JESSICA Brown (pictured), 2025 winner of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia/Maxigesic Pharmacy Assistant of the Year Award, has shared her must-see sessions for pharmacy assistants at APP2026.
Featuring a mix of clinical learning, personal development, industry insight and high energy networking opportunities, Brown's picks highlight aspects of the program that make this year's program a standout for pharmacy assistants at every stage of their career.
First cab off the rank is the opening plenary on Thu morning.
"If you want to understand where community pharmacy is heading and why it matters, you need to be in the room for this session", Brown said.
"[It] sets the tone for the entire conference, reflecting on how far the sector has come and the real challenges shaping what comes next," she explained.
Meanwhile, the panel session 'Strengthening community pharmacy's role in primary care' will get attendees up to speed on where community pharmacy is heading beyond the dispensary and into the heart of primary care.
Still on the topic of change, the session 'Rewriting the script - the evolved role of pharmacy' on Fri afternoon looks at how tech and AI are shaping the future of pharmacy.
One of Brown's top personal development picks lies in how to connect with others, especially those facing mental health challenges.
"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," Brown said.
Three of the clinical pharmacy sessions made it onto Brown's list, including 'Advancing cognitive health in pharmacy' which looks at dietary supplements that may help support brain function.
Another was 'The gut-metabolism connection', which unpacks the emerging science of the gut microbiome and its role in metabolic regulation, with 'The proactive pharmacist's guide to UV's impact on skin' rounding out the clinical picks.
Finally, leaning into the social aspects of APP2026, pharmacy assistants are invited to a networking lunch on Sat, where they will also get the chance to meet Brown.
"If you're a pharmacy assistant looking to connect, this is the place to be," she said.
"Meet like-minded peers, swap stories and pick up tips from those shaping the profession."
Brown also pointed to the welcome reception as "the easiest way to dive into the trade exhibition - the floor is buzzing with new ideas, bold tech and genuinely interesting people".
Brown's list of top picks - and the conference itself - wraps up with the APP Street Fiesta, featuring "vibrant music, a DJ, a cover band and the headliner everyone's talking about - Peking Duk".
"It's the perfect way to unwind, dance, and add a little extra spice to your APP experience," Brown enthused. KB
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