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PA CONFERENCE
5 – 7 September 2024
Hyatt Regency | Sydney

Delegate FAQs

EVENT DETAILS

What is the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference?

The Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA Conference) is an annual conference hosted by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The event offers a two-day education program, trade exhibition, Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party (formerly Conference Dinner).

The conference has been the peak educational and networking event for pharmacy assistants for over 20 years.

In 2023, the PA Conference will be held in conjunction with Pharmacy Connect, an annual Pharmacy Guild event for pharmacists, pharmacy owners, pharmacy group executives, students, interns and industry representatives.

The two events will share a trade exhibition, which will feature 50-plus stands showcasing the latest industry products and services, and social functions including the Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party (previously Conference Dinner).

 

When and where is the conference and trade exhibition being held?

The conference and trade exhibition will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, 161 Sussex Street, Sydney.

All conference sessions, the trade exhibition, Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party will be held at the hotel.

The Welcome Reception is being held from 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Hyatt Regency’s Zephyr Bar.

Conference sessions are held on Friday 1 September & Saturday 2 September 2023. Please visit the program page for session information and times.

The trade exhibition is open from 10.55am – 4.05pm on Friday 1 September and 9.30am – 2.00pm on Saturday 2 September.

 

How many trade exhibition stands will be on display?

The combined trade exhibition will feature over 50 trade stands showcasing the latest industry products and services.

 

Who can attend?

The conference is open to pharmacy assistants, dispensary assistants, retail managers and supervisors, educators, pharmacy industry service providers and pharmacy students.

 

Can I bring guests to the social events?

Yes, extra tickets to both the Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party can be purchased online with your registration. Additional Welcome Reception tickets can be purchased for $85 each and additional Cocktail Party tickets for $165 each.

REGISTRATION

What does the conference offer attendees?

  • 2-day educational program featuring product knowledge, personal and professional development and management skills topics
  • 3-hour Refresher Training workshop
  • an exciting social agenda including a Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party, where the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year National Winner is announced
  • 50-plus stand trade exhibition, which allows PAs to meet with suppliers
  • networking opportunities, where PAs can learn from the sharing of knowledge and experiences of other pharmacy assistants
  • insights into the Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) Award and what it takes to become a State and National Winner

 

What is the cut-off date for registrations?

Online registrations will be open up to and during the event.

 

Can I register onsite?

Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Online registration will remain open during the event, meaning you can register on your mobile phone or any other device before arriving onsite.

 

What is the cost of attending? 

Earlybird Full Registration (closes 28 July) – $440
Standard Full Registration (after 28 July) – $505
Day Registration – $255

PA2023 also offers a range of registration packages to suit all budgets. The packages allow pharmacy assistants to experience the event without committing to a full day or days away from their pharmacy. Pharmacy assistants can attend the sessions or parts of the conference of most interest to them.

To view the full range of packages on offer, go to the Registration page.

 

What does the full registration fee include?

  • Entry to all conference sessions including the 3-hour Refresher Training Workshop
  • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on Friday 1 & Saturday 2 September
  • Welcome Reception ticket – includes drinks & canapes (Thursday 21 August)
  • Cocktail Party ticket – includes a buffet dinner, drinks & live entertainment (Friday 1 September)
  • Access to the trade display where you can meet with suppliers, sample products & educate yourself on new and existing products
  • Conference bag with heaps of free samples

 

What does the day registration fee include?

  • Entry to all conference sessions on the day registered
  • Entry to the 3-hour Refresher Training Workshop (Friday registration only)
  • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on the day registered
  • Access to the trade display where you can meet with suppliers, sample products & educate yourself on new and existing products
  • Conference bag with heaps of free samples

 

What should I do if I don’t receive any confirmation or receipt?

A confirmation of registration and tax invoice will be issued to your email address on submission of registration. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your ‘junk’ or ‘spam’ folders. If a confirmation has not been received, please contact the Events Division of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch on 07 3831 3788 or email [email protected].

 

Can you check my registration?

Yes. You can contact the Events Division of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch on 07 3831 3788 or email [email protected] to check if your registration has been submitted successfully.

 

Are conference related costs tax deductible?

This depends on individual circumstances. Please contact your tax professional to discuss this.

 

I need to cancel. Is there a cancellation/refund policy?

Please refer to the Cancellations and Refund schedule in the Terms and Conditions for cancellation dates and fees. All cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Refunds will be paid within 30 days of the cancellation day. If you would like to transfer your registration to another delegate you may do so at the discretion of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia if the substituted delegate is from the same organisation as you and you have notified The Pharmacy Guild of Australia of the proposed substitution by email prior to 5pm on Wednesday 30 August 2023.

 

Will you be sending my name badge and function tickets to me before the conference?

No, your name badge and function tickets will be available for collection from the Registration Desk onsite on arrival at the conference.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

Are there special accommodation rates?

Yes. Special rates have been negotiated with the Hyatt Regency Sydney for delegates and exhibitors. Bookings must be made through the Accommodation & Travel page of this website to receive the special rates. Please visit our Accommodation & Travel page for more information on accessing the special rates.

 

Is there parking at the conference?

Yes, parking is available directly opposite the hotel at Wilson Parking. For further details visit https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/hyatt-regency-sydney/sydrs/maps-parking-transportation

 

Is the conference venue accessible via public transport?

Hyatt Regency Sydney is conveniently located within walking distance to Town Hall and Wynyard Train Stations. Both stations are directly linked to Sydney Domestic Airport terminal.

Buses which service the city’s northern, southern, eastern and western suburbs are accessible from nearby bus stops. For information on Sydney bus routes visit http://www.sydneybuses.info/. Sydney CBD also has extensive cycle ways making transportation in and around the city easy.

GENERAL

Are childminding facilities available?

Babysitting services can be arranged with the hotel concierge.

 

Is wireless internet available at Hyatt Regency Sydney?

Yes, there is free wi-fi available in public areas throughout the hotel.

 

What is the dress code for the conference?

Conference sessions – smart casual or business

Welcome Reception – smart casual or business

Cocktail Party – cocktail attire

 

Which suppliers are participating?

For a list of exhibiting companies, visit the Trade page of this website.

 

What will I gain from attending the conference?

You will gain an amazing educational experience which you won’t receive from in-store training.

You will also gain networking opportunities with PAs from other pharmacies, suppliers and industry experts. The benefits of networking include:

  • Connecting with like-minded people
  • Advancing your career
  • Building confidence
  • Gaining fresh ideas
  • Sharing experiences
  • Developing long lasting relationships
  • Learning more about the industry from industry experts
  • Being inspired by others

 

Who is the event organiser?

The organiser of the event is The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch. Please contact the organiser by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07 3831 3788.

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