This email will help you prepare and address frequently asked questions as you get ready for the NCPA 2025 Annual Convention in New Orleans. We can’t wait to see you in the Big Easy.

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 
900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, La. 70130 

Hilton New Orleans Riverside | Headquarters Hotel 
2 Poydras St., New Orleans, La. 70130 

Please contact Shenee Jones with Spargo at (571) 404-6623 with questions about housing.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Hilton New Orleans Riverside are connected by the Riverwalk Outlets, making it easy and convenient to travel back and forth from your hotel room to convention activities.  

Click here to see a map of where to access the escalator to the mall from the convention center and the accessible hours are as follows: 

Here’s a map to get around New Orleans during off-hours to experience the magic of the French Quarter. 

DRIVE-IN ATTENDEES PLEASE NOTE

There is parking between the convention center and hotel in the Whale Lot. Attendees are responsible for paying for their parking. 

The attire for NCPA’s Annual Convention is business casual, but we encourage you to bring a Mardi Gras mask or your favorite purple, green, and gold attire for our Monday Night Mix and Mingle Reception on Oct. 20! The person with the best Mardi Gras attire will win $500. 

The weather in New Orleans in mid-October is typically in the 80s with lows in the 60s. We recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket as meeting rooms inside are known to be chilly. Please check the weather closer to the convention.

New this year – satellite registration will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in Marlbourough A/B, 2nd Floor and will be open Thursday, Oct. 16 from noon-6 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 17 from noon-8 p.m. 

Upon arrival at the convention center Saturday through Tuesday, please visit NCPA registration, located in the Julia Street Lobby, to pick up your conference badge and bag.

Badges are required to access the convention. The badge reprint fee is $75 for each reprint occurrence. 

Registration desk hours:

Please note self-service kiosks will be available and open at 6:45 a.m.

We’re making it simple to navigate your four-day convention journey with our online program guide. You can sort by day, subject matter, and event type, then create your schedule by saving the CE sessions and networking opportunities you want to attend. A handy pocket guide will also be included in your registration bag.

CE claiming: Check the back of your badge for CE claiming instructions.  

Need help? Visit the NCPA CE Claiming Desk near Registration or contact us online at ncpa.thinkingcap.com/contactus.

Pre-convention education: There's still time to enroll in pre-convention education! Every single one is worth your time and essential to the future of independent pharmacy. Click here to check out your options. Register on-site at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside beginning Thursday, Oct. 16.

Get inspired by a lineup of compelling speakers, congratulate award winners, find out who won the student business plan, and much more.

Head over to the exhibit hall to explore new products, technology, and services and see demonstrations from over 200 companies. Check out the interactive map here. 

Badges will be required to enter the Expo Hall. Entry is for pharmacists and their guests. To purchase an exhibit hall-only pass, please visit the registration desk and present this form. 

Expo Hall hours:

Highlights:

Make sure to stop by and visit the NCPA staff.

At the NCPA Networking Lounge, there will be: 

No one will be permitted on the expo floor outside exhibit hours.

Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 8-9:30 a.m., R02-R05, 2nd Floor 

Calling all pharmacy owners and managers! Take an active role in your pharmacy association and become a member of the House of Delegates.

Sign up at the NCPA registration desk from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday and Monday or at the door of the House of Delegates on Tuesday. It’s quick and easy. 

Pre-register and pick up your ribbons at the credentials desk in the NCPA registration area. See the agenda here.

Product Theaters offering meals will take place Sunday through Tuesday. Please view the program guide for details.

Connect and unwind at these fun-filled receptions.

First-Timers Reception 
Oct. 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Magnolia Porch, 1st Floor 
Sponsored by Olympia Pharmaceuticals. 

Long-Term Care Reception 
Oct. 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Rivergate Room Terrace 
Sponsored by GeriMed.

Opening Night Reception 
Oct. 18, 6:30-8 p.m. | Great Hall B/C and Pre-Function 
Join us as we laissez les bons temps rouler 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. 

Monday Night Mix and Mingle 
Oct. 20, 7-9:30 p.m. | Hilton New Orleans Riverside, St. Charles, St. James, and District Foyer 
Close out your convention in true Mardi Gras style. Join us at the chandelier bar for live music, dueling pianos, and plenty of networking fun. Don’t forget — come dressed to impress for your chance to win $500! 
Sponsored by GeriMed and WSPC. 

Please note that badges will be required to attend the Opening Night Reception and the Monday Night Mix and Mingle. Anyone without a badge must purchase a ticket. To do so, please visit the registration desk and present these forms. 

Should you have any housing or registration questions leading up to convention, contact Spargo via email at  [email protected] or via phone at 888-413-7430.