum would provide us with invaluable opportunities to connect directly with veterinary industry executives and decision-makers. The event’s format, which fosters deep and meaningful interactions, was perfectly aligned with our goal of showcasing our innovative AI-powered SOAP note software for veterinarians. This was our chance to introduce our groundbreaking technology to the people who could truly benefit from it.

Pre-show Preparations

Being a Gold Sponsor came with the opportunity to deliver a 10-minute keynote speech. It couldn't just be a product demo — it had to be something that resonated with the business leaders and industry executives in the room. The question was: What would make these seasoned professionals listen to a couple of fresh-faced 20-somethings?

Since we had recently just launched innovative AI-powered SOAP note software for veterinarians, we figured there was one thing the people in the room might want to hear about: innovation. Specifically, How to Innovate. We decided to tell the story about how we failed and failed and failed again before finally automating medical notes in an innovative way, all to help one veterinarian – and then many more.

At the Show

Upon arriving at the fanciest hotel we'd ever visited, we set up our booth and prepared for the big day. Our presentation was meticulously planned, with Ryan as the main presenter and Emily stepping in for a mock appointment to demonstrate Scribenote's capabilities. During the presentation, we recorded the entire session with Scribenote, unbeknownst to the viewers. As expected, only the mock appointment section of the presentation was turned into a SOAP note, showing how our technology filters out non-relevant information and “chit-chat” to produce accurate, structured notes.

The presentation was a hit. Many attendees approached us afterward, praising the engaging content and requesting to see the resulting SOAP note, which was perfectly formatted into SOAP sections that are able to be easily transferred to a PIMS. Our 15-minute meetings throughout the event were equally productive, with several practice groups expressing strong interest in our technology.

The day ended with a wonderful dinner alongside other attendees and conference organizers. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming — it was clear that everyone was there to build genuine connections, not just talk business.

Day 2 Highlights

The second day was packed with more meetings and networking opportunities. But the real highlight was the group activity in the evening. We each grabbed a complimentary drink, boarded a bus, and headed to a real Texas ranch for a tour, some mouth-watering BBQ, and live music! This was one of the most memorable parts of VetForum 2023, where we deepened our relationships with industry peers in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.

What We Learned

  1. This wasn’t just a conference. VetForum wasn’t just about business — it was about building genuine relationships. The connections we made here have the potential to drive future collaborations and innovations that could reshape veterinary care.
  2. Don’t underestimate the value of a 15-minute meeting. These brief interactions were just enough to exchange critical information and set the stage for meaningful follow-ups later on.
  3. The veterinary industry is hurting for innovation. Conversations with veterinary practice group representatives revealed a significant pain point: outdated record-keeping processes are hindering efficiency in veterinary clinics. Our AI-powered SOAP notes are a step toward solving this issue, but it’s clear that the entire industry is ripe for technological disruption.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on our experience at VetForum 2023, we’re more motivated than ever to continue innovating within the veterinary industry, and show off what exciting things we’ve been working on at VetForum 2024.

Curious to see how our AI-powered SOAP notes can transform your practice? Request a demo today. And don't forget to keep visiting our blog for more insights from VetForum 2024.