Pharmacy Connect 2025: Convenor’s 12 Must-See Sessions
Pharmacy Connect is an annual event for pharmacists, owners, executives, students, interns, and industry representatives, offering industry and clinical updates, business advice, and networking opportunities.
Each year, Pharmacy Connect Convenor Kos Sclavos AM shares his top program highlights – a difficult task given the outstanding quality of the sessions. Here are Mr Sclavos’ top 12 recommendations for 2025, listed in order of conference date and time:
1. Pharmacy Owners Masterclass: Blueprint to Success Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday AM
Sponsored by Commonwealth Bank and RSM
With the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) now bedded down, this is the ideal time to focus on implementing the outcomes of the Agreement at the pharmacy level and maximise the opportunities it presents. One of three concurrent pre-conference workshops, this business-focused session is ideal for owners ready to future-proof their operations.
2. Full Scope Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday PM
Sponsored by Australasian College of Pharmacy and PharmaPrograms
This session addresses a critical need for the pharmacy industry. Based on current estimates, around 1,600 pharmacies have yet to initiate services like vaccinations or National Immunisations Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP), let alone scope of practice as per the Queensland community pharmacy scope of practice model. This workshop will provide a roadmap to implement scope of practice and expand your clinical footprint.
3. Guild Member-Only Breakfast
Thursday AM
Sponsored by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
In this must-attend members-only event, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia members are invited to hear directly from National President, Professor Trent Twomey, and New South Wales Branch President, Mario Barone, as they outline the Guild’s short- and medium-term strategies. With the Guild in the middle of a strategic review, this exclusive session offers pharmacy owners invaluable insights that can help inform and adapt your business planning.
4. The Hon Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, Keynote Address
Thursday AM
Mr Sclavos shared his gratitude to welcome back the New South Wales Premier to Pharmacy Connect 2025.
“It is an honour to welcome Premier Chris Minns back to Pharmacy Connect to open the conference on Friday morning. The Premier is a strong advocate for pharmacy, and his presence signals the profession’s growing influence and relevance in public health policy,” said Mr Sclavos.
5. Industry Update Panel Session
Thursday AM
Sponsored by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
This year’s industry panel will have a strong patient focus, with discussions likely to include the ‘Affordable Medicines’ campaign and the essential role of patient groups. Expect thoughtful perspectives on many of the hot-button issues in pharmacy today.
6. Preparing now for what’s next: How to thrive in an age of uncertainty
Thursday AM
Sponsored by Symbion
Michael McQueen is a standout futurist and trend forecaster whose session will equip delegates with practical tools to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. With the pharmacy profession evolving at an exponential speed, this session will help you spot emerging trends early and position your business for long-term success.
7. What is your pharmacy data telling you?
Thursday AM
Sponsored by NostraData
After a period of uncertainty, there is a sense of relief that the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) has been signed and is being executed. As the Agreement begins to roll out, understanding your business metrics is more important than ever. This session takes a broad look at macroeconomic trends and their impact on consumer health, helping you make data-driven decisions in uncertain times.
8. Digital Health: The next five years for pharmacy and the innovation making the eScript ecosystem easier for you and your customers
Thursday PM
Sponsored by FRED
“Here’s my bold prediction,” offers Mr Sclavos. “Digital health and, in particular, electronic prescriptions and how they are presented and dispensed in community pharmacy, will be the most significant changes to pharmacy practice in the next 12–24 months.”
This session explores how innovation is reshaping the eScript ecosystem and enhancing My Health Record into a more data-rich platform.
9. Full Scope: Making the Dream a Reality
Thursday PM
Sponsored by Australasian College of Pharmacy and Pitch Partners
Full scope is gaining great momentum across Australia. While clinical aspects of scope of practice get a lot of attention, this session will focus on the business case, covering key considerations such as investment in consultation rooms, staff training, and workflow optimisation to make full scope both clinically and commercially viable.
10. Hustle to Happy: The smart growth paradigm
Friday AM
Sponsored by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
In a profession where caring for others often comes at the cost of your own wellbeing, this keynote is designed for those who often put others first, offering a powerful reframe and tools you can implement straight away. It’s time to step off Juggle Street. Gain practical tools to prioritise your own wellbeing and rediscover balance and growth—professionally and personally. An ideal session for leaders and team members alike.
11. Full Scope Panel Session
Friday AM
Sponsored by Sponsored by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
With bipartisan support for the Labor Government’s Women’s Health Package, there’s never been a better time to embrace expanded pharmacy services. This panel will cover practical steps for implementing initiatives like point-of-care testing and the administration of injectable medicines. The Guild strongly encourages pharmacists to undertake the relevant training to provide this service.
Mr Sclavos shared that “we hope that by attending this panel session you’ll leave inspired to take action and embark on a journey to complete full scope training, where permitted in your state or territory.”
12. AI and the pharmacy of tomorrow: Empowering better consults, smarter services, and stronger patient outcomes
Friday PM
Sponsored by MedAdvisor Solutions
Artificial intelligence is here, and it’s transforming pharmacy practice. As pharmacy scope of practice continues to evolve, now is the time to harness AI to deliver smarter, more sustainable patient care. Learn how MedAdvisor’s AI-powered tools can streamline workflows, improve consultations, and enhance patient outcomes. This session is essential for those looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Don’t miss out!
Pharmacy Connect 2025 delivers two-and-a-half days of thought leadership, networking, and innovation—including pre-conference workshops, a 70-stand Trade Exhibition, and social events like the Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party.
This is your opportunity to connect with colleagues, challenge your thinking, and champion the next evolution of community pharmacy.
To view the full program and register, visit here.
http://www.guild.org.au/news-events/news/qld/last-chance!-early-bird-registration-for-pharmacy-connect-2025-ends-tonight/pharmacy-connect-2025-convenors-top-12-must-attend-sessions