ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is set to kick off its first trade show for 2013 with next month’s NACDS Regional Chain Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
NACDS said Tuesday that the conference, scheduled for Feb. 3 to 5 at Fort Lauderdale’s Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, is designed for senior retail executives operating up to 250 stores and offers unique programming and educational opportunities with peers and trading partners.
"The Regional Chain Conference offers programming and opportunities like no other industry event for small and medium-sized retailers and suppliers," NACDS president and chief executive officer Steve Anderson said in a statement. "With insights from top industry leaders, interactive programming on key industry issues and high-caliber programming to assist in day-to-day and long-term business planning, the NACDS Regional Chain Conference is a must-attend event for industry leaders in 2013."
Besides Anderson, attendees will hear from industry leaders such as David Cippel, president of Klingensmith’s Drug Stores Inc. and chairman of the 2013 NACDS Regional Chain Conference, and Greg Wasson, president and chief executive officer of Walgreen Co. and NACDS chairman.
Presentations will include "The OTC Economic Divide: Past, Present & Future" by Jeff Gregori, vice president of consumer and shopper analytics at Nielsen; "Pharmaceutical Trends, Issues and Forecasts" by Douglas Long, vice president of industry relations at IMS Health; "Pharmacy Care Opportunities in Patient-Centered Care Models" by Justin Heiser, vice president of pharmacy operations at Thrifty White Pharmacy, and Justin May, director of pharmacy at Red Cross Pharmacies; "Tuning In to Mom: Understanding America’s Most Powerful Consumer" by Michal Clements, marketing strategist for Tuningintomom.com; and "Labor & Employment: What Trends You Need to Know" by Deborah Kelly, partner and deputy general counsel at Dickstein Shapiro LLP.
This year’s conference will also feature an enhanced structure for the Chain & Associate Member Interactive Idea Exchange sessions to spur in-depth discussion on a range of industry issues.
The interactive sessions include "Medication Synchronization-Strategies for Improving Patient and Healthcare Relationships" by David Holdford, professor and vice chair for graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy; "Emphasizing Quality: Directions for Medicare and Pharmacy Services" by Vikki Oates, director of division of clinical and operational performance for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); "Part II: Pharmaceutical Trends, Issues and Forecasts" by Doug Long of IMS Health; "Part II: Labor Law and Social Media" by Deborah Kelly, partner and deputy general counsel at Dickstein Shapiro; "Part II: Patient-Centered Care Models" by Justin Heiser of Thrifty White Pharmacy and Justin May of Red Cross Pharmacies; and "Using Star Ratings to Drive Business" by Vikki Oates, director of division of clinical and operational performance at CMS.
Other education sessions at the conference include "Developing Specialty Pharmacy" by Gary Cohen, CEO of the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy, and Michael Nameth, CEO of Town Total Health, and "NACDS on Your Side: How to Effectively Leverage Your Company in Government Affairs, Public Policy and Communications" by NACDS’ Carol Kelly, senior vice president of government affairs and public policy, and Chris Krese, senior vice president of marketing, communications and media relations.
"In its 80th year, NACDS continues to strive for excellence in all of our programs and meetings, and we look forward to continuing that mission as we embark on the next 80 years," stated Anderson.
