In the world of pharmacy purchasing, staying updated and connected is key—and that’s exactly what the Annual National Pharmacy Purchasing Association (NPPA) Conference delivers. Every year, pharmacy buyers, suppliers, and industry leaders gather under one roof to explore new ideas, compare products, and tackle the real-world challenges faced by healthcare purchasing professionals.
Hosted in the lively city of Las Vegas, USA, the NPPA Conference is more than just another trade event. It’s a learning hub, a networking zone, and a decision-making platform all rolled into one. If your work involves pharmacy purchasing or inventory management, this is one event you should mark on your calendar.
When and Where?
- Venue: Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino (soon transitioning to Horseshoe Las Vegas)
- Dates: August 18 – 22, 2025
- Exhibit Hall: August 20 – 21
- Educational Sessions: August 19 – 21
Located right on the famous Las Vegas Strip, Bally’s (Horseshoe) offers everything from comfortable rooms to on-site entertainment. The conference venue is spacious and fully equipped, making it easy to move between sessions, exhibits, and networking areas.
What is the NPPA Conference All About?
The NPPA Conference is designed specifically for pharmacy purchasing professionals working in hospitals, health systems, and related healthcare settings. It focuses on practical learning, supplier discovery, and tools that help buyers make better decisions—faster and smarter.
It’s the only national-level conference that directly supports the needs and professional growth of pharmacy buyers, making it a must-attend event in the pharmacy purchasing calendar.
Who Should Attend?
This conference brings together people from across the healthcare and pharmaceutical supply chain. You’ll find:
- Hospital & health system pharmacy buyers
- Purchasing managers & procurement officers
- Pharmacy technicians and supervisors
- Group purchasing organizations (GPOs)
- Drug wholesalers and suppliers
- Pharmacy automation vendors
- Consulting firms and IT solution providers
- Pharmacy educators and operations managers
Whether you’re new to the role or have decades of experience, there’s always something valuable to gain here.
What You’ll Experience
This isn’t your typical sit-and-listen conference. The NPPA event is designed to be interactive, insightful, and practical. Here’s what attendees can expect:
- Educational sessions focused on compliance, inventory best practices, and market updates
- Live vendor expo with dozens of suppliers ready to demo their products
- Breakout discussions to share challenges and solutions with peers
- Networking meals and mixers to build professional relationships
- Product comparison and purchasing tools you can use right away
- CE credits available for many sessions
- Prize drawings and attendee perks during the exhibit days
The energy is real, and the environment is collaborative. It’s all about helping buyers do their jobs better and smarter.
Event Registration and Costs
The registration fees vary based on your role and whether you’re a returning attendee. Here’s a general estimate:
- Hospital/healthcare pharmacy staff: Around $400–$600
- Suppliers/Vendors (with booth): Typically higher, depending on package
- Group discounts: Available for teams from the same facility
- Early bird discounts: Usually offered until a couple of months before the event
Registration includes access to all sessions, the expo hall, CE opportunities, and networking events.
Where to Stay
One of the biggest perks of this conference is its location. Since the event is hosted directly at Bally’s (soon to be Horseshoe Las Vegas), many attendees choose to stay right on-site. But if you’re looking for other nearby options, here are a few within walking distance:
- Paris Las Vegas – Connected to Bally’s via indoor walkway
- Planet Hollywood Resort – Just across the street
- The LINQ Hotel + Experience – Budget-friendly and close
- Flamingo Las Vegas – A classic choice with great views
- Caesars Palace – High-end with iconic Vegas luxury
Wherever you stay, you’ll be in the heart of the Strip—steps away from shows, shopping, and amazing food.
Perks of Attending
The NPPA Conference delivers more than just information. Here’s what makes it special:
- Tailored content built specifically for pharmacy purchasing roles
- Face-to-face supplier interactions that speed up product decisions
- Real-world case studies you can apply to your own workplace
- Chance to earn CE credits while attending
- Exclusive networking opportunities with peers from across the country
- On-site giveaways and raffles
- Opportunities to voice challenges and seek solutions during open forums
You walk in with questions and walk out with tools, contacts, and answers.
Why Las Vegas?
Las Vegas isn’t just about casinos—it’s a top-notch conference city. When the sessions wrap up, the fun doesn’t have to stop. While you’re in town, you can:
- Catch a show at Caesars Palace or The Mirage
- Take a stroll down the Fremont Street Experience
- Enjoy a rooftop cocktail with Strip views
- Try international cuisine from celebrity chef restaurants
- Visit the High Roller Ferris wheel or Bellagio fountains
It’s a mix of business and pleasure that makes attending this conference even more worthwhile.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Book your hotel early – rooms at the host venue fill quickly
- Wear comfortable shoes – between the exhibit hall and hotel floors, you’ll be walking a lot
- Bring business cards or a digital contact method
- Plan your sessions ahead of time using the NPPA schedule
- Don’t skip networking breaks – some of the best advice is shared over coffee
- Keep your badge visible – it helps with access and quick intros
- Stay an extra day if you want to enjoy Vegas without the schedule
Final Thoughts
The Annual National Pharmacy Purchasing Association (NPPA) Conference is more than just another industry event—it’s a space built by and for pharmacy buyers. If your daily work revolves around product sourcing, supplier management, or improving pharmacy operations, this event puts you in touch with the right people and tools to do it better.
There’s education. There’s networking. And there’s fun. All in one of the most exciting cities in the U.S. If you’re ready to grow your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and meet others who truly understand your role—this is the place to be.
Ready to register and learn more? Visit:
https://www.pharmacypurchasing.com/nppa-conference
