This year’s Street Party theme, ‘Country Hoedown’ promises a lively celebration, with APP2025 Conference Chairman Kos Sclavos AM encouraging attendees to join in the fun.

“The APP Street Party is the perfect chance to unwind, network, and celebrate with industry friends after a busy few days of learning,” says Mr Sclavos.

“The ‘Country Hoedown’ theme has generated a lot of excitement, and we expect tickets to sell out quickly.”

Something for everyone

Held at The Star Gold Coast, the party will span two venues.

The Ballroom will feature live music, line dancing, and a headline performance from Furnace & Fundamentals.

Meanwhile, the Marquee will offer a more relaxed atmosphere with acoustic tunes interactive games, and a photo booth.

Tickets include a buffet dinner, a signature cocktail on arrival, and a 5-hour drinks package.

For more information and to secure tickets, visit appconference.com.

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Running from 20-25 March, with the pre-conference workshops on 19 March, APP2025 is set to inspire and empower attendees under the theme, Unlocking Your Opportunities.

APP2025 will showcase the evolving landscape of community pharmacy while equipping delegates with the tools to embrace innovation and turn ideas into action.

“APP2025 offers something for everyone — whether you’re looking to earn CPD credits, gain insights on innovation or connect with peers. It’s a must-attend event for anyone in the pharmacy industry,” conference convenor Kos Sclavos AM, said.

Program highlights 

The conference officially begins with the Opening Plenary, a session reflecting on the year’s achievements and outlining The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s strategic vision for the year ahead.

Delegates will also witness the celebration of excellence with awards, including Pharmacy of the Year and Intern of the Year.

Other program highlights include:

• Alan Russell Oration: Georgina Twomey, CEO of the Alive Pharmacy Group, will discuss the implementation of Full Scope of Practice.
• State of the Industry Panel: Industry leaders will provide insights into current challenges and emerging opportunities in community pharmacy.
• Keynote Speakers: Jelena Dokic will share her inspiring journey of resilience. Dr Ben Bravery, The Patient Doctor, will discuss the importance of patient advocacy.

Workshops and networking 

The APP2025 experience begins on Wednesday 19 March with the pre-conference workshops that will cover topics such as:

• Expanding scope of practice.
• Embracing change and innovation.
• Best practices in immunisation.

These workshops offer CPD credits and practical takeaways for pharmacy professionals.

Networking opportunities will include:

• Thursday’s Welcome Reception.
• The Women’s Networking Lunch and Pharmacy Assistants Networking Lunch.
• The post-APP ‘Country Hoedown’ Street Party.

“These events provide the perfect opportunity to connect, share ideas and celebrate the profession,” Mr Sclavos said.

Early bird pricing 

Register for APP2025 early to take advantages of the early bird pricing, saving 10% on full conference registration before 31 January 2025.

“March still seems a long way off,” Mr Sclavos said, “but the sooner you book the more you’ll save on registration and travel.

“We wouldn’t want anyone to miss out on this fantastic event!”

For more information, visit: appconference.com.

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This means the 2024 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2024) is again around the corner (just 6 months away!) and for those keen on making the most of early bird registration, it’s time to get in quick.

Early bird registration is now open for next year’s APP2024, which is taking place on the Gold Coast from Thursday 14 March through to Sunday 17 March 2024.

Early bird registration enables delegates to save up to $120 on a full conference registration, which includes access to all conference sessions and recordings, the trade exhibition and the welcome reception.

But wait, there’s more!

The first 200 delegates to book will also receive an additional 10% off the early bird price by entering the code FIRST200 when registering online.

“With early bird registrations now open, I’m starting the countdown to APP2024. The conference theme for 2024 is ‘Navigating the future together’,” says conference convenor Kos Sclavos AM.

“This theme will be reflected in the conference’s education program, which will focus on the future of the pharmacy industry as we commence the 8CPA.

“I’m very pleased to announce that we have secured two amazing keynote speakers; Thai cave rescue diver and anaesthetist Dr Richard “Harry” Harris; and Human Rights lawyer, retired British Army officer and hostage survivor Ms Rabia Saddique.

