Meeting Preview: Turn the Tide at AAP’s 2024 Annual Conference
This year’s conference, which is being held April 4 to 6 in San Diego, California, features talks from industry experts on developments in the pharmacy field, actionable skills, and informative CE sessions.
The American Associated Pharmacies’ 2024 Annual Conference is set to take place in “America’s Finest City,” San Diego, California. The event is sure to be an exciting time filled with informative sessions for independent pharmacists from all around the country. This year’s theme, “Turn the Tide,” represents the coming year of change that’s expected in the pharmaceutical industry. The conference aims to help pharmacists stay ahead of the curve.
AAP’s 2024 Annual Conference is being held April 4 to 6 in San Diego, California / AAP
The venue for AAP’s Annual Conference, which will be held April 4 to 6, is the Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley—the center of San Diego County and just a short drive to tons of fun attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. The resort itself offers dining options and a pool complex, all delivered in a cool, mid-century modern design.
This year also marks the fifteenth anniversary of AAP, which is now one of the largest and most comprehensive independent pharmacy organizations in the United States. The member-owned cooperative, made up of over 2,000 independent and community pharmacies, was created back in 2009. That year, pharmacy cooperatives United Drugs of Phoenix, Arizona, and Associated Pharmacies, Inc. of Scottsboro, Alabama, joined forces to further the collective goal of helping independent pharmacies put profits back into their stores.
At the conference, attendees have plenty of things to look forward to. Some program highlights include talks from industry experts on PBM reform, DIR fees, and DSCSA regulations; actionable skills to implement in the pharmacy; CE sessions; and learning about new products and services from vendors. Each qualified pharmacy also has the opportunity to win 1 of 3 prizes, including $25,000 in credit from the API warehouse. Door prizes from exhibitors are up for grabs as well, which can be won by visiting exhibitors and attending qualified general sessions.
Sessions to Watch For
On Thursday, a session with Joe McKamey will guide pharmacists on how to launch a Medicare-focused insurance agency and discuss why having your own is crucial for your community. This session will be followed by a talk from Douglas Hoey, CEO of NCPA, on DIR fee updates and new PBM reform legislation. On Friday, Eric Fromhart will host a session on 340B. The discussion will touch upon the history of 340B, how it works, and how it can help increase profits. Later in the day, Brian Rakers will discuss the growing issue of cyber threats and data breaches. The session will teach pharmacists how to mitigate exposure and ways to proactively manage risk.
On Saturday, Kathy Campbell will host a session discussing the benefits of a wellness pharmacy. This talk will touch on a new business model for pharmacy, which includes dispensing critical services that aid customers in living long and vital lives. The last session of the conference, hosted by the Cardinal Health Pharmacy Transitions Team, will talk about the importance of keeping independent pharmacies independent. Chad Sanders, Daniel Bernstein, and Dave Johnson will discuss best practices for buying or selling your pharmacy, ideal transition timelines, and pharmacy valuation methodologies.
This year’s keynote speaker is Michelle Rozen, PhD, one of the world’s most respected experts on change. Her research explores setting and accomplishing goals, and she works with many leading brands around the globe. Make sure you don’t miss her inspirational session on Friday at 4 pm.
Click here to follow along with our AAP 2024 coverage. If you’re attending the meeting, make sure to stop by booth 718 to grab a copy of the latest issue of Drug Topics.
