If you’re part of the Ohio pharmacy world—whether in community, hospital, long-term care, or even student-led initiatives—the OPA Annual Conference in Columbus is your must-attend event. Every year, pharmacists from across the state gather here to learn, connect, and gain practical tools that shape daily practice and patient outcomes.
It’s more than a meeting—it’s where ideas spark, peers support, and professionals recharge with purpose and passion.
When & Where It’s Happening
- Dates: September 17–19, 2025
- Venue: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Schedule Overview:
- Day 1: Registration, opening session, expo hall, networking kick-off
- Day 2: Full day of workshops, breakout sessions, and poster presentations
- Day 3: Continuing education tracks, closing keynote, and awards
Located in downtown Columbus, the convention center is surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and city energy—ideal for combining learning with local flavor.
What Makes the OPA Conference Special
OPA’s conference brings practical, real-world learning into focus. Key highlights include:
- Continuing education (CE) sessions on clinical, leadership, and business topics
- An expo hall packed with vendors showcasing the latest tools and ideas
- Student poster presentations and emerging practitioner spotlights
- Networking gatherings that feel like catching up with friends
- Inspiring speakers who share both stories and strategies you can use
Whether you’re a seasoned pharmacist or a soon-to-be graduate, you’ll walk away equipped and inspired.
Who Should Attend
Faculty members and students at pharmacy schools, community pharmacists, hospital and LTC pharmacists, pharmacy owners and managers, educators, technician teams, and pharmacy students—everyone’s included. If you care about shaping pharmacy’s future in Ohio, this is for you.
What You’ll Experience
1. Continuing Education Tracks
Choose from a wide variety of CE sessions covering areas like immunizations, mental health, pain management, infectious disease, leadership, billing, and more. Courses are based on current needs in patient care and regulation changes.
2. Practical Breakout Sessions
Explore workshops on profitable service models, patient counseling tips, easing transitions of care, or mastering pharmacy tech workflows. These sessions are designed to be interactive and relevant.
3. Student Posters & Presentations
Students and new professionals present research or practical projects. It’s a great place to learn new ideas and encourage the next generation of pharmacy leaders.
4. Expo Hall Tours
Vendors share everything from digital systems and clinical apps to packaging and wellness products. Demo booths and conversations help you find practical solutions for your pharmacy.
5. Networking & Social Time
Coffee lounges, mixers, and evening meetups create a comfortable space for reconnecting with classmates, mentoring newcomers, and meeting colleagues who care about the same issues you do.
6. Inspiring Keynotes
Speakers bring stories and lessons, whether from healthcare visionaries, local business leaders, or patient advocates. You’ll leave motivated and ready to apply new thinking to your work.
Why You’ll Leave Empowered
- Earn valuable CE credits to renew your license or expand clinical knowledge
- Build connections with Ohio pharmacy peers—great for peer support or future collaboration
- Discover new tools and approaches to improve pharmacy efficiency and care offerings
- Learn from successful models you can adapt to your pharmacy
- Gain leadership and business insight whether you’re managing a team or a store
- Support and celebrate student work that could shape pharmacy tomorrow
Cost & Registration
Typical fees include:
- Member Early-Bird Registration: Around $350–$450
- Non-Member Fee: Slightly higher, often $600–$700
- Student/Technician Rates: Usually discounted at $100–$200
- Pre-Conference Workshops: Additional fee, often $50–$100 each
- Group Discounts: Savings available for teams from the same organization
Early registration helps secure your spot and training sessions while keeping costs down.
Where to Stay
Nearby accommodations include:
- Convention Center Hotels: Convenient and full-service
- Downtown Hotels: Mid-range, with access to dining and public transit
- Budget Options: Offering value a short ride away
- Short-Term Rentals: Ideal for small teams or extended stays
Book early—conference season in Columbus can fill rooms quickly.
Getting to & Around Columbus
- By Air: John Glenn Columbus International airport is a 15-minute ride away
- Drive: Plenty of garage and street parking is available downtown
- Ride-Share & Taxis: Convenient for short trips
- Conference Shuttle: Some hotels may offer shuttle service
- Walking: Many options are within a short walk from the center
Pro Tips for First-Time Attendees
- Study the agenda early: Pick your workshops and sessions ahead of time
- Bring essentials: Include a tote bag, notepad or tablet, and business cards
- Be social: Start conversations early—coffee chats early often lead to solid connections
- Visit the expo early: Vendors love questions in the morning wave of visitors
- Support students: Engage with their posters and help grow the next generation
- Follow up: Send a quick message to new connections to build your network
Final Thoughts
The OPA Annual Conference in Columbus is more than just education. It’s an investment in yourself, your practice, and the future of Ohio’s pharmacy community. With targeted learning, practical tools, meaningful connections, and a refreshing city backdrop, this event leaves you inspired, informed, and ready to make an impact.
If you want to grow as a pharmacist, improve patient care, build your career, and stay connected with statewide peers—you’ll want to be at this conference.
To learn more and reserve your spot, visit:
https://www.ohiopharmacists.org/annual-conference