More than 2,700 attendees converge upon the New Boston Convention & Exhibition Center as the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) kicks of its 41st Annual Pharmacy & Technology Conference, held August 11-15, 2007, in Boston, Mass.

"The success of the annual Marketplace Conference in June is carrying over into what is expected to be an outstanding turnout for the Pharmacy & Technology Conference," said Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, NACDS president and CEO. "The five-day Pharmacy & Technology Conference attendance boasts more than 150 retail companies, comprised of chain drug stores, supermarkets, and mass merchants who collectively represent over 60,000 retail outlets and $191 billion in annual sales for prescription drugs, over-the-counter, and home health care products and services."

Saturday will commence with the Meet the Rx Market program, bringing together retailers and suppliers for a series of eight-minute appointments focusing on new products and services. More than 16 hours of business appointments are scheduled for this year's program.

"Meet the Rx Market is an excellent way for retailers and exhibitors to meet in an organized format to discuss products and services that promote professional networking and new business opportunities," said Anderson.

During Sunday morning's business program, key leaders will address priority industry issues. Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader William H. Frist, M.D., will discuss the importance of responsible health care reform, and NACDS Chairman of the Board and Retired Chairman and CEO of Walgreen Co. Dave Bernauer will share his insights on the value of pharmacy and the role of technology.

More than 20 continuing education sessions will begin on Sunday morning and run throughout the conference on topics covering the most critical issues facing chain pharmacy today, such as Medicare Part B and Part D, Medicaid reform, and the annual Pharmacy Law and Regulatory Update. For a complete listing of these sessions, visit: meetings.nacds/rxconference/2007/education_sessions.cfm.

The exhibit floor will be open from 11:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, August 12, through Wednesday, August 15, offering attendees the opportunity to explore products and services with exhibitors.

On Monday, August 13, Anderson will give remarks on the state of the association during the business meeting. He will also share his vision for an image campaign to advance the industry and his views of recent public policy initiatives. Following the meeting, a panel discussion will be held to discuss strategic implications for community pharmacy.

On Tuesday, August 14, Douglas M. Long of IMS HEALTH will address the business program attendees, highlighting pharmaceutical trends, issues, and forecasts for the future of the industry. The business programs will conclude with a panel discussion on the need for appropriate reimbursement for pharmacy services.

The conference officially ends on the morning of Wednesday, August 15, with final education sessions.

"The Conference is an important venue for attendees to view the latest products and services, and NACDS is proud to host what many refer to as the premier marketing and educational event of the year for the pharmacy industry," said Anderson.

For more information about the conference and a schedule of events, please visit the NACDS Pharmacy & Technology Conference homepage:meetings.nacds/rxconference/2007/.

National Association of Chain Drug Stores