
9 minute read
2023 ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPOSITION
BY LISA N. POWERS, CAE, CTA, director of education & events, Michigan Pharmacists Association
The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is delighted to deliver your Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) from Friday, Feb. 24 to Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit.
We’ve heard from our members, board, partners and staff on their excitement and preference for in-person events! After those communications and additional trend research, MPA has decided to align with other pharmacy organizations, including the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), to no longer offer a virtual experience in conjunction with the Annual Conference.
For those who cannot attend ACE in-person this year, MPA plans to release recorded components at a premium to non-members and discounted to members on a session-by-session basis.
It is important to note that MPA is keeping the safety of our members, staff and partners top of mind. MPA will be following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and the Detroit Health Department guidelines for COVID-19 precautions. COVID-19 policies and guidelines will be strongly enforced for the safety of our staff and attendees.
KEYNOTE HIGHLIGHTS
FRIDAY OPENING SESSION
After a full morning of educational programming that will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, MPA is honored that our opening keynote address will be given by the Executive Director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, Al Carter, and the immediate past chair of the Board of Pharmacy, Charlie Mollien. This engaging and interactive “fireside chat” will address various topics, including “just culture,” the impact of regulatory bodies, accrediting organizations and payers have on pharmacy and much more. Get all your queries and questions answered by the top leaders in your field during this session, such as: “Why are pharmacists scared to notify the Board of Pharmacy of differing issues” and “how can pharmacists work with their state and national association to get reimbursed for services?” Be sure to come prepared with your questions and engage these experts on areas of their expertise.
Don’t miss this opening keynote beginning at 1:30 p.m., after the welcome address from MPA CEO Mark Glasper.
SATURDAY KEYNOTE SESSIONS
Saturday, Feb. 25 is another full day of programing, beginning with education sessions taking place after breakfast (7 a.m.) at 8:30 a.m. The keynote address will be a heavy-hitting legislative panel comprised of national pharmacy leaders and advocates from all sections of pharmacy. Panelists will be discussing major topics facing the industry in 2023 and beyond. A few of the topics that will be covered during this exciting keynote include provider status, pharmacy reimbursement and pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform.
Distinguished Panelists
• Ilisa Bernstein, Pharm.D., J.D., FAPhA, interim CEO for the American Pharmacists Association
• Anne Cassity, J.D., vice president, federal and state government affairs for the National Community Pharmacists Association
• Tom Kraus, J.D., MHS, vice president of government relations for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
• Bill Tighe, vice president, federal government affairs for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Taking place at 2 p.m., back by popular demand, is the National Association of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)-
NMA Self-Care Challenge. The Self-Care Challenge provides students an opportunity to showcase their extensive over-the-counter (OTC) knowledge against their rival pharmacy students in a lighthearted competition while granting continuing education credits for attendees. This year’s competition will feature three students from each college of pharmacy in Michigan: Ferris State University, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. These three-student teams will compete in a three-round, “Jeopardy!”-style competition for a chance to be crowned the victors! Each round will have a lead from the team who oversees buzzing in and answering the questions for that round, while still being able to communicate with teammates. For the first two rounds, the first team to buzz in after a question is read will get a chance to answer the question. If they get it right, they get points. If they get it wrong, the question is open for the remaining two teams to buzz in and try to answer correctly. The third and final round allows teams to bet all or a portion of their total points on the final question — either gaining or losing the amount of points they “gamble.” The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!
Careful attention has been given to create pharmacy continuing education programs that not only help pharmacists and pharmacy technicians fulfill licensure and certification requirements, but to also help you grow in your healthcare setting as a community, consultant, specialty or health-system pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
NEW IN 2022, BACK IN 2023
MPA has partnered with pharmaceutical sponsors to offer you product knowledge programming during lunch Friday. From 11:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m., attendees will be able to choose a product theater session to join while you eat lunch, which will be provided. Product theater sessions offer an opportunity for our industry partners to provide educational programs about new pharmaceutical products and services, as well as the latest in data and research findings.
