Your Comprehensive Guide to In Person Pharmacy Shows

In person pharmacy industry events are making a comeback in 2022. Bringing with them lots of great opportunities to learn, network, and maybe even make some purchases.

As we prepared to attend our first show of the year, we quickly realized that we had more to do than normal. After almost 2 years of virtual events, it quickly became apparent that we needed to rethink everything about our approach to in person shows. From our booth and equipment to materials and all of the processes that get us point A (registering for a show). to point B (live in the booth with our extended pharmacy family).

Anyone else out there feel this way about returning to in person shows? A little overwhelmed. A little apprehensive. A LOT excited. We thought you might, which makes it the perfect time to share some tools you can use to not only to prepare for any pharmacy show you attend, but to crush your show and pharmacy business goals.

You can now download our complimentary and comprehensive pharmacy show guide which will help you plan for and navigate every show you attend this year. It even includes a handy planning guide and scheduler.

No time for an eBook? Keep reading for some of the top tips from our guide to trade show success or watch this sub 7-minute video where pharmacy show expert Gayanne Gromm sums it all up for us.

Decide Where to Go

There are a lot of trade show options out there. Use these criteria to decide which ones to attend

• Make a list of available sessions – Check with your buying group, wholesaler and favorite associations. See which shows your peers, partners and vendors (current and potential future) are going to.
• Review the particulars -You’ll need to know dates, location, and pricing. It has to be within your budget, at a time that works for you and hopefully in a venue that’s fun.
• Review what the conference offers - From the conference theme to CE credits, speakers and the number/diversity of vendors. What sets each conference apart?
• Shop savvy – Check out show deals, registration deadlines and early bird pricing to make sure you’re getting the best possible price on your tickets and taking advantage of show pricing on purchases.

Prepare Before You Go

There are some key decisions you need to make for each show you are planning to attend

• Who will go? – This should be a strategic decision. Who will assist you the most at the show and with follow up afterwards? Is there an employee that deserves a reward? Or can you use the show as an opportunity to advance an employee’s professional development?
• Determine goals- Not only your overall pharmacy business goals but your key objectives for the show
• Start thinking about vendor visits – Make a list of vendors you want to see, both existing partners (it’s always good to check out what’s new) and potential new vendors. Make a list of questions for each vendor.
• Set your conference agenda – As soon as the conference schedule is out, set your schedule. Include your CE credits, keynotes and speaker sessions as well as vendor visits.

Networking Matters

Conferences aren’t just about CE credits and purchases. They’re about connection. Networking is one of the things that makes an in person show so much more valuable than a virtual event. So sit with people you don’t know. Spread out from your team at group events. Attend the evening functions and happy hour events. You might be surprised at how many connections you’ll make to help you achieve your goals.

There’s so much more!

Okay, we promised you could read this quick article instead of the full eBook. And you can. But the eBook is awesome so if you liked this list and are hungry for more, download it now! It’s free, and you can read it on the plane ride to your next in person show.  Our first show of 2022 is the PDS Super Conference which occurs February 17-19, 2022 in Orlando Florida. Come visit us in Booth #711 if you're there!

We can’t wait to see you in person in 2022!