Conference Preview: APhA 2025 Annual Meeting and Exposition

The American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) 2025 Annual Meeting and Exposition is set to kick off in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday, March 21 and run through Monday, March 24. The event is taking place at the Music City Center convention center and is sure to be a meeting that pharmacists from across the country won’t want to miss.

Conference Preview: APhA 2025 Annual Meeting and Exposition / SeanPavonePhoto - stock.adobe.com

"The focus of the meeting this year is inspiration,” said Lauren Angelo, PharmD, MBA, associate dean of academic affairs and associate professor of pharmacy practice at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences. “With so many changes in healthcare and pharmacy lately, we could all use a little inspiration. Many of the education sessions will help take our profession to the next level. These range from digital health, new technologies, and clinical updates to leadership and advocacy. The awards and recognition of our pharmacy superstars will also inspire us to continue to advance patient care. I look forward to being inspired."

This year’s meeting includes tons of education and business sessions for pharmacists, staff and students alike. The meeting will also feature opportunities for continuing professional education credits and other types of APhA education and training activities. Keynote speakers at this year’s meeting include Ben Nemtin, author of What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?, Travis Mills, author of Tough As They Come, and Jade Simmons, a transformational speaker and world-class concert artist.

“One of the things I most look forward to every year at the APhA Annual Meeting is what I’d call the ‘Little Moments,’” said Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE, CTTS, clinical assistant professor and director of experiential learning at West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. “The big stages, workshops, exhibit hall, and receptions are always well worth the journey, but the magic is in the moments in between those scheduled events. Whether passing in a hallway or elevator, or ending up at the same restaurant or bar, someone you haven’t seen in years will be there, everywhere, because this is where it all happens.”

The Drug Topics team will be onsite at the meeting providing coverage of all the most important happenings. Be sure to follow along here.

Session Highlights

Friday, March 21 at 9 AM

Country Roads to Care: Pharmacists Role in Reproductive Health

Pharmacists in reproductive health has evolved significantly over the years. In this session, Jasmine Cutler, PharmD, will discuss the role of community pharmacists in educating patients on OTC contraceptives, emergency contraception and identifying resources for sexual health concepts.

Saturday, March 22 at 8:30 AM

Moonshine vs Tennessee Wine: Debate on Controversies in Diabetes

In this session, Heather Johnson, PharmD, BCACP and Heather Roth, BSPharm, will hash out some of the most controversial topics in diabetes, including SGLT2i or GLP-1 for CVD outcomes, CGMs for patients not using insulin, and whether patients should get their diabetes care in the clinic or community pharmacy.

Sunday, March 23 at 2 PM

Blank Space: Discussing Pharmacy Deserts

A significant amount of pharmacies have shut their doors across the country recently, leading to low access to community pharmacies. In this session, Lucas Berenbrok, PharmD, MS, will discuss trends in pharmacy closures, the impact on patients across the US, and potential solutions to mitigate the issue.

Monday, March 24 at 9:15 AM

We Gotta Fight for our Right to Partake: An Update on PBM Reform

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) have been in the hot seat lately, facing scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission, Congress, pharmacy organizations and pharmacists. In this sessions, Antonio Ciaccia will discuss PBM reform at the state and federal level and their impact on pharmacy practice.