PSA26 welcomes pharmacists home

This year’s program brings together leading voices across pharmacy, healthcare, and innovation to deliver a dynamic, future-focused conference experience. 

Taking place from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, ‘PSA26 reflects the future of pharmacy, with a program built around innovation, emerging practice areas and the issues shaping pharmacists today,’ said Chloe Tobin, Manager of Content Development (CPD) at PSA.

Grounded in the theme ‘Home of Pharmacists’, emphasis is placed on PSA’s ongoing commitment to increasing the breadth – and depth – of support extended to members. 

‘The Home of Pharmacists theme signifies belonging, connection, and purpose, uniting pharmacists across all areas of practice,’ said PSA National President Mark Naunton MPS.

Day one: clinical insights and celebrating talent

To kick off the program, Friday will open with a keynote by Todd Sampson, former CEO of advertising agency Leo Burnett, turned director of Discovery Channel docuseries Redesign My Brain and award-winning documentary Body Hack. 

Mr Sampson advises delegates to ‘Get ready to push your brain – and your body – to the limits, reinvent your brain to become a powerful tool to solve business [and] life challenges, and achieve goals.’

‘As the home of pharmacists, PSA26 is where the profession comes together to learn, connect and be inspired for the year ahead, and connect with colleagues and experts from across the country,’ Ms Tobin added.

The Opening Plenary will be followed by an in-depth masterclass exploring crucial topics such as type 1 diabetes and HIV, in partnership with the Burnet Institute, including emerging treatments such as injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis.

‘We’re proud to feature leading experts on HIV and STI care, highlighting new treatments, prevention strategies and evolving models of pharmacy care,’ Ms Tobin said.

Day one will also include a panel discussion led by key bodies, including the Department of Health, Disability and Aged Care, Aphra and the Therapeutic Goods Administration, to help pharmacists navigate increasingly complex regulations. 

This will be followed by a celebration of emerging talent through the Pharmacy Student of the Year grand final.

Day two: expanding scope and emerging technologies

Saturday’s program turns to the evolving role of pharmacists, beginning with the scope of practice plenary.

‘Prescribing continues to be a major focus at PSA26, with sessions exploring emerging models of care and what expanded practice means for pharmacists,’ Ms Tobin said.

Saturday will also feature a dedicated vaccination stream of six consecutive sessions, including tips for vaccinating children and what pharmacists need to know about dengue fever vaccination, with partnership being secured with the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. This will be followed by a medicines safety panel on ensuring safe use of medicines in modern practice. 

The inclusion of a session on the growing influence of social media in healthcare, featuring pharmacy influencers, will help pharmacists navigate social platforms effectively and efficiently, and counteract viral misinformation.

Emerging technologies will also be a focal point, with a session on AI in healthcare, delivered by Audrey AI, which is set to highlight the growing role of AI in pharmacy practice.

Conference attendees will then witness the launch of the updated PSA Code of Ethics, accompanied by an expert-led session that will examine the practical outcomes of the new code for pharmacists.

Day three: practical insights and professional reflection

The conference concludes on Sunday with ‘CSI Sunday,’ offering tailored streams led by consultant, hospital, early career, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities of Specialty Interest.

‘With CSI Sunday, leading clinical experts and conversations shaping the profession, PSA26 is where pharmacists come together to learn, connect and look ahead,’ Ms Tobin said.

‘PSA26 is where we welcome pharmacists to the organisation that supports them at every stage of their career,’ Prof Naunton added.

Keen to come to PSA26? Snap up early bird tickets before registration closes on 30 April 2026 (11.59 pm AEST).