As APP2024 has drawn to a close for another year, APP Chairman Kos Sclavos AM has said feedback from attendees has shown this year’s event was yet another roaring success.
“APP2024 saw attendees visiting 450 trade stands, attending over 60 sessions and networking with close to 7,000 of their pharmacy colleagues and suppliers,” said Mr Sclavos.
“I’ve been blown away by the positive responses from attendees this year.”
APP2024 kicked off last Thursday morning with a speech from Pharmacy Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey, who surprised the audience with the news that a Heads of Agreement had been signed with the Commonwealth regarding the 8CPA.
During his speech, Professor Twomey described APP as “the largest annual gathering of the community pharmacy family” and said that “community pharmacists have descended here with our valued pharmacy assistants, students, suppliers and business partners to shake on the deals that will set up their pharmacies for the next 12 months.”
Also featured in the opening plenary session was a video showcasing the theme of community pharmacy as ‘accessible’, ‘dependable’, with medicines that are more ‘affordable’ and with the message ‘community pharmacy, here for you’.
Mr Sclavos said he was amazed by the variety of announcements and political leaders who attended this year’s APP.
“To have the heads of agreement for 8CPA signed and announced in the opening session created a massive buzz. The agreement was reinforced in an online presentation from the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Hon Mark Butler MP,” said Mr Sclavos.
“Delegates were also delighted to hear from Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Queensland’s Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Hon Shannon Fentiman MP, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston.”
“There was also a strong international flavour with guest speakers from the UK and Canada addressing the APP audience,” said Mr Sclavos.
Not to be outdone by the official business program, Mr Sclavos said the social events were also a major drawcard.
“The social program reached a pinnacle with the ‘Glowchella’ Street Party on Saturday night attracting more than 1,000 guests,” Mr Sclavos said.
Pharmacists and the pharmacy industry as a whole are now invited to save the date for next year’s APP, which is taking place 20-23 March on the Gold Coast.
