The Best (and Worst) of ASHP Midyear 2024: My Honest Review

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Career Path, Industry, pharmacist, Pharmacy

I recently returned from ASHP Mid Year, and let me tell you, it was an unforgettable experience—mostly for the good, but a few things definitely left me scratching my head. It’s one of those events where you meet incredible people, learn a lot, and get inspired—but also realize there’s plenty of room for improvement. And I’m not one to shy away from sharing my honest feedback.

 

 

First off, the people at this conference are hands down some of the best in the pharmacy world. Directors, residency directors, clinicians, residents, students—you name it. The range of professionals who attend makes it feel like you’re part of a dynamic, evolving community. I met so many people in hallways, had spontaneous conversations that sparked ideas, and got to catch up with people I’ve connected with over the years. The connections alone made the trip worth it. The programming was also well organized, and the topics were relevant. The forecast updates published in December? Absolutely spot on. Experts speaking about the future of the profession? Very inspiring.

But—and here’s where the feedback comes in—there were a few things I think could have made the experience even better.

Networking Needs to Be More Seamless

In today’s digital age, the networking aspect of conferences should be seamless. ASHP, why not let attendees connect digitally using the app? The QR codes on our badges didn’t work the way I expected—they were only for exhibitors. That could have been a game-changer. Imagine this: scan someone’s badge, instantly connect through LinkedIn, and then continue your conversation. Simple, but so effective. We’re not just attending; we want to build relationships that last beyond the conference.

Give Attendees the Power to Host Meetups

While there were lots of networking sessions, there wasn’t an easy way for attendees to host their own meetups. I wanted to organize a meetup for entrepreneurs—pharmacists who’ve branched out into business, consulting, or something else outside the traditional pharmacy setting. But that’s a challenge when the structure doesn’t allow for it. Allowing attendees to create their own spaces for discussion could help cultivate deeper connections and bring even more value to the event. It’s all about empowering us to shape the experience, not just consume it.

Networking Sessions Need to Be More Authentic

Networking sessions could also use some work. I’ve been to meetups where you genuinely get to know new people, but here, it was more like sitting around discussing abstract topics. The concept is great, but the execution could use a little more spontaneity. Let people move around, meet new people, and have authentic conversations. That’s what networking should be about—making real connections, not just talking about big questions that don’t always lead anywhere.

Cut Thursday and Focus on the Key Days

On to programming—Thursday should probably just be cut. I know it’s tough to schedule everything, but by Thursday, the energy of the event is definitely winding down. The hallways are practically empty, and the speakers are left presenting to a half-hearted crowd. It’s not just disappointing for the speakers, but for attendees too. It would save everyone time and money to end it sooner and make the days leading up to it more packed and powerful.

Provide Coffee for Attendees

And while we’re saving money, how about some coffee? Yes, it might sound trivial, but after spending hundreds (or even thousands) on tickets, it would be nice to have a simple gesture like coffee available for attendees. A little caffeine can go a long way in keeping the energy high throughout the day, especially when you’re constantly on the move. Let’s face it: I’m not the only one who thrives on coffee.

Bring in Pharmacists for Keynotes

Now, don’t get me wrong—overall, I had a blast. I met incredible people, learned a ton, and walked away feeling even more motivated than before. But one thing that stood out was the keynote speaker. While innovation is important, I found it a little ironic that we had a physician as the keynote speaker. We’re pharmacists, and it would have been more impactful to hear from someone within our own profession who understands the unique challenges we face. Giving pharmacists the platform to speak about the issues that matter to us could make a big difference in the overall experience.

Improve Speaker Engagement

On the topic of speakers, some of the sessions were tough to sit through. Monotone speakers, lack of storytelling, and minimal engagement made it hard to stay interested. If there’s one area that could use a major overhaul, it’s the quality of the presentations. Some speakers could benefit from coaching on how to deliver their messages more powerfully. After all, we’ve paid a lot to be there, and the energy in the room should reflect that investment.

Improve the Convention Center Layout

One last minor gripe: the New Orleans Convention Center. It’s massive, and honestly, the layout made it a bit of a nightmare to get around. From one end to another, it felt like I was walking for miles just to get to a different session. A more compact layout would make the experience smoother and less exhausting.

Upgrade the Conference App

Finally, the app. It felt like it was from 2006. It was slow, clunky, and difficult to navigate. I spent so much time waiting for the app to load, and the map function was a mess. It shouldn’t be that hard to get a clear map of where sessions and posters are located. There’s a simple solution—use a more modern platform, like Wova, which has everything from community discussions to interactive maps. It’s an easy fix, and the app could be such a helpful tool if it were updated.

Overall, I had a blast. I met incredible people, learned a ton, and walked away feeling even more motivated than before. But I think we can do better. We can make this event more engaging, more connected, and more personal. Let’s not just be passive participants. Let’s create an experience where everyone is empowered to contribute and leave feeling like they made real, valuable connections.

Will I be back next year? Absolutely. In fact, I might even consider having my own booth. I’m all in for the potential this event has to offer. But I really hope ASHP takes some of this feedback to heart and makes the changes needed to help it reach its full potential. Because when this conference clicks, it’s one of the best investments you can make for your career. Just imagine what it could be like with a few tweaks.

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