Program Guide

Join your colleagues for breakfast.

Start convention off right at the Student Convention Kickoff! Meet fellow student pharmacists from across the country, get introduced to the National Student Leadership Committee, and learn about the exciting sessions and activities planned throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this high-energy kickoff designed to set the tone for an unforgettable student experience!

Supplements can build trust, boost revenue, and set your pharmacy apart. This session explores how to choose products that align with your pharmacy’s values, market them in ways that resonate with patients, and engage your team to turn supplement sales into a shared success.

Medication synchronization is more than aligning refill dates — it’s a proactive strategy to improve patient care, streamline workflows, and boost adherence. When done right, med sync can reduce pharmacy chaos, lower operating costs, free up time for additional revenue-generating activities, and increase patient satisfaction. Whether you’re launching a new program or optimizing an existing one, this session offers practical tips, real-world examples, and actionable steps to build a program that delivers measurable benefits for both patients and your pharmacy.

The wrong contract can cost you, while the right one can protect your pharmacy and unlock new opportunities. This session takes you inside the contracting process for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home-based care. Join Jeff Baird as he unpacks the essentials of LTC contracting, from marketing, patient services, and medical director agreements to pharmacy purchase and sale contracts. Learn to draft agreements that comply with federal and state fraud and abuse laws. Through real-world examples and case-based discussions, you will identify the tools needed to evaluate, negotiate, and manage contracts effectively.

Student pharmacists often assume that effective advocacy requires deep policy expertise, staying on top of ever-changing politics, or knowing the right language. In reality, legislators and decision-makers are often moved by authentic stories that connect policy issues to lived experiences. This interactive session will equip student pharmacists with the confidence to use their personal narratives as advocacy tools. Participants will explore how storytelling is a powerful driver of change, learn a simple framework for building their own advocacy story, and practice sharing their voice in a supportive environment.

Wondering what life is really like after you toss your graduation cap in the air? This session is your chance to find out! Join us for a dynamic panel of recent pharmacy school graduates who will share their unfiltered experiences, lessons learned, and the unexpected twists and turns they've faced since starting their careers. From navigating the challenges of their first job and managing a healthy work-life balance to finding their passion within the field, our panelists will open up about the realities of life after earning your PharmD.

Pharmacy teams operate in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where strong communication and effective management skills are critical. Emotional intelligence provides the foundation for navigating daily challenges, from reducing stress to handling conflict with professionalism and empathy. This interactive session will explore the impact of EQ on pharmacy practice, highlight common stressors that impact team performance, and share practical tools for improving communication and conflict resolution. Participants will gain real-world strategies they can immediately apply to create a healthier workplace culture, strengthen team collaboration, and improve patient care outcomes

This session is supported by an educational grant from the Cardinal Health Foundation.

Most independent pharmacy owners assume that saying yes to more contracts means better access, better volume, and better business. But what if that assumption is the red herring? In this practical session, pharmacy owner and operator Sarit Roy will challenge conventional thinking about contracts, brand discounts, and patient retention. You’ll learn why the real profit often lies in your generics, how to leverage your own business data to decide whether a plan is worth keeping, and what it means to walk away from a contract.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are two of the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses pharmacists encounter, but supporting these patients takes more than just managing side effects and refills. In this practical, case-based session, we’ll review how to distinguish between IBS, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, highlight medication and supplement considerations, and explore how pharmacists can optimize outcomes through microbiome, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions. Whether you’re focused on medication therapy management or exploring new service opportunities, you’ll leave with strategies to elevate your clinical impact and deepen patient trust.

Step inside the lab and explore what it’s really like to be a compounding pharmacist. Hear firsthand from a practicing pharmacist about their daily routines, the challenges they face, and the critical role compounding plays in advancing personalized medicine.

Then, take part in an interactive activity where you’ll compound your own bath bomb. This session is a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world pharmacy practice and gain insight into how compounding impacts patient care.

Is your inventory your biggest expense — or your biggest opportunity? This results-driven session shows how medication synchronization can reduce excess stock, improve cash flow, and streamline operations. Real-world examples will demonstrate measurable financial and workflow improvements, while highlighting strategies to scale med sync into centralized filling systems that cut labor costs, optimize staffing, and create a sustainable path for growth.

This session provides an overview of controlled substance laws and regulations, and the expectations of pharmacies and wholesale suppliers. Discussion will also cover issues related to DEA inspections and audits, offering practical insights to help ensure compliance and readiness.

