Ever thought about how much your local pharmacy does for you and your community, beyond just dispensing medicines? From offering vital health advice and vaccinations to managing complex health conditions, pharmacists and their teams are at the very heart of healthcare. The world of pharmacy is always changing, with new medicines, new services, and new challenges appearing all the time. If you’re a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, manager, owner, or anyone working to support this crucial sector, then The Pharmacy Show is the event you absolutely must attend. It’s not just a show; it’s the “UK’s largest pharmacy event for professionals and industry,” a place where the future of pharmacy comes into sharp focus!

Imagine stepping into a massive, lively hall, buzzing with fellow professionals, innovative new products, and inspiring ideas. You’ll see the latest in pharmacy technology, discover new ways to improve patient care, learn about essential business strategies, and connect with people who truly understand the unique world of pharmacy. This show is all about helping you equip yourself with practical solutions, expert guidance, and vital connections to thrive in today’s ever-changing healthcare landscape. It’s your chance to pick up actionable insights, find reliable suppliers, and get truly excited about the positive impact you can make in your community. Get ready to transform your practice!

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

Ready to boost your pharmacy career or business? Here are the key details for The Pharmacy Show at the NEC Birmingham:

• Location: NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom. The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is a huge, well-known venue located just outside the vibrant city of Birmingham. Its spacious halls and fantastic transport links make it the perfect setting for bringing together the entire pharmacy community.
• Dates: Mark your calendars for October 12th to October 13th, 2025. This is a focused two-day event, packed with opportunities for learning, networking, and discovery.
• Timings:
  • Sunday, October 12th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday, October 13th, 2025: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (The second day typically closes a bit earlier)
• Cost: Access to The Pharmacy Show is designed specifically for healthcare and pharmacy professionals:
  • Free-to-Attend for UK-Registered Professionals: The excellent news is that entry to The Pharmacy Show is generally FREE to attend for all UK-registered healthcare and pharmacy professionals who pre-register online. This includes pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy support staff, prescribers, general practitioners, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in pharmacy practice. You will need to provide your professional details during registration to receive your complimentary pass.
  • Commercial Delegate Pass: If you do not meet the criteria for a free pass (for example, if you work for a commercial company not exhibiting), you may be able to apply for a commercial delegate pass, which typically has a fee (e.g., around £99+VAT).
  • On-Site Registration: While pre-registration is free, it’s always best to pre-register online to save time and avoid any queues on the day.
  • Undergraduate Students and Minors: To comply with professional codes of conduct (like the ABPI Code of Practice), undergraduate students and minors under the age of 18 are generally not allowed to attend the show.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

The NEC Birmingham is known for being incredibly well-connected, making your journey to The Pharmacy Show straightforward:

• By Train: The easiest way to get to the NEC is by train to Birmingham International station. This station is directly connected to the NEC via a covered walkway (the “Bridgelink”), meaning you don’t even need to go outside. Birmingham International has excellent connections to major cities like London (Euston), Birmingham New Street, and various locations across the UK.
• By Car: The NEC is situated close to the UK’s main motorway network (M1, M5, M6, M40, M42), making it very accessible by car from all directions. Use the postcode B40 1NT for your sat nav. There are over 16,500 parking spaces on-site, and a free shuttle bus service usually runs between the car parks and the venue during show hours. You can often pre-pay for parking online to save money (typically around £5) and avoid payment queues on the day.
• By Air: If you’re flying into Birmingham, Birmingham Airport (BHX) is literally next door to the NEC. You can walk or take the free “Air-Rail Link” monorail directly from the airport terminal to Birmingham International train station, which then connects to the NEC.
• By Bus/Coach: The Birmingham International Interchange (next to the train station) is a hub for local bus services and national coach services (National Express, Megabus), offering connections to various parts of Birmingham and across the UK.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, the area around the NEC and Birmingham offers a wide variety of choices to suit every budget:

