National Community Pharmacists Association - NCPA 2026
Event Date
October 3–6, 2026
Location
Kansas City, MO
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe NCPA Annual Convention & Expo is the flagship annual gathering of the National Community Pharmacists Association, billed as the only national business show dedicated to independent community pharmacists and their teams. The 2026 edition takes place October 3–6 in Kansas City, Missouri, with pre-convention Growth and Profitability programs on October 1–2 and the Expo Hall open October 4–5.
The event draws independent pharmacy owners, managers, staff pharmacists, technicians, and student pharmacists. NCPA describes it as offering peer-to-peer business education, roughly 15 hours of continuing education (CE), and extensive networking, paired with one of the most diverse expo halls in the industry, where companies showcase products and services designed to make pharmacies more efficient and profitable.
Education at the 2026 convention is slated to cover growing the business, incorporating AI, strengthening the bottom line, expanding patient care services, navigating emerging technologies, and advocating more effectively for independent pharmacy. For owners looking for practical, ready-to-use strategies from peers who understand their business, it is positioned as a can't-miss annual event.
Show Highlights
- Peer-to-peer business education with roughly 15 hours of accredited continuing education (CE); NCPA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
- Expo Hall (open Oct. 4–5) — one of the most diverse in the industry, featuring back-office support, pharmacy technology, and front-of-store products and services.
- Pre-convention Growth and Profitability programs on Oct. 1–2 to jump-start professional development.
- Signature networking events, including the Opening Night reception, new member and LTC receptions, and the Mix & Mingle party.
- Student programming, including a Student Convention Kickoff and a showcase to network with student pharmacists and recruit residents or fellows.
- General sessions, product theaters, and receptions scheduled throughout the convention.
- Sessions covering how to grow the business, incorporate AI, strengthen the bottom line, expand patient care services, and advocate for independent pharmacy.
Attendance
NCPA represents more than 18,900 independent community pharmacies nationwide, employing more than 235,000 people. According to NCPA's recent exhibitor prospectus materials, projected convention attendance has been roughly 3,000+, broken down as approximately 1,000 owners/managers plus about 2,000 staff pharmacists, team members, students, academia, state association executives, and others. NCPA has cited that 90% of attendees rate the convention as excellent or good and 97% found products or services at the convention that helped their business. (Figures reflect recent past conventions; official 2026 attendance had not been published at the time of writing.)
Registration
Registration for the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention is open. Key points:
- Register first, then book housing — you must register for the convention before booking your hotel, and each attendee must register individually. Payment is due at the time of registration.
- Early-bird discount — NCPA offered an early-bird discount of up to $100 for attendees who registered for the convention or pre-convention programs by July 12.
- Pre-convention programs — Growth and Profitability educational and business programs run Oct. 1–2, separate from the main convention (Oct. 3–6).
- Registration and housing are handled through NCPA's partner, Spargo. Contacts: registration via ncparegistration@spargoinc.com, housing via ncpahousing@spargoinc.com, and general questions via meetings@ncpa.org.
Check ncpa.org/annual-convention for current pricing tiers and deadlines.
History
The National Community Pharmacists Association was founded in 1898 and represents America's independent community pharmacists, including the owners of more than 18,900 pharmacies nationwide. The Annual Convention is the association's largest annual gathering and its only national business show for independent pharmacists and their teams. Recent host cities include Orlando (2023), Columbus (2024), and New Orleans (2025). Kansas City hosts in 2026, followed by San Antonio (2027), Louisville (2028), San Diego (2029), and Fort Lauderdale (2030).
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 NCPA Annual Convention?
The 2026 NCPA Annual Convention & Expo takes place October 3–6, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the Kansas City Convention Center (Bartle Hall). Pre-convention Growth and Profitability programs run October 1–2, and the Expo Hall is open October 4–5.
Who should attend the NCPA Annual Convention?
The event is designed for independent community pharmacy owners, managers, and staff pharmacists, as well as pharmacy technicians and student pharmacists. It is billed as the only national business show for independent pharmacists and their teams.
How do I register, and are there any discounts?
Registration is handled through NCPA's partner Spargo; you must register for the convention before booking your hotel, and each attendee registers individually with payment due at registration. NCPA offered an early-bird discount of up to $100 for those who registered by July 12.
What can I expect at the convention?
Attendees get peer-to-peer business education, roughly 15 hours of accredited continuing education, and extensive networking, plus one of the industry's most diverse expo halls. Sessions cover growing the business, using AI, expanding patient care services, and advocacy for independent pharmacy.
Where should I stay and how do I get there?
The Convention Center connects to major downtown hotels such as the Kansas City Marriott Downtown and Loews Kansas City via skywalks and underground walkways, with more options nearby in the Power & Light and Crossroads districts. Kansas City International Airport is about 17–19 miles away, and the KC Streetcar, RideKC buses, and rideshare serve downtown.
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