NCPA offers ‘how-to’ strategy at annual convention

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – What works for one independent pharmacy rarely works for another, which is why the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is shaping its 2026 Annual Convention around the art of translation.

The convention will feature new “how-to” booths in the Expo Hall, where attendees can seek peer-to-peer, one-on-one guidance on subjects ranging from financial statements to becoming a wellness destination.

“A lot of the discussion we have with attendees when they come is, ‘This is great, but how do I do this in my pharmacy?’” said Elise Damman, director of program development at NCPA. “I can talk about medication synchronization, but I’m not in the trenches every day. That peer aspect is something that's really unique to the education we provide because they're able to really speak to the hurdles but (also) the light on the other side.”

Set for Oct. 3-6 in Kansas City, Mo., the convention has an overall “Main Street” theme – a reflection of how independent pharmacies are the heart of the community.

Educational programming will examine reimbursement, the ACCESS program, community health workers, remote patient monitoring and patient biometrics, as well as immunization and long-term care opportunities.

“The big thing for us is, how do we increase the service opportunities and ways in which our pharmacies can get paid for the incredible services that they’re doing?” Damman said.

Other programming will examine:

• Medication synchronization as an inventory and financial strategy;
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to reshape pharmacy operations; and
• Long-term care marketing, vaccine services and audit preparation.

Zack Kass, former head of go-to-market at OpenAI, will headline a general session on AI, while Washington policy experts will consider the political landscape ahead of the 2026 mid-term elections.

NCPA has also adjusted the schedule so sessions will not compete with Expo Hall hours, giving attendees dedicated time to speak with vendors, experts and one another. Additionally, attendees will receive slides and speaker contact information for sessions they cannot attend.

“We really want them to leave invigorated with new ideas to bring back to their pharmacy and bring back to their team and really feel like they got something out of this meeting that they’ll be able to implement when they return home,” Damman said. “That’s our goal and we want to take away any barriers.”