Pharmacy Connect 2018 a record-breaking success

Pharmacy Connect has soared to new heights achieving a record-breaking attendance this year of over 800 pharmacists, pharmacy students and industry representatives over the two day event.

From the jam-packed education, business and clinical sessions featuring local and international speakers through to the buzzing trade exhibition and social events, Pharmacy Connect 2018 has been hailed the most successful yet.

Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos AM said this year’s event has cemented Pharmacy Connect as a key event in the calendar of all industry players.

“Now in its third year, Pharmacy Connect has continued to grow and achieve record-breaking success. It’s fantastic to see the conference embraced by everyone in the industry as ‘the’ conference in the second half of the year, to stay updated on changing regulations and new business opportunities in community pharmacy,” Mr Sclavos said.

“Thank you to all of the delegates, sponsors, exhibitors and industry representatives for supporting this event and making it a great success!”

Innovation and technology were key themes for the program, with over 40 speakers from Germany, New Zealand and Australia discussing the importance of being innovative, embracing technology to remain competitive, and ensuring community pharmacy’s role in the success of the healthcare system now and in the future.

Leading Business and Financial Commentator, Peter Switzer delivered a captivating and motivational presentation, encouraging delegates to think outside the box to be a competitive pharmacy.

The ‘Celebrating Innovation’ breakfast with the current and past Guild Pharmacy of the Year Winners allowed delegates to learn from these key leaders in planning and growing a pharmacy business.

The 2018 National Student Business Plan Competition further embraced this theme as three finalist teams from the University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney and University of Otago pitched their business plans. Congratulations to the winning team from the University of Technology Sydney who took home $7,000 in prize money amongst other competition benefits and accolades.

The Judy Liauw Address on the slogan “the future is female” was another highlight, featuring a comedic and light-hearted debate by key industry panellists on whether equality will be achieved in the future, and how. With the debate deemed a tie, it provided delegates with a renewed view on the importance of all genders working together for the success of community pharmacy.

Conference delegates showed they are ready to plan and prepare for the future of community pharmacy, with standing room only in the Community Pharmacy in 2025 (CP2025) and the 7CPA sessions.

The CP2025 session announced nine pathways for the growth of community pharmacy; health services, community health hub, digital enablement, business opportunities, automation, in-home care, leverage brand, partnerships and review products.

Friday night’s welcome reception kicked off the social activities, providing an opportunity for delegates to connect with colleagues, Guild officials, speakers, industry representatives and students. The Gala Dinner wrapped up the conference as delegates danced the night away to a live band.

Pharmacy Connect 2019 will be held from Friday 6th to Saturday 7th September at the Hilton Sydney. Further information will be available closer to the event.