Pharmacy Connect 2026 Convenor’s top 10 must-attend sessions
By Kos Sclavos AM, Pharmacy Connect Conference Convenor
20 May 2026
As Pharmacy Connect Committee Chairman, each year I’m asked to share my top program highlights for pharmacists and pharmacy business owners– a difficult task given the calibre of sessions and speakers.
Pharmacy Connect is designed for pharmacists who understand that care extends beyond the dispensary. The program equips them to expand their clinical services, while maintaining the highest standards of care.
At Pharmacy Connect 2026 you will get up-to-date insights on pharmacy full scope of practice and the health priorities of the Albanese Government, and meaningful networking opportunities in a focused, highly engaged environment. This two-and-a-half-day program includes pre-conference workshops, an expanded 90-stand trade exhibition, Welcome Reception, and dedicated Pharmacy Assistant Stream.
The conversations that change how you practice start here.
Below are my top 10 picks for Pharmacy Connect 2026, in order of their programmed date and time:
1) Pre-Conference Workshop 2: Quality & Safety Pharmacy Program
Wednesday 9 September, 9.30am – 1.00pm
This workshop comes ahead of a big change for community pharmacy accreditation. Pharmacies now deliver vaccinations, conduct medicine checks, and support the management of acute and chronic conditions. This evolution in practice requires stronger governance and operational frameworks to ensure safe, high-quality care. In response to this shift, the Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) is transitioning to the Quality and Safety Pharmacy Program (QSPP). Attending this session will help you understand how the transition will not only affect you, but pharmacy business practice more broadly. The change takes effect on 1 October 2026, so make sure least one of your team attends!
2) Pre-Conference Workshop 6: Compliance, complaints and consequences – navigating regulation and your responsibilities in NSW
Wednesday 9 September, 2.00pm – 5.30pm
I may have some bias, but this is my pick of the four workshops on Wednesday afternoon. Following strong support and recent announcements from the Minns Government, pharmacists in NSW now have more opportunities to expand their scope in Women’s Health. This workshop includes a NSW-specific legislative update, insights from a full scope pharmacist, information on training pathways and requirements, key learnings on business planning for full scope, how to market your professional services, and an interactive Q&A.
3) Guild Member Only Breakfast
Thursday 10 September, 7.00am – 8.15am
An exclusive must-attend session for every Guild member, this member-only session will update attendees on The Guild’s short and medium term strategy, plus provide a first look at early analysis of The Guild’s Member Census. This data will offer learnings for workforce needs, help identify emerging opportunities, and inform operational insights.
4) Great moments in critical thinking in pharmacy
Thursday 10 September, 8.40am – 9.25am
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM is one of my favourite presenters. In his engaging and thought-provoking keynote, Dr Karl will explore the pivotal role of critical thinking in pharmacy. Drawing on memorable moments from science, medicine, and everyday life, Dr Karl will explore the question “how do we know what we know – and how do we avoid getting it wrong?”.
5) Panel Session: Industry Update
Thursday 10 September, 9.25am – 10.10am
This is always a delegate favourite. In this fast-paced panel session, you’ll hear from experts about what’s shaping the profession, and what pharmacists need to be paying attention to. Facilitated by Daniel Kicuroski, NSW Guild Branch Director, the discussion will explore a mix of global trends and uniquely Australian challenges. This year’s panel includes international speaker Dr Kristen Riddle (President, National Community Pharmacists Association in the US), Lisa Robins (CEO, Patients Australia), and The Guild’s own Mario Barone, (NSW Guild Branch President) and Professor Trent Twomey (Guild National President).
6) Community pharmacy and the expanded role in Women’s Health
Thursday 10 September, 10.10am – 10.55am
From January 2027, a new Commonwealth Government pharmacy trial will enable concession card holders to access more affordable contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs prescribed by appropriately trained pharmacists, outside the PBS. Beyond this pilot, there are significant opportunities for community pharmacy to further support women’s health across multiple medicine schedules and service categories. This key session will provide a practical framework to help pharmacies not just prepare for the pilot but confidently embrace their growing role.
7) Fish where the fish are
Thursday 10 September, 11.25am – 12.10pm
The average pharmacy in Australia dispenses to just over 8,000 unique patients per year. And yet many pharmacies don’t really differentiate how they support high volume prescription patients. With full scope of practice expanding what pharmacists can do, it’s more important than ever to support your pharmacy operations and business goals using data-backed insights. This session will showcase how to find the right patients, deepen loyalty, close adherence gaps, and lead in the therapeutic areas that are being completely rewritten.
8) Burn out and resilience: Burn bright, not out
Thursday 10 September, 4.50pm – 5.35pm
Research shows more than half of pharmacists experience burnout. This session with Kim Bessell, Human Performance and Mindset Coach, will equip pharmacists with realistic strategies that fit into busy, high-pressure environments. Attendees will learn how to build sustainable resilience and improve recovery, regain clarity and control under pressure, and maintain energy, motivation and focus over the long term. The Pharmacy Connect 2026 program is designed to offer pharmacy professionals what they need to adopt a wider range of clinical health services, as well as maintain high standards of care. With pharmacists doing more than ever, sustainable ways of working and managing workplace demands is a crucial part of this.
9) Global policy shifts and the future of Community Pharmacy
Friday 11 September, 8.30am – 9.15am
I am excited to welcome our international speaker – Dr Kirsten Riddle, President of the National Community Pharmacists Association (US) and a terrific pharmacist. The US is at the centre of world-wide pharmaceutical policy – developments there have direct implications for Australia. Dr Riddle will offer insights into what’s happening in the US right now, and what these shifts could mean for Australian pharmacies. Dr Riddle is a passionate speaker and a great leader of the pharmacy profession. Her deep knowledge of policy makes this a must-attend session.
10) Buying and selling a pharmacy in today’s market
Friday 11 September, 9.15am – 10.00am
If the pharmacy sales market is strong, it signals high business confidence, meaning pharmacies will invest in staff and infrastructure. So even if ownership isn’t your goal, understanding pharmacy sales offers valuable insight into where the sector is heading. This session takes a practical look at the realities of buying and selling a pharmacy in Australia and will explore current market conditions, evolving buyer demand and key trends shaping valuations and deal activity. Attendees will gain clear insight into the end-to-end sales process, with a strong focus on navigating the current lending environment, financing options, and risk considerations in a higher interest rate landscape.
I look forward to seeing you at Pharmacy Connect in September. If you haven’t registered yet I urge you to book now and take advantage of the Early Bird offer.
Finally, a reminder to sign up to our e-news to receive regular program updates.