“Other motivational speakers, industry leaders, and business and clinical experts will be added to the program in the coming weeks.

“Keep an eye out for upcoming speaker and program announcements on our website and in our conference e-Bulletins,” says Mr Sclavos.

APP is the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s flagship event and the largest pharmacy conference and trade exhibition in the southern hemisphere.

In 2023, the conference attracted more than 7000 Australian and international delegates.

The conference offers a four-day education program plus pre-conference workshops, more than 450 stand trade exhibitions and two exciting social functions, including the highly anticipated, Street Party.

As planning continues, the conference program will be made available in November.

To book your early bird registration and receive an additional 10% with the code FIRST200, visit appconference.com.

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Ben Lumsden from Pharmacy First, Mount Isa and Georgina Morris from LiveLife Pharmacy Bowen Healthcare are the finalists representing Queensland.

The Tasmanian finalists for the prestigious award include Melanie Cheong from Longford Discount Pharmacy, Tasmania and Joelynn Lim from Priceline Pharmacy Kingston Channel Court, Tasmania.

The highly regarded national award supports the next generation of Community Pharmacists and Pharmacy owners to build a strong foundation for their professional careers.

The winner receives a cash prize of $4,500 to support their education, courtesy of MIMS Australia, plus flights, accommodation and full registration to attend APP2023 on the Gold Coast in March.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey thanked the four finalists saying the award recognises the dedicated and innovative intern pharmacists working in the profession.

“Congratulations to our interns for being nominated as finalists in the 2022 Intern of the Year Award. Being a finalist shows your commitment to your patients and the community, and I hope that the accolades that come with the Award provide a wonderful platform for you to help launch your pharmacy career.

“You all have very bright futures ahead of you as early career community pharmacists,” says Professor Twomey.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/MIMS Intern of the Year Award winner will be announced during the Opening Plenary at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2023), on the Gold Coast next month, held between 23-26 March 2023 appconference.com

Text by: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. 

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By registering at the early bird rate, attendees can save up to $120 on the full conference registration, which includes access to all APP Conference sessions and recordings, the trade exhibition, Welcome Reception, and the highly anticipated APP Street Party.

The countdown is on for APP2023 with the four-day conference kicking off on 23 March to 26 March.

With the theme of ‘Evolve, Engage, Explore’, APP2023 is sure to be a fantastic and worthwhile event and networking opportunity.

“The educational sessions provide delegates with the opportunity to grow, evolve and continue the journey of professional education within the sector,” Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, said.

“The APP Conference also offers the opportunity to engage with long-time networks as well meeting new connections during the much-talked-about social program, which includes the Welcome Reception and the legendary APP Street Party.

“This year, delegates will experience an expansive lineup of suppliers in the trade exhibition, as well as highly regarded national and international speakers offering presentations on new, different and unique concepts within the pharmacy sector,” he said.

For full details and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3WADyOi

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With a conference theme of ‘evolve, engage and explore’, conference convenor, Kos Sclavos AM says that next year’s program focuses on the future of community pharmacy in Australia. 

“In recent years the APP program has focused on community pharmacy’s role in the COVID-19 pandemic and managing the ever-changing health environment,” Mr Sclavos said. 

“Now, our thoughts turn to what is next, with the program addressing key issues such as pharmacists’ scope of practice, preparation for the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement and the future pharmacy workforce.

“The Opening Plenary will showcase and recognise awards of excellence including The Pharmacy of the Year Award, the MIMS/Guild Intern of the Year and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year.

“The Alan Russell Oration on Thursday afternoon will bust the myths on pharmacists practising to their full scope and explore the benefits of full scope of practice for your patients, your business and your workforce.

“Friday morning’s State of the Industry Panel is always a highlight – hearing from the industry’s main players about what has been happening and what is on the radar.

“As already announced, I look forward to the inspiring Ann Dalton Address presented by athlete, author and mum, Turia Pitt! Delegates won’t want to miss that session.

“Businessman, elite sportsman and best-selling author, Michael Crossland, will be presenting in the business, innovation and leadership stream on Friday morning about defying the odds of surviving.