• On-Site / Closest to NEC: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the NEC campus or within a very short walk. These are perfect for those who want to be first on the exhibition floor each morning and maximise their time at the show. Look for options like the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Genting Hotel at Resorts World Birmingham, Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC, Moxy Birmingham NEC, Holiday Inn Express Birmingham NEC, and ibis Styles Birmingham NEC & Airport.
• Resorts World Birmingham: Located right next to the NEC, Resorts World offers not just the Genting Hotel but also a range of restaurants, bars, a cinema, and shops, providing entertainment options after the show.
• Birmingham Airport Area: Many hotels are clustered around Birmingham Airport, offering a quick shuttle ride or walk to the NEC, and often good value.
• Birmingham City Centre: For those who prefer to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, dining, and attractions, staying in Birmingham city centre is a great option. It’s just a 10-15 minute train ride from Birmingham New Street station directly to Birmingham International/NEC. There’s a huge selection of hotels to suit all budgets.
• Booking Tip: The Pharmacy Show is a very popular annual event, attracting thousands of professionals. Hotels, especially those closest to the NEC, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. 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 often partners with specialist accommodation agencies (like Event Express) to provide discounted hotel accommodation and flexible cancellation policies exclusively for attendees.

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The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for The Pharmacy Show? The advantages are immense for any “pharmacy professional” or anyone connected to this vital “industry”:

• Unparalleled Educational Content: This is a major highlight. You can attend over 150 educational sessions presented by more than 200 expert speakers across 9 dedicated theatres. These sessions cover a huge range of topics essential for modern pharmacy practice, including:
  • Clinical Updates: The latest in disease management, new medicines, and patient care pathways.
  • Pharmacy First & New Services: Understanding and implementing new national services (like Pharmacy First in England), and developing private services (e.g., ear wax removal, minor ailments).
  • Business & Management: Strategies for optimising profit, managing staff, financial planning, and tackling regulations.
  • Technology & Digital Health: Embracing new pharmacy management systems, digital tools, and telehealth solutions.
  • Wellbeing & Workforce: Sessions focused on supporting the mental health of pharmacy teams and addressing staffing challenges.
  • Public Health & Prevention: Community pharmacy’s role in vaccination programmes, health inequalities, and promoting healthy living.
  • Practical & Consultation Skills: Hands-on workshops to boost your clinical and patient interaction abilities (e.g., using diagnostic equipment, consultation techniques).
• Connect with Hundreds of Suppliers: The bustling exhibition hall features over 300 leading companies showcasing the latest innovations, products, and services. You can explore:
  • Pharmacy management software and IT solutions.
  • Dispensing robots and automation.
  • Medical equipment and diagnostic tools.
  • OTC (over-the-counter) products and new ranges.
  • Consultation room furniture and fit-out services.
  • Training providers and professional development resources.
  • Business services (e.g., accountancy, legal, recruitment).
  • Wholesalers and distributors.
• Practical Solutions for Everyday Challenges: The show is designed to equip you with clear strategies and practical solutions that you can implement immediately in your pharmacy. Whether it’s streamlining operations, improving patient safety, or enhancing revenue, you’ll find actionable insights.
• Unrivalled Networking Opportunities: The Pharmacy Show is one of the only times each year when thousands of “pharmacy professionals” gather in one place. It’s a fantastic chance to:
  • Connect with like-minded peers, share experiences, and discuss common challenges.
  • Reunite with old colleagues and build new professional relationships.
  • Meet with key decision-makers, suppliers, and industry leaders face-to-face.
  • Special networking zones and events (like the Pharmacy Owners’ Forum and the general Networking Zone) are dedicated to facilitating these important connections.
• Hands-On Learning & Workshops: For those who learn best by doing, the show offers dedicated hands-on workshops directly on the show floor. This allows you to test new products and solutions, practice new skills, and get a firsthand feel for advancements in pharmacy.
• Shape the Future of Pharmacy: By attending and participating in discussions, you can contribute your voice and help shape the ongoing development and improvement of the pharmacy sector in the UK.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Attending The Pharmacy Show ensures you stay updated on the latest trends, regulations, business models, and clinical advancements, helping you future-proof your pharmacy and practice.
• Meet Thought Leaders: Hear from influential figures, TV health experts, and leaders from professional bodies who provide high-level insights into the direction of the pharmacy sector.

Attending The Pharmacy Show isn’t just about gaining CPD hours; it’s about investing in your professional growth, finding innovative solutions, and connecting with the community that drives pharmacy forward. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and ultimately strengthen your pharmacy business. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the “UK’s largest pharmacy event for professionals and industry”!

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