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of migraine treatment guidelines, including emerging therapies such as CGRP-targeted therapies and strategies to support patients through tailored counseling. Participants will review current diagnostic criteria, explore high-risk populations who are often underdiagnosed or undertreated, and discuss opportunities to deliver more high-quality care to these populations as extenders of primary care.

What if community pharmacies could deliver more than prescriptions — and truly transform patient care? That’s the vision of CPESN® USA, a national movement of pharmacies providing enhanced services like chronic disease management, medication therapy management, and close coordination with other health care providers.

In this session, you’ll hear from pharmacists about the impact CPESN participation has on their patients and practices, and you’ll learn how to get involved both as a student pharmacist and future practitioner.

From business planning to succession strategies, McKesson’s RxOwnership program supports independent pharmacy at every stage. Hear how these resources can help you begin shaping your future as a pharmacy owner.

Discuss the ongoing burden and shifting epidemiology of pneumococcal disease in adults; review the robust clinical trial program for an option to help address IPD in adults; highlight the 2024 CDC recommendations for adult pneumococcal disease.

Join us to discover the burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in two high-risk populations. The presentation will describe the clinical data from Pfizer’s pivotal RSV vaccine trials. Learn about the latest guidance from the CDC and practical insights on implementing RSV vaccines into a pharmacy setting.

How do you approach rescue therapy for your patients with asthma? Join us as we examine the role of variable inflammation in the occurrence of asthma exacerbations and the consequent burden of systemic corticosteroid exposures. See recent recommendations from GINA and NAEPP supporting an anti-inflammatory rescue approach across all asthma severities for asthma management and hear about data on a rescue therapy option.

This workshop will provide information about the UHC Pharmacy Care Hub program and how it empowers pharmacists to practice at the top of their license, improve health outcomes, and increase their bottom line. This program allows pharmacy teams to perform services such as point-of-care testing, health risk screenings, and more, which are reimbursable activities as part of the program – creating new opportunities for revenue and impact. UHC provides data to support the identification of patients that are consistently utilizing the emergency room and could benefit from pharmacy services or connection to primary care.

Takeaways include:

• Insights into how the program works and its impact on patient care.
• Information regarding billing best practices and telehealth services. 
• Emergency department utilization statistics and program outcomes.
• Best practice-sharing from participating pharmacies.

Prepare to be amazed at the 22nd annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition! This is where passion meets purpose, as three schools go head-to-head in a battle of innovation and entrepreneurial brilliance. Experience the thrill of live presentations as these students put their skills to the test, vying for the prestigious top spot. The winning team not only earns well-deserved recognition but also a cash prize and an exciting trip to the NCPA Multiple Locations Conference. This is more than just a competition — it’s a celebration of the next generation of pharmacy leaders.

As pharmacies adapt to a rapidly changing health care landscape, many are shifting from traditional transactional models to become patient-centered care destinations. This session explores how a concierge-style front end layout organized around disease-state zones can elevate patient engagement and integrate clinical services into everyday encounters. Attendees will gain practical guidance on redesigning their pharmacy’s front end and implementing a care-first model that delivers lasting impact.

This session will simplify the often-confusing language of medical billing and provide practical insights into how pharmacies can strengthen financial operations. Participants will gain strategies to reduce errors, improve cash flow, and build confidence in handling the billing process from start to finish.

Join a panel of pharmacy leaders as they share real-world state-level wins and practical strategies to help attendees strengthen their own efforts. Participants will leave with insights they can use to navigate challenges and advance advocacy in their communities.

Come for live help troubleshooting your accreditation application, implementing your accredited program, or growing a sustainable revenue stream in an already accredited program.

Following “Sharpening Your Advocacy Toolkit: An Overview of State Triumphs,” continue the conversation in an informal, non-CE forum with your peers. Come “shoot the breeze,” share practical experiences, and explore fresh ideas to help you engage more effectively at the state level.

Please note: Shoot the Breeze is intended for pharmacists and pharmacy technician attendees. Anyone with a vendor badge will not be permitted to join.

This session explores how pharmacies are adopting innovative technologies — from automation tools to integrated platforms — to reduce inefficiencies, improve accuracy, and free up time for patient care. Attendees will learn how to identify workflow bottlenecks, evaluate solutions that fit their practice, and apply strategies that strengthen both operations and the bottom line.