“What makes APP unique is that it offers a range of education streams to cover all aspects of community pharmacy including business, innovation and leadership, clinical pharmacy/product updates, rural pharmacy and indigenous health, harm minimisation, cultural awareness and an early career pharmacist stream.

“I cannot speak about the APP program without mentioning the amazing social program on offer. The lively Welcome Reception, held in the trade exhibition, will provide an opportunity for delegates to engage with suppliers in a relaxed environment.

“There is also a multitude of networking opportunities including the Women’s Networking Lunch on Friday 24 March for pharmacists, pharmacy staff and students.

“Pharmacy assistants can meet Terri Bakker, 2022 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year during the Pharmacy Assistant Networking Lunch on Saturday 25 March.

“Last, but definitely not least, is the legendary APP Street Party where you can engross yourself in the glitz and glamour of ‘Hollywood Nights’ and enjoy a live covers band and a silent disco,” he said.

The APP2023 program also includes a pre-conference workshop hosted by the Australasian College of Pharmacy and CommBank, and an immunisation course, both held on Wednesday 22 March. 

Visit the website appconference.com to view the APP2023 program and book your early bird registration. 

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“It is a fantastic feeling to have successfully held the PA Conference after two years of postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic,” Chris Owen, President of the Pharmacy Guild’s Queensland Branch said.

Pharmacy assistants had the opportunity to attend more than 20 educational sessions across the two days, with the Pre-Conference QCPP Refresher Training Workshop well-attended and a highlight being the Last Man Standing presented by Olympian Steven Bradbury OAM.

The sold-out trade exhibition was a hive of activity with a range of exhibitors showcasing brand-new products in community pharmacies and engaging with pharmacy assistants about the latest innovations in pharmacy goods.

A key highlight of the PA Conference is the announcement of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic 2022 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) winner.

Congratulations to Terri Bakker as 2022 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year and Bianca Busby as the Glucojel Super Star.

The black and white themed Conference Dinner wrapped up the event with a three-course meal, drinks, and dancing to the live covers band.

“Thank you to everyone that attended and supported the 2022 PA Conference! We look forward to bringing pharmacy assistants an educational, networking, and social experience again in 2023,” Mr Owen said.

Anyone that missed out on attending the PA Conference is encouraged to attend the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2023) on the Gold Coast on 23-26 March 2023. Early bird registration is now open: appconference.com.

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The early bird registration enables delegates to save up to $120 on a full conference registration, which includes access to all conference sessions and recordings, the trade exhibition, Welcome Reception, and the APP Street Party.

The first 200 delegates to book will also receive an additional 10% off the early bird price by entering the code FIRST200 when registering online.

Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, is already looking forward to APP2023.

“With early bird registrations now open, I’m starting the countdown to APP2023. The conference theme for APP2023 is ‘evolve, engage, explore’, which perfectly sums up the APP experience.”

“The conference’s educational sessions provide delegates the opportunity for growth – for evolution – whether that growth is professional, personal or both.”

“APP is the place to engage with old friends and with new connections during the conference’s social program including the Welcome Reception and the legendary APP Street Party.”

“With many and varied suppliers in the trade exhibition and speakers presenting, APP2023 presents delegates a chance to explore new, different and unique concepts within the pharmacy sector.”

“I’m pleased to inform delegates that the Covid-refund guarantee remains in place for APP2023. We know that this guarantee was a welcome option for delegates during the continued uncertainty of 2022.”

The Covid-refund guarantee enables delegates to receive a full refund or transfer their registration to another delegate at no cost, should government restrictions in relation to Covid-19 prevent attendance at APP2023.

“APP2022 came close to breaking attendance records, let’s see if we can break the record in 2023!” Mr Sclavos said.

Visit the website appconference.com to book your early bird registration and get in quick to get an additional 10% off the already reduced price with the code FIRST200.

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Scheduled to speak on Friday 25 March at 4pm, Dr Gerrard’s must-attend presentation will look at the Covid-19 vaccination program, where to from here and the role of pharmacy within the rollout.

The session will also feature Managing Director of Pfizer Australia and New Zealand, Anne Harris, Medical Director Australia & NZ (Asia Pacific) of Moderna Australia, Lynn Sartori and Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey.

