ideaShare 2012

With just about two weeks to go before the big kick off of McKesson’s ideaShare 2012 Conference, DSN caught up with McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical SVP of marketing Kevin Kettler to discuss the vision behind ideaShare, how the annual conference has evolved over the years and why it is more important than ever for pharmacists to attend.



DSN: What is McKesson ideaShare?



Kevin Kettler: McKesson ideaShare is an opportunity for community pharmacy owners and representatives to network and inspire each other. McKesson facilitates this annual event to provide hands-on demonstrations, the latest in trends and technology, special deals and in-depth industry knowledge from thought leaders and peers. This year, McKesson ideaShare is taking place at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, June 24 to 28, 2012.



DSN: How did McKesson come up with the name ideaShare?



Kettler: Since our inception nearly 180 years ago, we’ve collaborated with retail pharmacists to deliver the best possible care to their communities. And for more than three decades, the best and brightest independent, small and medium chain pharmacists have joined together once a year to share in the education, excitement and success of community pharmacy at McKesson’s annual Trade Show and Conference. It seemed fitting to announce ideaShare as the name for our conference since it embodies the spirit of collaboration, involvement and learning that is unique to McKesson. 



DSN: Why should community pharmacists attend McKesson ideaShare?



Kettler: McKesson fully believes in the future of community pharmacy and is committed to better business health of community pharmacies. By attending ideaShare, pharmacists can find solutions designed to help them grow their business. Attendees benefit from special purchase opportunities and key learnings from industry experts, while also having the opportunity to interact directly with their peers to share ideas focused on business growth. Every year, we hear stories from our customers about how they came to ideaShare with a specific business challenge in mind to address and left with an action plan for tackling it.



DSN: Can you provide a sneak preview of new services or solutions that will be unveiled at ideaShare?



Kettler: We’re excited to highlight solutions that will help community pharmacists become more efficient and profitable. By incorporating these solutions into their business, pharmacists can find additional sources of revenue, foster patient loyalty and grow their customer base. McKesson will also unveil new technology that will better connect pharmacists to their patients and healthcare providers in the community. One of the reasons why many of our customers attend ideaShare is to hear first-hand how our solutions contribute to business growth and the opportunity to engage in-person with McKesson experts on how best to implement them.



DSN: What will be some of the highlights of McKesson ideaShare 2012?



Kettler: McKesson ideaShare 2012 will feature dozens of expert-led sessions, including:

• Opening General Session with internationally sought-after business consultant Joseph Michelli, who will share his perspective on idea generation and best practices to fuel business growth.


• Public Policy Forum with Washington D.C. veteran Norm Ornstein, who will highlight the key political issues shaping this year’s election and how they will impact the retail pharmacy industry.

In addition, attendees can register for accredited CE courses on topics, including clinical services, new drug therapies, marketing, merchandising, financial management and succession planning.



More importantly, McKesson will provide the various opportunities throughout the week for pharmacists to hear real-life success stories from their peers on growing profits and enhancing patient care.