In an age of information overload, patients are often exposed to conflicting or inaccurate health claims that create confusion and hesitation. As trusted health care professionals, pharmacists and their teams are uniquely positioned to cut through the noise and deliver evidence-based guidance. This session provides practical tools to dismantle common myths, turn uncertainty into understanding, and spark conversations that strengthen patient trust. You’ll leave prepared to help patients make confident, informed health decisions.

This interactive session dives into a program where pharmacies across multiple states are being compensated for improving Medicaid patient outcomes. By leveraging existing services like clinical medication synchronization, adherence packaging, and health condition focused education, these pharmacies are not only enhancing patient care but also boosting their revenue. This national program with Elevance also allows participating pharmacies to expand their clinical role through point-of-care testing. This program has the potential to expand into other categories, such as blood pressure management and depression screenings.

What you’ll learn:

• How pharmacies are getting paid to close care gaps for Medicaid patients
• How to leverage existing services like medication synchronization and adherence packaging
• How to document care using eCare Plans
• Best practices from pharmacists already succeeding in this program

Join us for an exciting session with Dave Randolph, an independent pharmacy owner and TikTok sensation! Discover his journey in independent pharmacy and how he’s harnessed the power of TikTok to make a positive impact on the profession.

Audits are an inevitable part of pharmacy operations, but they don’t have to result in costly disruptions. This session highlights the patterns behind the most frequent and high-impact audit findings, giving pharmacy teams the tools to spot red flags before they escalate. Practical strategies will be shared for building a coordinated, team-based approach that strengthens compliance, streamlines documentation, and keeps your pharmacy audit-ready year-round. From prevention to response, gain actionable tactics to protect both your bottom line and peace of mind.

Discover how artificial intelligence can enhance physician detailing, streamline operations, and sharpen your competitive edge. From marketing automation to data analytics, discover key AI tools that can elevate your pharmacy’s performance. Gain insight into how the pharmaceutical industry’s investments in AI-driven drug discovery are shaping the future of health care. Independent pharmacy owners and staff will leave this session with actionable strategies to harness AI for growth and long-term success.

NCPA Long-Term Care Division members and anyone interested in LTC are invited to stop by the LTC Reception, a fantastic opportunity to network and build connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re an experienced LTC professional or just beginning your journey, come for engaging conversations and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing LTC pharmacy.

First-time attendees are invited to a lively event to start your NCPA convention experience! This is your chance to make a lasting first impression while mingling with fellow first-timers in a relaxed, cocktail hour setting. Forge new connections, expand your network, and dive into the community of NCPA with others who are just as excited to begin this journey.

Join us as we laissez les bons temps rouler in an immersive French Quarter courtyard experience sponsored by McKesson. Try tantalizing cuisine from the Big Easy while enjoying fantastic networking opportunities to kick off the convention.

Join Malarie Ameera of Breathe Body Soul for Yoga and Breathwork to enhance your energy levels and bring clarity and focus to the day ahead. Sunday, you’ll practice yoga on the mats to open the body before breathwork; Monday, you’ll learn hip and heart opening yoga poses and explore holotropic breathwork; Tuesday, you’ll move your bodies on the yoga mats and learn energizing breathwork techniques. Dress comfortably. Mats provided.

Speaker bio: Paris Ragan began his theological training in 2014 at Jimmy Swaggart Bible College, where his passion for teaching and pastoral ministry quickly developed. By 2017, he joined the faculty as an instructor, becoming a full-time professor in 2018. From 2019 to 2023, he served as dean of students, providing leadership and guidance to the college community.

Today, Paris serves as campus pastor and full-time professor at Jimmy Swaggart Bible College. In addition, since 2021 he ministers as the youth pastor of Crossfire Youth Ministries. Paris also serves as a voice for the gospel through SonLife Broadcasting Network, where he is a cohost and panel member on the Message of the Cross, Francis and Friends, and A Study in the Word. He hosts Generation of the Cross, a program dedicated to equipping young people to live for Christ in today’s world. Paris has been married to his wife, Marybeth, since 2015. They welcomed their first son, Oliver, in January 2025.

Join your colleagues for breakfast.

We are back with another round of profit pearls from the people you want to hear from the most—your peers. They’ll Take 5 minutes to tell you about something that is working well for them, and you’ll have 10 minutes to engage and ask questions. Of course, there’s plenty of time during the NCPA 2025 Annual Convention for further one-on-one dialogue to follow up and learn more from each other.