“Dr Gerrard’s attendance at APP is a shot in the arm for those pharmacists wanting to hear from one of Queensland’s most respected medical experts,” says APP022 Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos AM.

“This session will provide a retrospective examination of the role of pharmacists, and the lessons learnt. An update on vaccine boosters will also be provided.

“Dr Gerrard started as Queensland’s CHO in December, just as the Omicron outbreak was taking off.

“He has a long-established track record in public health. Taking the learnings from the SARS outbreak in 2003, Dr Gerrard helped design the new Gold Coast University Hospital with the capacity to manage a pandemic such as COVID-19 safely.

“In 2014, he travelled to Sierra Leone during the Ebola epidemic. He formed part of a team that established Australia’s first Ebola Treatment Centre outside Freetown. Subsequently, he was awarded the Australian Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal.

“Most recently, Dr. Gerrard managed Queensland’s first cases of Covid-19 when three families travelled from Wuhan, China, in January 2020. Shortly after, he travelled to Tokyo as part of a mission to assist Japanese authorities in containing the outbreak of Covid-19 aboard the Diamond Princess.”

Underlining the central role community pharmacy plays, Mr Sclavos says APP2022 will hear from several health leaders.

“Not only do we have Dr Gerrard joining us, but we’ve also recently announced Minister for Health and Aged Care Hon Greg Hunt MP and his counterpart, Hon Mark Butler MP, Federal Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, will also be addressing APP2022 during the morning session of Thursday, 24 March.”

With only four weeks to go until APP2022, Mr Sclavos also reminds potential attendees that the 100% Covid Refund Guarantee introduced for APP2021 will also continue to be on offer for the 2022 event, providing peace of mind for delegates.

“If attendees can’t travel to APP2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions, they will be entitled to a full refund,” said Mr Sclavos.

To register for APP2022, visit: appconference.com.

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“I look forward to reconnecting with my pharmacy industry colleagues, face-to-face on the Gold Coast in May,” he says.

“It’s been a busy year for all of us, and I encourage pharmacists and pharmacy staff to take some time out to reconnect at what will be an exciting, but Covid-safe, event.”

Professor Twomey says he is looking forward to spending time with his colleagues during APP where he “will be providing updates on the 7CPA, the state of the industry, our expanding scope of practice as pharmacists and the Covid-19 vaccine rollout”.

“I will also be providing a confidential update to Guild members at a closed breakfast session on Friday morning,” reveals Professor Twomey.

Echoing Professor Twomey’s sentiments, Kos Sclavos AM, APP2021 Chairman and former Guild National President adds that while “APP may look a little different this year, the event still promises a full social schedule with the Welcome Reception, Street Party and more”.

“Attendees will once again enjoy Australia’s largest pharmacy trade exhibition, with an impressive 399 stands – 98% of trade stands have already been sold and the exhibition is sure to sell out soon,” says Mr Sclavos.

Mr Sclavos adds that “attendees will also be treated to an unparalleled education experience”.

APP2021 is expected to run “more than 60 sessions covering a diverse range of topics” and Mr Sclavos encourages those interested to “visit appconference.com and view the sessions on offer”.

Among those addressing the delegates will be The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and The Hon Mark Butler MP, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care.

“I hope my pharmacy colleagues will take the time to attend APP and thank the Minister [The Hon Greg Hunt MP] for the confidence he has shown in community pharmacy with relation to the key role we will play in Covid-19 vaccinations.

“We’ve seen many attendees recently booking to make the most of both the Federal Government’s $12 billion tourism support package, which includes half-price domestic travel to the Gold Coast and the early bird pricing, which closes on Monday 29 March.

“With COVID vaccinations set to start 12 weeks from 22 March as per the Commonwealth Government’s rollout strategy, which takes us to 7 June, APP may be your only opportunity to get away and reconnect before millions of vaccines need to be administered.

“APP is the place to be. I look forward to seeing you all at APP2021 in just over eight weeks,” says Mr Sclavos.

For more details on the program and Covid-safety, please visit: appconference.com.

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