T-minus two weeks until #NCPA2026! We’re back with another edition of the Kansas City Courier, your go-to guide for can’t-miss updates, convention news, and insider tips to help you get ready for Kansas City, Oct. 3-6.

Curious to learn more about what’s on deck? Check out our agenda.

For any questions regarding the registration process, please contact [email protected].

We extended the housing deadline but only one day remains to book and save in our hotel block for our Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo. We have two premier options available at discounted rates, but those savings end tomorrow, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. CT. Don’t miss your chance to save and meet us in the heart of America! 

Remember, you must be registered for the convention before booking within the NCPA hotel block. Register and book now.  

At #NCPA2026 you'll have plenty of time to connect with your peers, including two unique reception experiences that combine networking, entertainment, and a taste of Kansas City. 

Opening Night Reception: Backyard BBQ Reimagined 

Our Opening Night Reception, sponsored by McKesson, brings the charm of a backyard BBQ together with an elevated culinary experience, creating the perfect setting to reconnect with colleagues, meet new peers, and celebrate the pharmacy profession. Plus, there will be a build-your-own BBQ rub station presented by the Museum of BBQ. 

Monday Night Mix and Mingle: Made in Kansas City Marketplace 

Celebrate the conclusion of an inspiring convention at our Monday Night Mix and Mingle as our reception transforms into a lively gathering of local artisans, specialty makers, and culinary favorites, offering attendees an authentic taste of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.  Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones while enjoying live music from Lost Wax, a mash-up party band bringing high-energy hits to keep the celebration going all night. Sponsored by GeriMed and WSPC.

Our 2026 Annual Convention general sessions are set, and you'll want to make sure these are on your schedule.

The First General Session, sponsored by Anda, will take place the morning of Sunday, Oct. 4. Happening just over a month before the 2026 midterm elections, everyone will be wondering: Which party will control Congress? By how slim a margin? What are the implications for future PBM reforms? Seasoned Washington, D.C., policy experts Jim Flood and Scott Douglas will join Anne Cassity, NCPA senior vice president of government affairs, to break it all down, share their predictions, and, time permitting, answer your burning questions. Please send them ahead of time to [email protected]. It will also feature a president’s address by NCPA President Kristen Riddle and presentations for the Willard B. Simmons Independent Pharmacist of the Year Award, the Calvin J. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award, and the announcement of the Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition winner. We’ll also be presenting Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) with the 2026 Spirit of Independence Award for his years of dedicated support for independent pharmacy and its patients.

The conversation around artificial intelligence has never been hotter, and the Second General Session on Monday, Oct. 5, sponsored by RedSail Technologies, will give you the up-to-date rundown on what to really expect. Hitting the stage as official keynote speaker will be Zack Kass, an adviser, researcher, and the former head of go-to-market at OpenAI. With so many questions around the effects of AI in pharmacy (and beyond!), who better to talk with us than someone who spent more than 16 years at the forefront of artificial intelligence? Kass’ mission now is to ensure individuals, businesses, and governments are active participants in the AI-powered future by making the technology both understandable and actionable. It’ll also include remarks by NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey as well as the presentation of the 2026 John W. Dargavel Medal, sponsored by McKesson, and the CPESN® Luminary of the Year Award, sponsored by Prasco.

Two weeks from today marks the start of our Pre-Convention Growth and Profitability Program Offerings, an opportunity you won’t want to pass up. Whether you’re looking to discover practical ways to put AI to work, explore the path to pharmacy ownership, learn how to get started with long-term care pharmacy at home, or find new ways to advance your existing LTC services, sign up for one of our pre-convention programs and head to Kansas City early to make the most of your time. Leave with practical guidance and strategies ready to put into action.

Register for one (or more) of our upcoming workshops. 

Please note: To sign up for pre-convention courses, you must register through the convention registration process, even if you’re not attending the full convention. Separate registration fees apply.

This year’s convention is focused on the “how” of it all. From our business education sessions beginning with “how,” to our “how-to” booths sprinkled throughout the Expo Hall, you will find an action plan to put into place the second you get back home to your pharmacy. Whether you need to find new ideas, get tips, or ask questions, there’ll be something for you and your entire team.

Plus, we are offering our first ever complimentary convention workshop — How To Wow Customers With Small Changes That Pay Off Big. Keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author Laurie Guest, CSP, CPAE, is an expert in customer service excellence and she will help you uncover useful, low-cost ways to elevate patient experience, strengthen community loyalty, and create the kind of memorable service that keeps patients coming back.

Learn more about our education offerings, “how-to” booths, and check out our full agenda for even more information.

We know you’ve been checking out the agenda for all #NCPA2026 has to offer, well now’s the time to start planning your itinerary with our convention-focused app, NCPA+. Create your own schedule, explore educational sessions and exhibitors, connect with your peers, and stay up to date on important convention announcements, all from your phone.  

Registration is required to access NCPA+. Learn more and download the app now.

You didn’t think we’d send you to Kansas City with just one barbecue recommendation, did you? Next up on your #NCPA2026 barbecue tour: Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue. 

Just minutes from the convention center, Jack Stack is a Kansas City staple with roots dating back to 1957. What started as a traditional barbecue stand has grown into a local favorite known for hickory-smoked meats and a menu that goes well beyond the classics. Think award-winning lamb ribs, hickory pit beans, cheesy corn bake, and plenty more worth saving room for. 

Planning to check it out while you’re in town? The Freight House location fills up fast, so make a reservation ahead of time.

And if you need help deciding what to order, we know just the person to ask. NCPA’s own Jessica Satterfield, PharmD — Kansas City native and certified barbecue judge — stopped by to give you the inside scoop. 

Check out Jessica’s review and see what she recommends.

Curious about who’ll be on the expo floor? See the up-to-date lineup!