Paula Araujo, Author at Pharmacy Connect
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Pharmacy Connect 2026 program now available

13 May 2026

Today Pharmacy Connect Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, announced the launch of this year’s Pharmacy Connect program. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Sydney from September 9 to September 11, the conference features a three-day education program including pre-conference workshops, networking events, 90-stand trade exhibition, and a dedicated pharmacy assistant educational stream.

Mr Sclavos said that the program is designed for the whole pharmacy team, offering practical training, new skills, and the chance to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

“Pharmacy Connect offers valuable insights for every member of the pharmacy team through industry updates, clinical education, business sessions and a dedicated Pharmacy Assistant Stream,” said Mr Sclavos.

The impressive speaker line-up includes one of Australia’s most respected science communicators, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, and President of the National Community Pharmacists Association in the United States, Dr Kristen Riddle. Anticipation is already building for Dr Riddle’s session, where the US-based pharmacist will provide first‑hand insights and key learnings to protect and strengthen our Australian pharmacy sector. She will be joined by 40+ professional, business and industry speakers and clinical experts delivering content focused on the conference theme, Connecting with Care’.

Mr Sclavos emphasised that this year’s theme was chosen to speak to an increasingly demanding industry and guided all aspects of program planning.

“Pharmacy professionals are doing more than ever. The program is designed to offer what they need to adopt a wider range of clinical health services, as well as maintain high standards of care,” said Mr Sclavos. “And that requires us as an industry to work strategically, to ensure all Australians have equitable access to these expanded pharmacy services.”

Uniquely placed to advise pharmacy professionals on protecting wellbeing while delivering high-quality care is Human Performance and Mindset Coach, Kim Bessell. His engaging session “Burnout and resilience: Burn bright, not out” demonstrates how sustainable change is possible, offering evidence-based approaches and realistic strategies for operating in high-pressure environments.

PDL Professional Officer, Claire Bekema, will detail what vicarious liability means in practice day-to-day. Her session will provide practical steps to strengthen systems, support teams and protect pharmacy businesses as services continue to expand.

“Community pharmacy and the expanded role in Women’s Health” is another key, future-focused session. Sponsored by Arrotex, it will offer a practical framework to help pharmacies prepare to make the most of opportunities ahead of the January 2027 government trial.  

And delegates return each year to gain insights into the next big opportunities at the Industry Update. The panel session led by National President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, maps out the current pharmacy landscape, with both a consumer lens and wider industry considerations.

“Pharmacy Connect offers practical insights, and meaningful networking opportunities in a focused and highly engaged environment,” Mr Sclavos said. “And booking early means you get all the value at the best price.”

Book now to take advantage of Early Bird registration offers, and receive up to $100 off full conference registration.

Pharmacist turned professional coach Kim Bessell added to Pharmacy Connect 2026 speaker lineup

MEDIA RELEASE

7 May 2026

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is pleased to announce Kim Bessell, Human Performance and Mindset Coach, will present at Pharmacy Connect 2026. With his unique blend of pharmacy leadership and high‑performance coaching, he is ideally placed to advise pharmacy professionals looking to protect their wellbeing while continuing to deliver high-quality care.

Bessell’s engaging sessionBurn out and resilience: Burn bright, not out” will challenge the idea that burnout is simply part of the profession, and demonstrate how sustainable change is possible.

Pharmacy Connect Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, said Bessell’s session will provide timely and practical insights for pharmacy professionals navigating increasing workplace demands.

“Kim Bessell brings a rare combination of frontline pharmacy experience and high‑performance coaching,” Mr Sclavos said.

“At a time when pharmacy professionals are doing more than ever, his insights on enhancing performance without sacrificing wellbeing will be invaluable to delegates.”

A community pharmacist and former Australian Government Principal Pharmacist, Bessell’s career spans pharmacy ownership, wholesaling, national policy, high‑stakes negotiation and strategic planning, including direct engagement with Federal Ministers and international stakeholders. He now works with executives, elite athletes, and corporate teams.

Drawing on evidence-based approaches, his session will equip pharmacists with realistic strategies that fit into busy, high-pressure environments.

Bessell is an exciting addition to an impressive speaker lineup for Pharmacy Connect 2026. He joins President of the National Community Pharmacists Association in the United States, Dr Kristen Riddle, and one of Australia’s most respected science communicators, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM.

The three will be among 40+ professional, business and industry speakers and clinical experts delivering content focused on the conference theme, Connecting with Care’. A full program will be released later this month.

Pharmacy Connect is taking place 9 September – 11 September at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. Early Bird registration, which can save attendees up to $100, is now open.

Mr Sclavos encourages pharmacy owners, pharmacists, executives, interns, students and industry partners to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and secure their place early.

“Pharmacy Connect delivers practical, relevant education and meaningful networking in a focused and highly engaged environment. And booking early means you get all the value at the best price.”

Dr Karl to speak at Pharmacy Connect 2026 

MEDIA RELEASE

23 April 2026

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is pleased to announce that Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM, one of Australia’s most respected science communicators, will present at Pharmacy Connect 2026.

Renowned for his ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and entertaining way, Dr Karl’s presentation ‘Great moments in critical thinking in pharmacy,’ is set to bring a unique and engaging perspective to daily decision‑making and problem‑solving in professional pharmacy practice.

Pharmacy Connect Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, said Dr Karl’s focus on critical thinking is highly relevant for pharmacy professionals navigating an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

“Critical thinking underpins safe, effective and ethical pharmacy practice,” said Mr Sclavos. “We look forward to hearing Dr Karl share his expertise and bring his unique perspective to the pharmacy industry.”

A scientist, author and broadcaster who has spent more than three decades promoting science education across television, radio, print and digital platforms. Dr Karl holds degrees in physics, mathematics, biomedical engineering and medicine and is the author of 48 books. He has held a wide range of professional roles including physicist, biomedical engineer and medical doctor. His contributions to science communication have been recognised nationally and internationally – in 2019 he was awarded the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularisation of Science and honoured in 2025 as the NSW Senior Australian of the Year.

Dr Karl will be joined by 40+ other professional, business and industry speakers and clinical experts who will deliver content focused on the conference theme, ‘Connecting with Care’. A full program will be released in May.

Pharmacy Connect is taking place 9 September – 11 September at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. Early Bird registration, which can save attendees up to $100, is now open.

Mr Sclavos encourages pharmacy owners, pharmacists, executives, interns, students and industry partners to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and secure their place early.

“Pharmacy Connect delivers practical, relevant education and meaningful networking in a focused and highly engaged environment. And booking early means you get all the value at the best price.”