The Pharmacy Show: Essential for pharmacy professionals: discover products, services, and strategies for practice success.

In today’s ever-changing world, pharmacies are so much more than just places to pick up medicines. They are vital community health hubs, offering advice, services, and support that make a real difference in people’s lives. But keeping up with new regulations, finding the best products, and discovering smart ways to run your practice can be a real challenge. If you’re a pharmacist, a pharmacy technician, a business owner in the sector, or anyone dedicated to the world of pharmacy, then The Pharmacy Show is the event you absolutely cannot miss. It’s the UK’s largest and leading gathering for community and primary care pharmacy professionals, a crucial date in your calendar for learning, inspiration, and practical growth.

Imagine stepping into a buzzing exhibition hall, filled with the latest dispensing technology, innovative health services, and vibrant discussions about the future of patient care. This show is your chance to discover exciting new “products” that can benefit your patients, valuable “services” that can expand your offerings, and clever “strategies” to make your pharmacy practice thrive. It’s all about equipping you with practical solutions, expert guidance, and vital connections to not only survive but truly succeed in today’s demanding healthcare landscape.

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to boost your pharmacy practice? Here are the key details for The Pharmacy Show:

Location: NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is one of the UK’s largest and most modern exhibition venues, ideally located for visitors from across the country.
Dates: Mark your calendars for October 12th and 13th, 2025. It’s a comprehensive two-day event, giving you plenty of time to explore all the offerings.
Timings:
- Sunday, October 12th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Monday, October 13th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost: Access to The Pharmacy Show is designed to be highly beneficial for professionals:
- Free-to-Attend: The fantastic news is that The Pharmacy Show is FREE to attend for all UK-registered healthcare and pharmacy professionals. This means you can gain access to the exhibition hall, all the educational theatres, and networking opportunities without a direct ticket cost.
- Commercial Delegate Pass: If you do not meet the criteria for a free pass (e.g., if you work for a commercial company without an exhibition stand), there is typically a “commercial delegate pass” available for a fee, which has historically been around £99 + VAT.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

The NEC Birmingham is known for its excellent transport links, making your visit as smooth as possible:

By Train: The NEC has its very own train station, Birmingham International, which is directly connected to the exhibition halls. There are frequent and fast services from London Euston (around 1 hour 10 minutes) and many other major UK cities. This is often the quickest and most convenient way to arrive.
By Car: The NEC is located at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, just off the M42 and easily accessible from the M6, M5, and M40. There is ample parking available on-site, and you can often pre-pay for parking online to save money and time.
By Bus/Coach: Many national coach services travel to Birmingham Coach Station, from where you can take a local train or taxi to the NEC. Local bus services also connect the NEC to Birmingham city centre.
By Air: Birmingham Airport (BHX) is literally next door to the NEC, connected by a free ‘Air-Rail Link’ monorail system that takes just minutes to reach Birmingham International train station (and thus, the NEC). This is incredibly convenient for international or long-distance UK visitors.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, the area around the NEC offers a variety of accommodation options:

On-site/Near the NEC: There are several hotels located directly on the NEC campus or within a very short walk, providing ultimate convenience for early starts and late finishes. Look for names like the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Novotel Birmingham Airport, ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport, and Genting Hotel Resorts World Birmingham (which is connected to Resorts World, offering dining and entertainment).
Birmingham City Centre: Just a short train ride away (around 10-15 minutes from Birmingham International to Birmingham New Street station), Birmingham city centre offers a much wider selection of hotels, from luxury to budget, along with a huge array of restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Booking Tip: As The Pharmacy Show is a major annual event attracting thousands of professionals, hotels, especially those closest to the NEC, can get booked up quickly. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location. The official Pharmacy Show website might also offer recommendations or special rates.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you clear your schedule for The Pharmacy Show? The advantages are immense, whether you’re managing a local pharmacy, working in primary care, or looking to advance your career:

For Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Dispensers:

Latest Products and Services: Discover hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the newest medicines, dispensing equipment, patient management systems, and innovative services that can enhance your practice and patient outcomes. See new robotics, digital tools, and health tech in action.
Clinical Updates & CPD: Access a vast program of over 150 educational sessions across multiple specialized theatres. These cover vital clinical updates, new guidelines, and emerging therapeutic areas. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points essential for revalidation.
Business & Practice Success: Learn practical strategies for improving efficiency, managing costs, driving revenue through new private services, and navigating the evolving business landscape of pharmacy.
Policy & Strategy Insights: Hear directly from leaders in NHS England, Community Pharmacy England, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and other key organizations about the future direction of pharmacy, policy changes, and how they will impact your role.
Specialized Learning: Dive into dedicated theatres focusing on areas like Integrated Care & Primary Care, Technical Services, Strategy & Policy, Technology, and more, allowing you to tailor your learning to your specific interests and needs.
Professional Development: Find sessions on career advancement, leadership skills, and how to make the most of expanded roles for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

For Pharmacy Owners and Managers:

Operational Excellence: Discover solutions for streamlining workflows, optimizing stock management, enhancing patient flow, and leveraging technology to improve overall pharmacy operations.
Revenue Generation: Learn about successful models for offering new private services, optimizing prescribing, and diversifying your pharmacy’s income streams to ensure long-term profitability.
Team Development: Find resources and training opportunities to upskill your team, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills for optimal performance.
Supplier Connections: Meet face-to-face with a huge range of suppliers for everything your pharmacy needs – from dispensing robots and point-of-sale systems to over-the-counter products and professional services.
Networking & Collaboration: Connect with thousands of fellow pharmacy owners and managers. Share experiences, discuss challenges, and discover solutions from peers who understand your day-to-day realities.

Beyond the Booths: The Pharmacy Show Experience!

Multiple Educational Theatres: With many concurrent sessions running, you can create a personalized learning agenda that directly addresses your professional needs and interests.
Hands-on Workshops: Many exhibitors and show features offer practical, interactive sessions allowing you to try out new products or techniques.
Networking Opportunities: The show provides ample time and dedicated areas for networking. It’s a fantastic chance to reunite with old colleagues, make new connections, and build valuable professional relationships.
Innovation Showcase: See the cutting edge of pharmacy technology and service delivery, giving you ideas for future improvements in your own practice.
Community Connection: Be part of a vibrant community of dedicated pharmacy professionals. It’s inspiring to see the collective passion for improving patient care.

Attending The Pharmacy Show isn’t just about ticking boxes for professional development; it’s about being at the forefront of change and innovation in pharmacy. It’s an incredible chance to learn from the best, discover powerful tools, and build connections that can truly transform your practice and empower you to provide even better care to your community. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of this essential event!

To learn more and register for your free two-day pass, visit the official website: https://www.thepharmacyshow.co.uk/