AWARDS RECOGNITION
MPA honors many distinguished individuals who serve and advance the profession of pharmacy and the health of our patients at our Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony. This year, the banquet is back and better than ever. The ceremony will take place Saturday evening during the awards banquet dinner. MPA will recognize several worthy awardees, including our 25-, 40- and 50-year members with the Years of Membership Awards; our volunteer leaders through induction into our Pharmacy Hall of Honor; as well as our elected boards, leaders and fellows for their service. MPA also honors scholarship recipients, the MPA Pharmacist of the Year and other honorable awardees for their noteworthy achievements.
The following awards will be recognized, among others:
Years of Membership Award
The Years of Membership Awards are given to honor and thank pharmacy professionals for their many years of membership and dedicated service to MPA.
Pharmacy Hall of Honor
The Pharmacy Hall of Honor was established by MPA in 1986 to recognize members who have provided volunteer leadership in service to the Association by participating on committees and in designated Association programs. Each year, qualifying members who have accumulated 500 points for their volunteer activities are inducted into the Hall of Honor. In addition to the individual’s name being displayed in the Pharmacy Hall of Honor at the MPA office, the recipient receives an exclusive lapel pin to signify their accomplishment.
Fellow of MPA
The ‘Fellow of MPA’ designation recognizes the honoree’s achievements and dedication to the practice of pharmacy and the community. This distinction signifies the recipient's actions well beyond regular pharmacy practice. The fellowship is divided into three areas: professional actions in practice, public service and Association participation — all of which help define a well-rounded pharmacist. Recipients receive an exclusive lapel pin, a certificate and recognition in the Michigan Pharmacist
Student Scholarship Program
The Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) is proud to recognize exceptional student pharmacists during the Annual Convention & Exposition. The Larry Wagenknecht Leadership Scholarship awards $3,000 to a student who especially exhibits exceptional leadership capabilities. Each year, a $2,500 scholarship is awarded to one student pharmacist at each of Michigan’s three colleges of pharmacy. Since establishing the program in 2002, the Foundation has awarded more than $110,000 in scholarships to deserving future practitioners.
Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award (MPF)
This award is presented to an MPA member or team of MPA members who have shown outstanding achievement and dedication to the pharmacy profession through community education and awareness.
Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award
The Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award is presented annually to an MPA member pharmacist who has been licensed to practice for less than 10 years and participates in local, state and national pharmacy associations, professional programs and/or community service.
Excellence in Innovation Award
The Excellence in Innovation Award is presented annually to an individual or team who has demonstrated an innovative pharmacy practice program, resulting in improved patient care or safety, advancement of the profession, enhanced pharmacy systems or other professional development.
Executive Board Medal Award
The Executive Board Medal Award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary personal commitment to MPA. The award was developed to recognize individuals who have been instrumental to the Executive Board and the Association in advancing pharmacy’s agenda.
Bowl of Hygeia Award
The Bowl of Hygeia derives its name from the Greek goddess, Hygeia, who was the guardian over the healing potion contained in the bowl. The Bowl of Hygeia Award is given to a pharmacist who has made outstanding professional contributions and has participated in community or governmental activities that reflect well on the pharmacy profession.
MPA Pharmacist of the Year Award
The MPA Pharmacist of the Year Award is given to a pharmacist who demonstrates professional excellence and exemplary service to the profession in advancing public health at either the state or local level and displays all the traits and characteristics of someone with a true commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession and public health.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
The MPA House of Delegates is the policyforming body of the Association. The MPA House of Delegates is comprised of pharmacy professionals from across the state and includes delegates from the Executive Board, the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians, local associations, regional societies and the Michigan colleges of pharmacy. It is the responsibility of the House of Delegates to interpret the objectives of the Association as stated in the Bylaws and to serve as the policy-forming body of the
Association. The House of Delegates will act on all policy reports and adopt resolutions of policy directed to the Executive Board. The House of Delegates will also act on proposals for amendment of the Bylaws. The House of Delegates may adopt rules of procedures for the governing and administration of the House of Delegates.
The 2023 House of Delegates will convene in-person at the Marriott on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, to discuss proposed policy changes, proposed resolutions and review the MPA Bylaws. After discussion and a vote on any
proposed changes, those resolutions are directed to the MPA Executive Board for review and recommendation.
REGISTRATION
Go to MPA’s website at https://www. MichiganPharmacists.org/education-events/ annual-conference-exhibition for more convention information and to register if you have yet to do so.