By: Maddison Waide, 2024 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year
This year’s Pharmacy Connect is just around the corner and it’s shaping up to be a standout! For the first time ever, the conference will feature a dedicated pharmacy assistant education stream, packed with sessions tailored for the frontline legends of community pharmacy – pharmacy assistants, like you.
We asked the 2024 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year, Maddison Waide, to share her top highlights for this year’s conference, which features a dedicated Pharmacy Assistant Stream.
- Pharmacy Assistant Refresher Training
Wednesday 3 September, 2.00pm – 5.00pm
If you’re arriving early, DO NOT miss the Pharmacy Assistant Refresher Training on supplement sales delivered by Katy Johnson from the Australasian College of Pharmacy. Katy is bringing back her interactive games and all the vitamin goodness you can handle. Bring your competitive spirit… and maybe a notepad.
- Welcome Reception
Wednesday 3 September, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
What a great way to kick off the Trade Exhibition. You can chat with suppliers and mingle with fellow delegates from across Australia while exploring what’s new in community pharmacy. Plus, you can enjoy live music, drinks, and canapes!
- Preparing now for what’s next: How to thrive in an age of uncertainty
Thursday 4 September, 9.25am – 10.10am
The first day of the conference starts strongly with Michael McQueen’s keynote about how to thrive in this wild, fast-paced world. Michael is a world-renowned trend forecaster, and his session will be sure to fill you with the kind of inspiration that gets you fired up for the year ahead.
- PATY 2024: A year in review
Thursday 4 September, 11.25am – 11.45am
Then of course (drumroll please) there is my session! I’ll be sharing with you what my year as the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year for 2024 looked like. From the wins, learning, and personal growth, it’s been the biggest adventure, and I can’t wait to reflect before passing the crown to this year’s winner.
- Unlocking the science of hydration for dry skin
Thursday 4 September, 2.15pm – 2.45pm
This session is a great opportunity for you to become more confident supporting your customers with the skin they’re in. Plus, stick around for the session following this that will cover fungal skin infections. This session will help you understand the science behind moisturisers and how to recommend the right product for different skin needs.
- From itch to relief: Navigating fungal skin infections
Thursday 4 September, 2.15pm – 2.45pm
Fungal skin infections can be uncomfortable and persistent. In this session you’ll discover how to engage with customers to understand their concerns and learn how to identify the right treatment options. It’s practical, useful, and relevant to your everyday conversations in the pharmacy.
- Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Showcase
Thursday 4 September, 4.50pm – 5.35pm
This one is close to my heart. Get back on the PATY train on Thursday afternoon and cheer on the 2025 PATY state winners at the showcase. They will blow you away with their stories, skills, and energy. Come and support you fellow assistants and their amazing achievements! I promise you’ll leave feeling proud to be part of this profession.
- Cocktail Party
Thursday 4 September, 7.00pm – 10.00pm
PATY then wraps up at the Cocktail Party on Sydney Harbour where the 2025 winner will be announced during the first ever harbour cruise! I highly recommend getting your ticket early as the Cocktail Party is the perfect mix of celebration and stunning views.
- Hustle to happy – rewrite the script on success
Friday 5 September, 8.30am – 9.15am
This is worth getting out of bed for after the Cocktail Party! Nicky Miklos will unpack how you can balance your life and your career by working smarter, not harder.
- The Trade Exhibition
Thursday 4 September & Friday 4 September
Two words: Free samples. But seriously, this year’s Trade Exhibition? Absolutely massive. So many brands, demos, chats with suppliers, and ideas to take back to your pharmacy… honestly, it’s where the magic happens between sessions.
Don’t miss out!
So, whether you’re coming to learn, connect, or just have a blast with your fellow pharmacy assistants, Pharmacy Connect 2025 is the place to be. I can’t wait to see you there – and don’t forget to pack your best cocktail outfit!
