HDMA: Global opportunities to be found at pharmaceutical distribution international conference
ARLINGTON, Va. — HDMA, GIRP (the European Association of Pharmaceutical Full-line Wholesalers) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers are collaborating to convene the second annual International Pharmaceutical Distribution Conference in Brussels, Belgium, on Nov. 12–13 at the Steigenberger Wiltcher's hotel, the associations announced Tuesday.
“As many pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers look outside the U.S. to expand their portfolios and gain ideas to strategically build their businesses internationally, HDMA is continuing its efforts to bring together supply chain leaders from around the world to understand the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly globalized industry,” said HDMA president and CEO John Gray. “Following on the success of our inaugural IPDC in Beijing last year, we are pleased to work with GIRP and IFPW to present a timely and relevant program for healthcare supply chain executives engaged in the global marketplace.”
The program for 2015 will include topics such as: pharmaceutical traceability and verification systems; the impact of international trade agreements; and building collaborative supply chain partnerships. The conference also will provide discussions with a variety of European and American distribution and manufacturer executives on the challenges they face in an ever-changing industry.
René Jenny, president, GIRP, said, “The swiftly growing globalization of our industry is leading to an increased demand for international and intercontinental contacts. A joint conference between HDMA, IFPW and GIRP provides an excellent opportunity for the members of these three organizations to broaden their horizons and perspectives. I am sure that the members of our European Association GIRP will be interested to participate and benefit from it.”
“The 2015 IPDC promises to be a thought-provoking opportunity for executives to share the best operating practices and technical approaches used by today’s wholesalers and manufacturers in the ever-globalizing pharmaceutical industry,” said Mark Parrish, president, IFPW. “IFPW is delighted to partner with its members, HDMA and GIRP, to present valuable perspectives to the European pharmaceutical supply chain community, and promote an information exchange that will help lead to a safer and more efficient pharmaceutical supply chain on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Based on HDMA’s annual Distribution Management Conference (held annually in March), the IPDC brings together distribution and manufacturer executives from around the world to learn about technologies and business practices designed to preserve patient safety, enhance security and achieve efficiencies in the international arena.