I joined more than 350 delegates from around Australia at QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise last week for the 17th Annual Pharmacy Assistant National Conference.
The conference opened with the Welcome Reception in the trade exhibition. We were able to view the trade exhibits, catch up with old friends and introduce ourselves to PAs from around Australia. Over 40 suppliers participated in the event, giving us the opportunity to try new products, and pick up a few practical product tips and tricks to apply in-store.
There were some amazing speakers this year – I gained so much product knowledge and picked up some great skills to help me manage my team. My highlights included Sebastian Terry, who spoke about his inspirational experiences of achieving goals and had the audience ‘cry-laughing’ at his stories; ultra-triathlete John van Wisse who astonished attendees with his tale of breaking the world record for the Enduorman “Arch to Arc” ultra-triathlon from London to Paris; and Youngcare Founder David Conry who shared his personal story of how this life-changing charity was born.
I really enjoyed Adrian Stoll’s session on customer loyalty, it was both inspirational and instructional, and Diabetes Queensland dietitian Alison Bennett’s presentation on how pharmacy assistants can support people living with diabetes was down to earth and thought-provoking.
Dr Jane Williams’ session on baby development was eye-opening and strenuous (if the arm and leg raises exercises were anything to go by!) and the final speaker for the conference, Liz Ellis, had us all in stitches with recollections of her netball career – I think a lot of us went home with our gears in drive, ready to face any challenge!
Friday night’s 1920s extravaganza would have made even Gatsby jealous. Feathers, pearls and pinstripes were the order of the evening, and guests danced (and danced, and danced) the night away.
The fun and excitement of the 2015 Pharmacy Assistant National Conference is over, but I am sure that every delegate left with some great memories. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Julie Warhurst, Queensland Pharmacy Assistant of the Year 2015
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the Australian Pharmacy Assistants Facebook page to see if you can spot yourself or someone you know in the PA2015 photos!