Top 10 picks for pharmacy assistants at APP2026

As national winner of the 2025 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award (PATY), Victoria’s Jessica Brown is recognised as one of the best pharmacy assistants in the country.

With only two weeks to go until APP2026, Jess shares her must-see sessions for pharmacy assistants. Her top picks highlight the mix of clinical learning, personal development, industry insight and high energy networking opportunities that make this year’s program a standout for pharmacy assistants at every stage of their career.

Below are Jess’s Top 10 picks for APP2026, listed in order of date and time.

 

1. Opening Plenary – Celebrating progress and shaping the future – Thursday AM

If you want to understand where community pharmacy is heading and why it matters, you need to be in the room for this session. The Opening Plenary sets the tone for the entire conference, reflecting on how far the sector has come and the real challenges shaping what comes next.

Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, will share the Guild’s vision for the year ahead and beyond, offering insight into the priorities, opportunities and big-picture thinking influencing the profession’s future.

The session also shines a spotlight on the people driving pharmacy forward, with the presentation of major industry awards. From Pharmacy Assistant and Intern of the Year to the newly expanded National Pharmacy of the Year Awards, including Pharmacist and Pharmacy Student of the Year, this is a moment to celebrate excellence across every stage of the pharmacy journey. Inspiring, informative and forward-looking, the Opening Plenary is a must-attend to start the conference on the right note.

2. Panel Session – Strengthening community pharmacy’s role in primary care – Thursday AM

If you’re interested in where community pharmacy is heading beyond the dispensary and into the heart of primary care, this panel digs into how pharmacies can step up their clinical impact through expanded services, from screening and diagnostic testing to innovative care models already gaining traction. With an international perspective from Tom Murray, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union, alongside leading voices from across the Australian pharmacy sector, the discussion offers a mix of global insight and local reality. Moderated by Steven Kastrinakis, Managing Director of Independent Pharmacies of Australia, the session promises practical ideas, big-picture thinking and honest conversation about what it will take to strengthen pharmacy’s role in healthcare.

3. Real Conversations – 5 steps to connect with confidence – Thursday PM

At a time when mental health challenges affect one in two Australians, how we show up for each other matters. This session gives you the tools to do it well. Psychology thought leader Mitch Wallis introduces Real Conversations, a simple, practical five-step framework that helps pharmacy professionals respond with empathy and confidence when someone opens up. You’ll learn what not to say in emotionally vulnerable moments, how to build trust without trying to “fix” the problem, and how to support others without crossing into therapist territory.

It’s practical, empowering and deeply relevant, not just for the pharmacy, but for real life. If you want to feel more confident having meaningful conversations and making a genuine difference, this session is a standout.

4. Welcome Reception – Thursday PM

The Welcome Reception is the easiest way to dive into the Trade Exhibition – the floor is buzzing with new ideas, bold tech and genuinely interesting people.  This is where networking feels natural, not forced. Wander the trade stands, check out interactive demos, and strike up conversations with industry insiders and up-and-comers alike. It’s very social and a great way to get a feel for what (and who) is shaping the industry right now. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, new connections or just a low-pressure way to wind down after a full first day, the Welcome Reception is a smart, fun way to start the exhibition.

5. Clinical Pharmacy Update – Advancing cognitive health in pharmacy – Friday AM

If you’re keen on evidence-based wellness that translates to the pharmacy floor, this session is worth bookmarking. With only one in five Australians getting enough omega 3, pharmacists are in a prime position to help close that gap and this update shows you how Dr Liza Oates, Naturopath and Wellness Consultant, breaks down the science behind omega 3 in a way that’s clear, current and clinically relevant. From reducing neuroinflammation and supporting brain blood flow to improving focus and memory, the session connects the research to real cognitive health outcomes. You’ll also explore newer options like algae-based omega 3, plus complementary ingredients such as L-theanine for calm focus and Bacopa monnieri for memory support along with practical guidance on product selection, dosing and patient conversations. Actionable, informative and easy to apply, this is a strong pick for anyone wanting to level up their cognitive health advice with confidence.

6. Clinical Pharmacy Update – The gut–metabolism connection – Friday AM

If weight management and metabolic health are coming up more often in your patient conversations, this session is a must. As pharmacy’s clinical role continues to grow, understanding the gut–metabolism link is becoming essential, not optional.

Mel Nash, Education Manager at Metagenics Australia, unpacks the emerging science of the gut microbiome and its role in metabolic regulation, with a balanced look at patients who are using anti-obesity medications and those who aren’t. The focus is firmly on real-world application, not theory. You’ll walk away with evidence-informed strategies around probiotic strains and nutritional support, plus practical tools to guide confident, patient-centred conversations.

7. Rewriting the script – The evolved role of pharmacy – Friday PM

Pharmacy is changing fast and this session makes a strong case for why that’s a good thing. Rather than resisting the shift, it explores how expanded scope of practice can unlock real opportunities to deliver deeper patient impact and put pharmacies right at the centre of care.

Aaron D’Souza, Head of Government Programs at MedAdvisor, walks through how services supported by the MedAdvisor platform can be smoothly integrated into everyday pharmacy workflows without adding unnecessary complexity. You’ll also hear how MedAdvisor’s pharma partnerships are improving patient outcomes in practical, measurable ways. Plus, there’s a forward-looking preview of AI-enabled functionality coming soon, offering a glimpse into how technology will continue to support smarter, more connected pharmacy care. If you’re curious about what the next chapter of pharmacy looks like and how to be ready for it, this session is well worth a spot in your schedule.

8. Clinical Pharmacy Update – The proactive pharmacist’s guide to UV’s impact on skin – Saturday AM

In Australia, sun advice can’t stop at “wear sunscreen” and this session shows why. If skin concerns like acne and eczema are regular topics at your counter, this update offers a smarter way to support patients. Dermatologist Dr Melissa Manahan unpacks the often-overlooked role UV exposure plays in chronic skin conditions, from its impact on the skin barrier to inflammation and flare-ups. The focus is on understanding the why, so you can move beyond generic recommendations and offer advice that fits each patient’s skin needs. You’ll gain practical insight into how sun protection can be better integrated with individual skin concerns, helping you deliver more personalised, holistic skin health guidance, especially in a high-UV environment. If you want to level up your dermatology conversations with confidence, this session is a standout.

9. Pharmacy Assistant Networking Lunch – Saturday PM

If you’re a pharmacy assistant looking to connect, this is the place to be. Meet like-minded peers, swap stories and pick up tips from those shaping the profession. You’ll also get the chance to meet me, Jessica Brown, the 2025 Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award National Winner. I would love to have a chat, answer questions and get to know others in the industry. This free lunch is as much about building your network as it is about enjoying good food and conversation. A relaxed, social highlight not to miss.

10. APP Street Fiesta – Saturday PM

If you’re looking to turn the conference energy all the way up, the APP Street Fiesta is where it’s at. Think vibrant music, a DJ, a cover band and the headliner everyone’s talking about – Peking Duk. Held at the Event Centre at The Star Gold Coast, the night is all about fun, flavour and colour. Dive into Mexican-inspired street food and drinks and soak up the fiesta vibes. Colourful, fiesta-inspired attire is encouraged so bring your boldest look. It’s the perfect way to unwind, dance, and add a little extra spice to your APP experience.