Uniting the sector
APP2026 concluded on the Gold Coast after three days of discussion, learning and sector-wide collaboration, bringing together thousands of pharmacists, sponsors and industry partners to celebrate leadership and innovation in community pharmacy.
The conference again drew strong attendance from across Australia, alongside delegates from overseas who travelled to engage with the program and the broader sector.
Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM, thanked delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and suppliers for contributing to what he described as another outstanding APP, reinforcing its position as the largest and most influential pharmacy event in the Southern Hemisphere.
"Community pharmacy continues to push beyond traditional boundaries to meet evolving patient needs."
Leadership in focus
Kos said this year’s program was designed to equip pharmacists with the insights, skills and confidence needed to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
“Our aim is always for attendees to leave APP feeling inspired, informed and ready to turn opportunity into action,” he said. “APP2026 once again demonstrated the strength, professionalism and innovation of community pharmacy across Australia.”
He also acknowledged the broader pharmacy and health sector that supports the conference each year.
“APP would not be possible without the commitment of our industry partners and suppliers, and we are grateful for their ongoing support,” he said.
Government engagement grows
APP2026 featured strong representation from government, reflecting the central role community pharmacy plays within Australia’s health system. The conference welcomed the Premier of Queensland, the Hon David Crisafulli MP, the Federal Minister for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and the Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, who addressed delegates during the program.
Their attendance underscored the importance of collaboration between government and community pharmacy in improving access to care and delivering better health outcomes nationwide.
Keynotes inspire delegates
The program also included a compelling lineup of keynote speakers. Walter Mikac AM delivered a powerful address on resilience, leadership and community, while Jana Pittman AM shared her insights on high performance, wins and losses, adaptability and personal growth. Both sessions resonated strongly with delegates and were among the most discussed presentations of the conference.
Exhibition energises industry
The Trade Exhibition again showcased the scale and vibrancy of the sector, with more than 450 exhibitors presenting new products, technologies and professional services across an expansive exhibition floor that remained busy throughout the event. International delegates also spent time on the exhibition floor, engaging with suppliers and gaining insight into the breadth of Australia’s — and the globe’s - community pharmacy offering.
