More than 400 delegates from around Australia gathered at Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast for the annual Pharmacy Assistant National Conference (PA2016). The conference offered delegates the chance to broaden their pharmacy knowledge, network with other likeminded, passionate pharmacy assistants, and of course, have a whale of a time!
The conference started early with a pre-conference workshop held on Thursday afternoon, hosted by Jan Rice from WoundCare Services. This workshop was hugely popular and received great feedback from all that attended. The fun continued at Thursday evening’s Welcome Reception, which provided delegates with a sneak peak of the trade exhibition. Attendees were able to catch up with old friends and new before the conference officially commenced on Friday morning.
A dynamic range of speakers impressed delegates at this year’s event. Program highlights included Gold Medallists Cate and Bronte Campbell as they shared their story of how, by working side-by-side, they exceeded even their wildest expectations, both in and out of the pool. Gold Medal Diver, Matthew Mitcham also shared his inspiring story of how emotional intelligence, resilience, and focused thinking helped him overcome his personal and professional challenges.
Crowd favourites included Evelyn Moolenburgh’s management master class, instructing delegates on how to manage and lead a diverse pharmacy team, as well as The Guild’s Vice President, Kos Sclavos’s excellence in merchandising workshop. The Raw Metal body percussion session gave delegates the chance to show off on the dancefloor and help break the ice! Delegates explored the 31 trade stands on offer, where they sampled new products and learnt practical tips and tricks to take back to their pharmacies.
The location of this year’s conference allowed delegates to explore two of Sea World’s major attractions, Shark Bay and Dolphin Cove. Delegates were able to get up close and personal with a variety of Sea World’s marine life. The location also played backdrop to Friday night’s ‘Under the Sea’ themed Conference Dinner, which saw the park transformed into a magical world of underwater creatures who danced the night away.
Congratulations to Natanya McLenaghan, from Aspley Discount Drug Store Queensland who was named the 2016 Pharmacy Assistant of the Year at the Conference Dinner. Well done Natanya!
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 PA2016 photos! PA2017 will be held on 26-28 October at QT Gold Coast. Mark your diaries now!
