The program for the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2019) is now available, offering an invaluable opportunity to improve a pharmacy’s performance through quality education and training for pharmacy assistants.

Now in its 20th year, the Pharmacy Guild’s Pharmacy Assistant National Conference has played a key role in the education of thousands of pharmacy assistants nationwide.

The 2019 program offers over 20 sessions covering management and operation topics including community engagement, mental health, leadership, digital health and sales, as well as product knowledge sessions on wound care, hay fever, dry eye, skincare, analgesics and more.

Pharmacy Guild Queensland Training Manager Deb Scholz said PA2019 will equip pharmacy assistants with updated information on current industry trends, product knowledge and the everyday operations of running a pharmacy.

“Highly knowledgeable front-line staff are an essential asset to all community pharmacies,” Ms Scholz said.

“Pharmacy assistants who attend the conference will be better equipped to succeed in the evolving industry as they can stay up-to-date with current industry trends and expand their knowledge of products, management and operational practices.

“The conference features a line-up of industry, motivational and celebrity speakers who’ll share their invaluable knowledge across a range of pharmacy disciplines and motivational topics.

“Each year, attendees leave the conference with a newfound love of their role and their industry.”

A pre-conference workshop providing QCPP refresher training and a post-conference workshop on building patient loyalty in the dispensary will also be available to both conference delegates and non-delegates.

The conference schedule includes an exciting social agenda offering a range of networking opportunities, including the movie themed Conference Dinner where the National Winner of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award 2019 will be announced.

A 30-plus stand trade exhibition will also enable pharmacy assistants to improve their product knowledge.

This year, the conference has relocated to the heart of Brisbane’s CBD at Sofitel Brisbane Central, which provides direct access to Brisbane Airport via Central Train Station. Special accommodation rates are available to delegates.

Sending pharmacy assistants to PA2019 provides an invaluable return on investment for pharmacies through the education of frontline staff. Pharmacies who send two or more staff will receive a free 2020 Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2020) registration valued at over $1,000.

PA2019 is taking place from 11-13 October. Pharmacies interested in improving the performance of staff and ultimately the pharmacy’s bottom line can view the full program and register their staff.