Your pharmacy’s most valuable asset isn’t on the shelf—it’s your people. This session explores how investing in pharmacy technicians and support staff can transform pharmacy operations, elevate patient care, and boost job satisfaction. Discover how pharmacies are redefining support roles, rethinking titles, and building high-performing teams. Leave with practical strategies to strengthen your team, optimize workflow, and expand pharmacist capacity for clinical services.

Big changes are coming to Medicare Part D with the implementation of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program in 2026. The MDPNP begins in January with 10 drugs selected for negotiation in 2026, expands to 15 more in 2027, and adds additional drugs in subsequent years.  Join experts for a session on how to navigate these changes and what to expect next January.

In today’s challenging dispensing environment, community pharmacists have an opportunity to reclaim their pharmacies by embracing medical billing. This session reflects on how we got here — and how to avoid repeating the same mistakes — as new revenue streams emerge outside of dispensing. Participants will learn about commonly billed codes, how to integrate billing into workflow, and why owning and protecting your data is essential.

Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast and a celebration of the incredible work of NCPA student chapters across the country. We’ll highlight chapters that have gone above and beyond, recognize those who completed the End-of-Year Report, and share innovative events and initiatives that made an impact on their campuses and communities. This session is also your chance to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and gather strategies to set your chapter up for its most successful year yet.

NCPA President Jeff Harrell will give his state of the industry speech, and award presentations will include the NCPA 2025 Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year award and the announcement of the winner of the 2025 Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. The three finalists are teams of students from the University of South Carolina, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Washington.

The keynote will be given by Marty Smith, ESPN reporter/journalist.

Learn about tirzepatide, a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, the active ingredient in Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). In this program, we will review clinical efficacy, safety, and dosing and administration information about Zepbound and Mounjaro. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the speaker at the conclusion of the program.

Independently owned pharmacies have a unique opportunity to expand beyond traditional dispensing and position themselves as essential community health providers. This session will explore how to identify and close care gaps by implementing reimbursable clinical services — such as remote patient monitoring, medication adherence programs, and expanded immunizations, supported by innovative digital health tools.

We’ll cover practical strategies for integrating these services into daily workflow, securing reimbursement, and using technology to engage patients and strengthen provider relationships. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to boost revenue, improve patient health outcomes, and expand their business in an increasingly competitive market.

This presentation is intended to provide health care professionals with information on COVID-19 burden of disease, SARS-CoV-2 variant overview, mechanism of action of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, and share clinical trial and real-world data on a COVID-19 vaccine option from BioNTech and Pfizer.

Learn how Pharmacists Mutual helps protect pharmacists and pharmacies through real-world examples of risk management and insurance in action. Put your knowledge to the test with a fun Kahoot game highlighting common claims and real-life scenarios every future pharmacist should know.

Join your colleagues for a buffet lunch in the Expo Hall.

Visit the exhibit hall to explore new products, technology, and services from over 200 companies.

View the exhibitor list and map.

Join us at the Expo Hall for the Innovations in Community Practice Poster Symposium where innovation meets opportunity. Discover cutting-edge research and impactful services from NCPA members, students, recent graduates, and pharmacists all dedicated to pushing the boundaries of community pharmacy. Connect with like-minded peers, explore pioneering ideas, and fuel your drive to shape the future of pharmacy.

This session explores how precision compounding supports the complex, dynamic nature of vaginal health. We’ll discuss how personalized formulations address bacterial imbalances, hormonal changes, and patient-specific needs—highlighting why proactive management is essential for postmenopausal women. Attendees will learn how this approach can prevent recurrent infections, reduce antibiotic resistance, and lower healthcare costs.

Whether you’re a student exploring post-graduate paths or ready to start a residency program, the Community Pharmacy Residency and Fellowship Showcase is your gateway to networking with industry leaders, students, and current residents and fellows from across the nation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the movement that’s transforming community pharmacy.

GLP-1s have shone a light on pharmacy compounding like never before. Now that the shortage has ended, what happens next? Attend this fast-paced APC briefing to find out.

Discover how strategic front-end design can turn your pharmacy into a profit and loyalty powerhouse. In this fast-paced session, we’ll share real-world insights and actionable ideas to boost revenue, elevate the customer experience, and unlock your store’s hidden potential. Design smarter. Sell better. Grow faster.

