That’s a wrap, folks — #NCPA2026 has come to an end. We’re so very grateful for your time and energy, and for making this convention one to remember. For us at NCPA, it is a great privilege to host so many enthusiastic health care professionals at this once-a-year opportunity to grow professionally and make lifelong professional connections. Here’s a recap of this year’s biggest events and our favorite moments.
The business education and relationship-building were already underway before the start of the convention, as we held four workshops on some of the pressing topics of the day from Oct. 1-2. Our many workshop students got comprehensive lessons in pharmacy ownership, the ways AI can help power pharmacies, long-term care pharmacy at home, and how to build, scale, and sustain advanced LTC services.
Day one of the convention was buzzing with activity, with plenty of student programming and education sessions on topics including staff management, emerging technologies, and potential revenue streams that independent pharmacies are finding success in. The 23rd annual Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition was, as always, deeply insightful. And we held our first-ever mid-convention workshop featuring customer service expert Laurie Guest, who taught attendees practical, no-cost ways to wow customers the moment they walk into the pharmacy.
Then, of course, was the Opening Night Reception, sponsored by McKesson. It was packed with attendees and great food, as friends reconnected and new ties were formed. Styled after a backyard barbecue, guests were even able to build their own barbecue rubs at a station presented by the Museum of BBQ.
The following days were just as eventful. There were myriad opportunities to learn from peers and subject experts on topics fundamental to pharmacy practice, as well as things disrupting it.
Our First General Session, sponsored by Anda Inc., featured inspiring outgoing remarks from NCPA 2025-2026 President Kristen Riddle, award presentations, and an insightful legislative panel with policy experts Jim Flood and Scott Douglas.
In the Second General Session, sponsored by RedSail Technologies, NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey gave a powerful speech reviewing our advocacy successes and the bright future ahead for independent pharmacies, and the former head of go-to-market at OpenAI, Zack Kass, shed light on the possibilities of artificial intelligence to revolutionize health care and society at large.
Our Expo Hall, as usual, was a great success. Attendees flooded the exhibit floor to get in-person insights on the products and services powering the present and future of independent pharmacy — and got expert insights on important issues in one-on-one conversations at our new “how-to” booths.
And our final big social event of the convention was the Monday Night Mix and Mingle Party, sponsored by GeriMed and WSPC, where attendees got a taste of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Made in Kansas City Marketplace. The room was thronging with excited attendees, and party band Lost Wax kept people moving (including quite a bit of line dancing!). It was a fitting conclusion to an energizing convention.
Thank you again to all the owners, technicians, students, exhibitors and sponsors, and other health care professionals who attended the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention for making it such a fun and informative experience. We’ll see you next year in San Antonio, Sept. 25-28.
