The NASP (National Association of Specialty Pharmacy) Annual Meeting and Expo is one of the biggest events in specialty pharmacy, bringing together professionals from across the field to share knowledge, make connections, and discover new trends. Attending a conference like this NASP can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or you want to maximize every moment. With October less than a month away, this Nashville-based event is creeping up on all of us.
With nearly two decades of NASP conference experience under our belts, we've gathered advice from each of D2's conference veterans on how your team can make the most of next month's event:
"The NASP conference is packed with valuable sessions, meetings, and networking opportunities, so my top advice is to reach out to people and organizations you're interested in meeting with ahead of time. Schedules fill up quickly, and if you don’t arrange key meetings before the event, you might miss out on some important connections. But while planning is essential, you should also leave some flex time on your agenda. Conferences are dynamic, and often, the best conversations or opportunities happen unexpectedly. Allowing yourself a bit of flexibility can open doors for impromptu meetings that weren’t originally on your radar."
"Workshops and sessions are where the real learning happens. One of my favorites is the 2024 Specialty Medication Pipeline session, which provides great insights into new drugs that could impact your business. Whatever sessions you attend, make sure you take notes. Whether you use a notebook or a digital device, capturing those details can help you remember and apply what you’ve learned when you get back to work. Implementation is key. After the conference, I always review my notes and think about how I can use the information in my day-to-day practice. And if applicable, don’t forget to claim your CEUs for attending workshops!"
"The NASP conference offers a wide range of workshops, so it’s important to attend workshops that align with your role or interests. There’s something for everyone, from accreditation to the latest in cell and gene therapy. You may need to pre-register for workshops, so keep an eye on that. Last year, I attended the technology session, and one thing that stuck with me was the phrase, 'Let the technology work for you, and not you work for the technology.' I use that line in almost every demo I give now. Attending workshops that fit your focus can provide valuable takeaways that you can apply long after the conference ends."
This year's NASP Workshop topics include:
"NASP is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues and industry partners. You never know how you can help each other until you start those conversations again. But don’t stop there—be intentional about meeting new people as well. Introduce yourself, listen when people are talking, and show genuine interest. It may sound simple, but listening matters. You’ll often discover ways to support one another’s businesses or uncover unexpected opportunities.
Reflecting on the conversations may help you identify emerging industry trends that aren't highlighted in formal sessions as well. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun while you're at it!"