Get ready for an unforgettable time at the NCPA Foundation Awards Ceremony! This is where excellence takes center stage. Celebrate the best in pharmacy as we present the prestigious NARD Ownership Award and recognize the Preceptor of the Year, Outstanding Faculty Liaison, and much more. We will also honor other outstanding achievements like the highly anticipated NCPA Student Chapter of the Year and the scholarship winners.

This session is designed for community pharmacy owners and operators looking to diversify revenue streams and thrive in the evolving health care landscape. We'll review how EQUIPP Copilot can streamline operations for pharmacies and pinpoint specific payer program opportunities for 2025 accessible in the platform that can drive significant growth. We will also hear directly from pharmacists who are currently using EQUIPP Copilot in their daily workflow and the success they are achieving.

Pharmacies are increasingly turning to longevity medicine to diversify services and sustain revenue, with compounding through 503A and 503B facilities playing a key role in access. Explore how longevity-related products can be incorporated into practice, strategies to collaborate with providers offering these services, and approaches to engage prospective patients. Emphasis will be placed on balancing clinical value with business growth to maximize the long-term success of pharmacy involvement in this emerging area.

Aging populations, the growing preference for aging in place, and the shift toward value-based care all present significant opportunities for pharmacies to meet the growing demand for home-based long-term care services. Using the latest guidelines and best practices, along with real-world case studies, attendees will learn how to identify market potential and implement effective outreach strategies to engage patients, caregivers and health care providers in long-term care at home services.

The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has introduced new requirements that touch nearly every corner of pharmacy practice. This session takes a practical look at what those requirements mean for day-to-day operations, how the law keeps unsafe medications out of the supply chain, and where compounded products fit into the picture. Participants will come away with a clearer view of how DSCSA shapes pharmacy operations now and what to expect in the years ahead.

Join us for an uninhibited non-CE dialogue with your peers on what is working, what’s not, and what solutions teams have found in the world of long-term care. Whether you are just starting out in LTC or have been doing it for decades, this is your opportunity to “shoot the breeze,” share ideas, and get your top questions answered.

Please note: Shoot the Breeze is intended for pharmacists and pharmacy technician attendees. Anyone with a vendor badge will not be permitted to join.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., yet many of its risk factors are modifiable and detectable through routine screening. This session reviews evidence-based approaches for screening, early detection, and disease management of CVD while also sharing strategies for the entire pharmacy team to integrate these practices and enhance patient-centered cardiovascular care.

With patient data increasingly targeted by cyber threats, community pharmacies need strategies that go beyond basic compliance. This session offers a practical look at building strong digital defenses while meeting HIPAA requirements. Attendees will explore how to embed security measures into daily operations, apply regulatory safeguards effectively, and leverage risk assessments to strengthen both compliance and patient confidence.

Join to hear from Kevin Day, president of Day’s Pharmacies, as he draws from his own experience with cost-plus, sharing operational and financial considerations for exploring this pharmacy model. The conversation will highlight both the opportunities and challenges of cost-plus and what this model could mean for the future sustainability of community pharmacy.

Join Malarie Ameera of Breathe Body Soul for Yoga and Breathwork to enhance your energy levels and bring clarity and focus to the day ahead. Sunday, you’ll practice yoga on the mats to open the body before breathwork; Monday, you’ll learn hip and heart opening yoga poses and explore holotropic breathwork; Tuesday, you’ll move your bodies on the yoga mats and learn energizing breathwork techniques. Dress comfortably. Mats provided.

Join your colleagues for breakfast.

Do you want to help more patients while growing your pharmacy’s bottom line? Join us to see how pharmacies working with PCCA are transforming into thriving compounding practices. You will gain insight into the biggest compounding opportunities right now from one of our leading industry experts. PCCA Senior Director of Clinical Services Sara Hover and Senior Director of Member Relations Erin Michael will share how adding compounding to your practice is still your best move.

Your independent pharmacy. Our national direct-to-consumer model. Everyone wins. Join us to learn how to insert your pharmacy into our direct-to-consumer ecosystem where pharmacy is paid directly, promptly, and fairly. Be centrally positioned with patients, employers, payers, and pharma. Learn about the phenomenally innovative ecosystem that Prescryptive has built to re-democratize our national prescription landscape.

