From packed educational sessions and national award celebrations to East Coast hospitality and coast-to-coast networking, PPC 2026 brought together healthcare-systems pharmacy professionals from across Canada for three days of learning, leadership, and connection in Halifax.
Held April 30 to May 2 at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, this year’s Professional Practice Conference welcomed more than 400 attendees representing a wide range of practice settings, career stages, and pharmacy specialties. As momentum continues from this year’s event, plans are already underway for PPC 2027 in Toronto, taking place May 7–9 at The Westin Harbour Castle.
Throughout the conference, one theme remained clear: healthcare-systems pharmacy professionals continue to lead through change, collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to patient care.
PPC 2026 By the Numbers
- 400+ attendees from across Canada
- 24 educational sessions and workshops
- 52 exhibitors and industry partners
- 3 satellite symposia
- 48 research posters and presentations
- 8 national award recipients and new fellows honoured
Big Conversations Shaping Practice
This year’s conference programming reflected many of the conversations currently shaping pharmacy practice across Canada, including leadership development, workforce pressures, quality improvement, technology, clinical innovation, and advancing patient care within increasingly complex healthcare environments.
Pre-conference workshops on leadership, hypertension management, and quality improvement set the tone for a conference focused not only on today’s challenges, but also on practical strategies and opportunities for the future.
Keynote presentations from Andrew Haley and Michelle Dagnino encouraged attendees to rethink what’s possible, embrace leadership through change, and strengthen collaboration across generations and teams.
Connection Across Career Stages
One of the strongest themes throughout PPC 2026 was mentorship and professional connection across career stages.
The annual Gen Next: Student & Resident Networking event brought students, residents, preceptors, and experienced practitioners together to exchange perspectives, discuss career pathways, and build relationships within the healthcare-systems pharmacy community.
Across the conference, hallways, poster sessions, networking events, and the exhibit hall were filled with conversations between colleagues reconnecting, first-time attendees building new networks, and pharmacy professionals sharing ideas and experiences from across the country.
Celebrating Leadership and Achievement
The PPC Awards Gala recognized this year’s national award recipients and newly named fellows, celebrating the individuals and teams helping advance healthcare-systems pharmacy practice in Canada.
Another memorable moment came during the Distinguished Service Award keynote, where Doug Doucette reflected on leadership, mentorship, and lessons learned throughout his career in pharmacy.
Research, Community, and East Coast Hospitality
In addition to educational programming, attendees explored research posters, participated in Pharmacy Jeopardy, and took part in wellness and networking activities throughout the conference.
While rainy weather briefly delayed the Harbour Walk and Run, the energy of the conference never slowed. Sunshine returned the following morning for the rescheduled event and Rise’n’Shine yoga session along the Halifax waterfront.
The conference concluded with the RxCLUSIVE Kitchen Party at Alexander Keith’s Brewery, where attendees enjoyed East Coast food, live music, and an opportunity to celebrate another successful year of learning and connection together.