Miranda Montoya is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and the 2023–2024 APhA–ASP national president-elect.
Attending multiple APhA Annual Meetings & Expositions over the past couple of years has been one of my most rewarding and unforgettable experiences as a student pharmacist. My first meeting was in San Antonio at APhA2022. After signing up, I turned to one of my upperclassman friends for advice on what to expect. Her response: “You won’t sleep for the next few days, but that’s just conference life.” I remember thinking to myself with apprehension, “What did I just sign up for?”
Now, after having experienced APhA’s annual meeting twice, I can confirm she was correct, but not for the reasons you may think. There’s so much fun to be had while at a conference that there’s hardly any time for sleep!
Making memories
Of course, I cannot forget to mention the travel, sightseeing, and exploration that comes with attending a conference. To me, there’s nothing better than traveling with your closest pharm buddies and creating lasting memories.
One of my favorite conference memories was from APhA2023. My chapter had just returned from a long day at the conference center, and one of my friends wanted to do a late-night snack run. We all decided to hop out of bed, still in our pajamas, and make a 2:00am excursion through downtown Phoenix in search of something sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard with my friends. We still reminisce on this moment from time to time.
Aside from the adventures, APhA’s annual meeting gives you the opportunity to shape your path to success as a future pharmacist.
What to expect at APhA2024
I wanted to point out a few programming highlights that have been influential in why I continue to attend APhA meetings throughout my career as a student pharmacist.
Our awards celebration is a huge bash in which deans, chapter advisors, faculty, and student pharmacists gather in their finest dress to honor the hard work that chapters have done over the past year. Nothing beats the anticipation of waiting to hear your chapter’s name being called out for an award!
Awards and glamour aside, APhA’s annual meeting has multiple sessions tailored specifically to student pharmacists. You’ll come out of these sessions feeling inspired and motivated. The exhibit hall also features hundreds of booths where you can connect with the entire industry of pharmacy under one roof. (Pro Tip: pack extra room in your suitcase for all the freebies!)
Of course, my favorite part of APhA’s annual meeting is the House of Delegates. Each chapter sends a representative to vote on behalf of their school or college of pharmacy. This is where I found my love for the association, listening to passionate student pharmacists in the APhA–ASP House of Delegates.
See you in Orlando!
Just simply showing up to APhA’s annual meeting has provided me with a plethora of opportunities, relationships, and memories. Join us March 22 to 25, 2024, in Orlando, FL, as we embrace this year’s theme, Unleash the Power of Pharmacy, and enjoy programming to help you unleash your potential.
Early fee pricing ends February 10, 2024. For more information, including a lineup of daily events, visit aphameeting.pharmacist.com.
Be sure to come find me this year and let me know what your favorite annual meeting memory is. The APhA–ASP National Executive Committee and I are so excited and hope to meet you at APhA2024. See you soon!