Moderator: Paige Clark, RPh, vice president pharmacy programs and policy, Prescryptive

We are back with another round of profit pearls from the people you want to hear from the most — your peers. They’ll Take 5 minutes to tell you about something that is working well for them, and you’ll have 10 minutes to engage and ask questions. Of course, there’s plenty of time during the NCPA 2025 Annual Convention for further one-on-one dialogue to follow up and learn more from each other.

Stay informed and prepared as vaccine recommendations evolve with new data and public health trends. This session breaks down the latest FDA and ACIP recommendations and what they mean for immunization delivery in your pharmacy. Review key changes to vaccine schedules, the impact of disease outbreaks, and practical ways to tailor vaccine offerings to meet patient and community needs. Walk away with more information and tools needed to elevate your vaccination services.

Health plans have big budgets for care coordination, and community pharmacies are well positioned to deliver. This session highlights practical strategies for embedding these services into workflows, with medication synchronization as a foundation. Gain insight into how care coordination can close clinical and social care gaps, strengthen payer partnerships, and streamline internal processes to maximize both patient and business outcomes.

AI offers practical tools to improve efficiency, strengthen patient care, and safeguard sensitive data. This session will highlight where AI is headed, how it can be applied in pharmacy practice, and what pharmacists need to consider when adopting AI.

The second general session will feature an association address from NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey. We will present the John W. Dargavel Medal award sponsored by McKesson and the CPESN® USA Luminary of the Year award sponsored by Prasco.

Our keynote speaker will be Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-Ark.). Sanders will address the audience and then participate in a fireside chat with Hoey and NCPA President-Elect Kristen Riddle.

Join us for a comprehensive session where speaker Leland McKay will delve into crucial strategies for safeguarding your assets, optimizing tax planning, and ensuring robust estate planning. Discover practical insights on asset protection strategies tailored for pharmacy providers, essential tax-saving techniques, and the importance of proactive estate planning to secure your practice's future.

Visit the exhibit hall to explore new products, technology, and services from over 200 companies.

View the exhibitor list and map.

Join us for a networking session with the CPESN Leadership Initiative, connect with NextGen Luminary Leaders — innovative pharmacists shaping the future of community pharmacy — and Beacon Leaders — pharmacy technicians and support staff driving excellence in care delivery. Whether you’re already involved or just curious, this is your chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and learn how you can be part of CPESN’s growing leadership community. All are welcome!

A discussion on how to add a highly profitable revenue stream to your existing pharmacy.

Explore new opportunities using AI to improve pharmacy efficiency and better patient care and satisfaction. 

This isn’t another “build a service line” talk. It’s the story of the beginnings of a unique alliance between pharmacies and providers that turns independent community pharmacies into partner organizations for the CMS GUIDE Model — without overhauling a department. We’ll discuss how the collaboration is key to building a simple plug-in pathway to serve dementia patients and their families/caregivers while also engaging in a per member per month revenue stream. Come learn how and why nearly 50 of your pharmacy colleagues have taken the leap to explore becoming dementia care hubs in their communities through the expansion of patient care navigators.

Community pharmacy in Australia has undergone a rapid transformation, moving from traditional roles toward expanded patient care services. This session explores the forces that drove the shift and the practical steps that made it possible. Attendees will gain insights into how these changes were implemented and consider what lessons can be applied to advance community pharmacy in the U.S.

This session offers a practical overview of acquisition cost benchmarks commonly used in today’s pharmacy reimbursement landscape. Participants will examine the challenges surrounding the stability and reliability of these benchmarks, with a focus on their impact on independent pharmacies. This session will also demystify the growing use of cost-plus agreements — explaining what they are, how acquisition cost data is used in these agreements, and what independent pharmacy owners should expect when entering such agreements. Guidance will be provided on how to critically evaluate cost-plus agreements to ensure both financial viability and transparency.

Pharmacies are prime targets for cybercriminals, and with a growing reliance on digital platforms for patient data, e-prescribing and cloud-based systems, today’s pharmacies must adopt proactive, pharmacy-specific cybersecurity measures. From preventing breaches to confidently responding when threats arise (yes, even that “we’ve got your data” email), you’ll walk away with practical steps to protect your business, your patients, and your peace of mind.

CPESN USA helps community pharmacies grow revenue with specialized programs that deliver cash flow, margin, and savings. CPESN Community Health prepares pharmacies to address health inequities and get paid for social determinants of health services. CPESN Community Health Clinic supports co-located clinics with provider partners to create recurring employer and cash-pay revenue.

