NACDS set for annual meeting with full program, attendance boost

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Reflecting a slowly brightening economic picture, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores is reporting at least a modest upsurge in the number of attendees planning to gather this weekend in Palm Beach for the 2010 NACDS Annual Meeting.

The high-profile event, which typically draws several thousand leaders from the retail, supplier, education, consulting and service sides of the pharmacy industry, will kick off April 24 at The Breakers resort hotel. Registration, said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson, is still open.

“The highly-anticipated 2010 NACDS Annual Meeting reflects the strength of our industry and our members,” he said. “We have exceeded last year’s attendance of retailers and suppliers. A review of this year’s attendees reveals key leaders who are trendsetters within the industry.”

As before, the huge gathering will combine strategic exchange and business discussions with networking opportunities in an interactive format, along with a slew of social activities. Among the highlights:

• A “Meet the Retailer” program, which give supplier companies an opportunity for to hear from senior retail executives about how they do business;
• Two business programs, featuring remarks from outgoing NACDS chairman Andy Giancamilli, CEO of Rexall Pharma Plus; and incoming NACDS chairman Larry Merlo, president of CVS/pharmacy, along with Anderson.
• Talks during the morning general business sessions with Jim Collins, author and business consultant; and General Michael Hayden, former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency;
• Strategic Exchange meetings where trading partners can discuss strategic issues.

More information on the event can be found at www.nacds.org.