Welcome to the Big Easy Bulletin, your guide to all the networking and education opportunities that we're bringing to the 2025 NCPA Annual Convention in New Orleans, Oct. 18-21 — and how to spend your off-hours in the city. See you in the Big Easy! 

Join us as we laissez les bons temps rouler during our Opening Night Reception in an immersive French Quarter courtyard experience sponsored by McKesson. Try tantalizing cuisine from the Big Easy while enjoying fantastic networking opportunities to kick off the convention. Oh, and don’t forget to stop by our miniature version of the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar. 

And break out your favorite mask or dress up in true Mardi Gras style for our Monday Night Mix and Mingle, sponsored by GeriMed and WSPC! Catch up with your colleagues at our chandelier bar or end your convention on the right note with the multiple experiences taking place throughout our party space, including a traditional live band and an entertaining performance by dueling piano players. 

Sound fun? You’ll just have to join us in New Orleans, then. You can see more on our programming here.

To take advantage of better hotel rates, attendees must register for the convention and book their housing by Sept. 23.  

As a reminder, you must first register for the convention to be able to book housing. You can read more about our updated registration process here and get started here.

We’ve got two special sessions, back-to-back, about CPESN® payer program opportunities on Oct. 18. Pharmacies will hear from program leaders to help participating CPESN pharmacies execute on opportunities they have today. Here are some more details:

Enter the NCPA Foundation’s raffle (just $100 a ticket!) to win a seven-night sun-kissed Hawaiian getaway valued at $4,000, plus a $650 travel stipend to make your trip even smoother. Imagine relaxing on the beach, exploring breathtaking landscapes, and enjoying the trip of a lifetime — all while supporting a cause that matters. The NCPA Foundation will draw the Heavenly Hawaii Trip Raffle winner at the Monday Night Mix and Mingle. 

Every raffle ticket purchased directly benefits the NCPA Foundation and its mission to ensure the sustainability and growth of independent community pharmacists. Your participation helps fund programs that strengthen the profession, expand patient access, and invest in the next generation of pharmacy leaders. 

Join in the fun and support the NCPA Foundation’s mission to ensure the sustainability and growth of the independent pharmacy profession. Enter the raffle today! 

Get a head start and sign up now for our Residency and Fellowship Showcase. If your organization runs a community pharmacy-focused program, this is a critical opportunity to network with passionate up-and-coming pharmacy students and highlight your program. Plus, your booth is complimentary with your Annual Convention registration! 

Sign up here by Sept. 23. For more information, contact Jacqueline Estes at [email protected].

Don’t miss the chance to participate in this year’s Innovation in Community Practice Poster Symposium. It’s your opportunity to share groundbreaking solutions and research with your peers and engage in valuable peer-to-peer learning. 

Sign up here by Sept. 9. For more information, contact Charlotte Nazar at [email protected].

Who's on the expo floor? Click here to see the up-to-date lineup!

Our Annual Convention takes place right in the middle of the run-up to Halloween. That means New Orleans will be filled with opportunities to connect with the supernatural. If you’re interested in seeing the spooky side of the boo-tiful French Quarter, check out this list of haunted tours and this list of the most haunted spots in the city.