Running a successful pharmacy requires more than filling scripts — it demands a firm grasp on financials, metrics, and smart tax planning. This session covers the essential accounting foundations pharmacy owners need, with a focus on industry-specific KPIs, cash flow management, and revenue diversification opportunities. We’ll also break down the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” and equip you with pharmacy-specific tax planning strategies. Whether you’re working to grow or simply stay afloat, these are the fundamentals that drive smarter, more profitable decisions.

In 2024, an estimated 23 percent of U.S adults experienced a mental illness, yet only about half received treatment. Although pharmacy personnel are well-positioned to address these behavioral health (BH) and social determinants of health (SDOH) care gaps, many lack the training or confidence to do so. Join as we showcase real-world examples of how strengthened BH/SDOH knowledge and skills can support sustainable pharmacy practice models, highlight challenges, and explore approaches to integrate these services into pharmacy workflows.

Got a question for building your business? Ask it! Have a pearl to share? Share it! Join other community pharmacy teams from across the country for a free-flowing, non-CE conversation with each other where your top questions come center stage. Workflow best practices, technology, vendor partners — everything is on the table. Discover firsthand what’s working well in other pharmacies and bring home achievable concepts that will transform your business.   

Please note: Shoot the Breeze is intended for pharmacists and pharmacy technician attendees. Anyone with a vendor badge will not be permitted to join.

Join the NCPA Advocacy Center team for a reception to thank our advocacy supporters and hear about the work done this year on your behalf.

This is a ticketed event. To attend, please visit the Advocacy Booth to secure your tickets.

Close out your convention in true Mardi Gras style. Join us at the chandelier bar for live music, dueling pianos, and plenty of networking fun. Don’t forget — come dressed to impress for your chance to win $500!

Join Malarie Ameera of Breathe Body Soul for Yoga and Breathwork to enhance your energy levels and bring clarity and focus to the day ahead. Sunday, you’ll practice yoga on the mats to open the body before breathwork; Monday, you’ll learn hip and heart opening yoga poses and explore holotropic breathwork; Tuesday, you’ll move your bodies on the yoga mats and learn energizing breathwork techniques. Dress comfortably. Mats provided.

• Agenda

• NCPA Leadership Team

• NCPA Past Presidents

By 2030, more than 73 million Americans will be 65 or older, most wanting to age in place. Pharmacies can play a key role in supporting this goal by adopting age-friendly practices that focus on what matters most to older adults. The session will explore how to become an age-friendly pharmacy using the 4Ms Framework — What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility — to improve medication management, transitions of care, and interprofessional collaboration and deliver high-quality, person-centered care.

Direct-to-consumer drug distribution programs are rapidly changing how patients can access their medications, and independent pharmacies see this firsthand. As manufacturers move prescriptions from the counter to the consumer’s doorstep, community pharmacies risk being cut out of the supply chain. This session will unpack the forces driving these models, highlight the threats and opportunities for independent pharmacy, and explore strategies to stay competitive, protect patient relationships, and maintain a vital role in medication access and safety.

Session Objectives:

1. Describe the impact of direct-to-consumer drug distribution models on traditional pharmacy practice, patient access, and medication safety.

2. Evaluate potential risks and opportunities that direct-to-consumer channels present for independent pharmacies.

3. Identify strategies for adapting pharmacy practice to remain relevant and patient-centered in the evolving drug distribution landscape.

This session reviews how changes in 340B policies, pharma’s influence, and federal oversight are reshaping contract pharmacy arrangements. Discussion will address the drivers of contract terminations, the impact on community pharmacies and patient access, and strategies contract pharmacies can use to safeguard their business and care delivery.

Pharmacies have a wealth of data coming at them every day across business operations, patients, prescribers, payers, and more. But how do you best use this information when evaluating potential opportunities? In this panel discussion, experts will dive into how analytic tools can help you interpret data into meaningful insights by highlighting patterns and trends. By learning how to distinguish what drives profitability from what doesn’t, you’ll gain strategies to make informed, data-driven decisions that will strengthen your pharmacy’s long-term success.

Learn about the burden of pneumococcal disease in adults, the importance of providing direct protection through vaccination, and the critical role of health care providers in improving pneumococcal vaccination rates in eligible adults.