Cardinal Health invites independent pharmacy owners to ‘discover new horizons’ at RBC 2013

SEATTLE — Seattle is about to get its “healthy” on.

Thousands of independent pharmacists will converge upon the Emerald City for Cardinal Health’s annual Retail Business Conference from Aug. 7 to 10, and this year’s event will showcase the broad array of solutions Cardinal Health provides that help community pharmacies diversify revenue, expand market share, improve their overall business operations and improve patient care.

This year’s conference will feature the largest trade-show floor and the most exhibitors in the 23-history of RBC, Steve Lawrence, SVP retail independent sales at Cardinal Health, told DSN, with a 95,000-sq.-ft. exhibit floor and more than 330 vendors, creating a myriad of unique buying opportunities for Cardinal Health customers. RBC also will provide important networking opportunities, bringing together independent pharmacy operators from all across the country — including a large contingent of former Borschow customers from Puerto Rico — and one of the most comprehensive live, continuing education programs in the industry, with 55 courses planned in all, ranging from clinical to business operations.

“RBC is the industry’s best opportunity for independent pharmacy owners to discover new opportunities for moving their businesses forward and exceeding patient needs and expectations,” Lawrence said. “RBC is one of the largest gatherings of independent pharmacy owners in the world, offering more continuing education classes than can be found anywhere else [and] the largest trade-show floor and the most exhibitors in the show’s 23-year history. It’s a great opportunity for independent pharmacies to learn from their peers and gain valuable insight into how to improve their businesses while enjoying top-notch fun and entertainment with their families.”

With CE sessions accredited for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, the educational lineup for RBC 2013, includes —

• APhA Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery;


• Delivering Medication Therapy Management Services;


• Profit Mastery: Measuring and Managing Profitability to Improve Financial Performance;


• Fighting the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic: It Takes a Community;


• Updates in Infectious Diseases – Focus on Community-Acquired Infections;


• Pharmacy Security: A Layered Approach;


• Integration of the Pharmacy Student – Preceptor Training Hints;


• American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification.

As in years past, RBC 2013 also will feature thought-provoking business sessions, including a keynote presentation on Friday Aug. 9 from former U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator and Food and Drug Administration commissioner Mark McClellan, who will discuss the important role community pharmacy will play in healthcare reform.

Kicking things off Aug. 8, Chris Gardner, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist and single parent whose life story inspired the best-selling autobiography and award-winning film, "The Pursuit of Happyness,” will anchor the opening session lineup. Completely in line with the conference’s “Discover New Horizons” theme, Gardner — a single parent who pulled himself out of homelessness to become the founder of the brokerage firm Gardner Rich — will share his wisdom and practical guidance to encourage attendees to achieve their full potential, pursue new challenges, search for fulfillment at any stage of life and craft the legacy they want to leave behind.

RBC 2013 also will host top-flight entertainment, including comedians Ryan Hamilton (from TV’s “Last Comic Standing” and “Conan”) and Tom Cotter (from “America’s Got Talent” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”) on Aug. 8; Customer Appreciation Night, including Cardinal Heath Fan Fest and a night at the ballpark for a Seattle Mariners home game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Safeco Field, will be held on Aug. 9; and Grammy-winning musical artists Huey Lewis & The News will perform Aug. 10 during the big Final Night Celebration.

For more details on Cardinal Health RBC 2013, including the complete program agenda, visit cardinalhealth.com/rbc.

To keep up with all the news from Cardinal Health RBC 2013, visit DrugStoreNews.com/Cardinal-Health-Retail-Business-Conference-2013.

Like this story? Find us on Facebook for more insight, analysis and the latest in drug store news. Join the conversation.