Member Summit 2026
Heroes of a Healthier Future
Join us for IPA Member Summit 2026 in Cairns — bringing together pharmacy owners, pharmacy managers, industry partners and the wider IPA network to celebrate the role independent pharmacy plays in community health, and demonstrate the progress IPA is making to better support your pharmacy for the long term.
Throughout the Summit, we will show how IPA is backing your pharmacy with the strategy, tools, marketing, and investment to help you continue serving your community sustainably, confidently, and profitably.
You will hear more about IPA’s three-year plan and the key strategies designed to support every part of your pharmacy — including professional services, dispensary, merchandise, middle-of-shop, and front-of-shop.
Member Summit 2026 is also an opportunity to connect with fellow members, share ideas, learn from industry partners and celebrate the strength of the IPA network.
Because the future of community health in Australia depends on independent pharmacy owners continuing to show up — and IPA’s role is to make sure you can.
Special Member Registration Packages from $765 all inclusive > Find out more
Keynote Speakers
Hear from an outstanding lineup of industry leaders, innovators and experts as they share practical insights, fresh ideas and real-world strategies to help shape the future of independent pharmacy.
From healthcare policy and emerging industry trends to leadership, technology and business transformation, our keynote speakers will challenge your thinking, inspire new ideas and provide actionable takeaways you can implement in your pharmacy.
Meet our first announced speakers below, with more exciting announcements coming soon.
TRENT TWOMEY
National President, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
Championing the future of community pharmacy
Bringing a powerful voice for the profession, Trent will share his perspective on the changing healthcare landscape, expanding scope of practice and the opportunities ahead for community pharmacy.
PROFESSOR THE HON GREG HUNT
Former Australian Government Minister for Health
The changing shape of Australia’s healthcare ecosystem and why community pharmacy remains the critical enabler
Professor Hunt will share his insights on the future of community pharmacy in conversation with Steven Kastrinakis.
STEVEN KASTRINAKIS
Managing Director & Pharmacist
Independent Pharmaces Australia
Leading independent pharmacy forward
Steven will unveil how IPA is investing in the future of our members, with a clear strategy to strengthen independent pharmacies, support sustainable growth and help them lead care in their communities.
PAUL CROSS
Strategic Health Policy Analyst & Pharma Dispatch Publisher
Navigating the forces shaping pharmacy
With deep experience across government, policy and the pharmaceutical industry, Paul will unpack the political, commercial and global forces influencing pharmacy — and what they mean for owners.
JULIAN MOORE
AI Strategist
Preparing leaders for an AI-powered future
Julian will bring the future into focus, exploring how AI is already changing business, communication and member engagement — and how leaders can use it to create real impact.
ANDREW KLEIN
Summit MC
Connecting ideas, creating energy and inspiring conversation
As our Summit MC, Andrew will bring the program together with energy, insight and plenty of audience connection, ensuring every session delivers and every conversation counts.
TRACEY COOPER
Principal Consultant – Strategy and Marketing, Independent Pharmacies Australia
National reach. Local impact. Customer growth.
Tracey will share IPA’s Marketing Strategy and how every program is designed to make an impact locally. From building national awareness to driving customers into member pharmacies, the focus is clear: marketing that connects with local communities and delivers measurable customer growth.
NADER MITRI
General Manager, Chemist Discount Centre & Pharmacist, Independent Pharmacies Australia
Making delivering care and value possible
A pharmacist, pharmacy owner and experienced operational leader, Nader brings a powerful combination of frontline insight, strategic thinking and a passion for innovation. He will explore how practical solutions, technology and patient-first models can help pharmacies expand their impact, strengthen performance and deliver even more value to their communities.
GEORGE VATOUSIOS
General Manager Sales & Pharmacist
Independent Pharmacies Australia
Turning strategy into stronger pharmacy performance
With more than two decades of experience across pharmacy, healthcare and commercial leadership, George brings a sharp focus on growth, execution and member success. He will share practical insights into the opportunities available across the IPA network and how pharmacy owners can strengthen performance, engage their teams and build more sustainable businesses for the future.
JEFF FROUD
General Manager IPA Media and Strategic Partnerships, Independent Pharmacies Australia
Turning national media into local pharmacy growth
Jeff will share how IPA Retail Media connects national awareness with local pharmacy activation across the path to purchase. Drawing on the pilot results, he will outline the opportunity to reach more customers, influence shopping behaviour and deliver measurable growth for member pharmacies.
SANDY MELLIS
Chief Commercial Officer, DBG Health
Turning scale into stronger commercial outcomes
Sandy will show how the strength of the DBG and Arrotex partnership translates into better outcomes for member pharmacies—from greater buying power and reliable supply to stronger brands and consumer marketing investment. The focus is not simply on what the partnership provides, but how it can improve margin, drive customer demand and deliver a stronger pharmacy P&L.
ADAM DUBRICH
Chief Marketing Officer, Arrotex
Turning partnership strength into pharmacy performance
Adam will bring the Arrotex perspective, showing how portfolio scale, supply reliability and continued investment in brands translate into better commercial outcomes for member pharmacies. Together with Sandy, he will demonstrate how the DBG and Arrotex partnership can protect margin, support dependable day-to-day operations and drive more customers to the pharmacy.
MIKE DA GAMA
Executive General Manager Customer Solutions, AXE Health
Making pharmacy programs simpler, smarter and more profitable
Mike will show how My PharmaPrograms Pro helps pharmacy teams identify eligible patients, simplify program delivery and track opportunities more effectively. He will demonstrate how better technology can reduce administrative burden, support stronger patient engagement and turn professional services into a more consistent and sustainable part of pharmacy growth.
Evening Functions
Welcome Drinks with our Sponsors
Tuesday 15 September
Settle into the Summit and catch up with friends over drinks and canapés. Network with sponsors and learn about the latest products, services, and offers that can help you improve the health of your customers and community.
Tropical Night Safari Cocktail Party
Wednesday 16 September
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the IPA Member Summit Cocktail Party.
Join fellow members, industry partners and the IPA team at Hemingway’s Brewery for a night of drinks, canapés, networking and live entertainment from Jords & Drew Duo, as we celebrate the relationships that make our network stronger.
This year’s Tropical Night Safari theme invites you to embrace the adventure with tropical prints, khakis and safari-inspired style. Whether you go all out or keep it casual, it’s set to be a fun-filled evening you won’t want to miss.
Gala and Awards Evening
Thursday 17 September
The Gala & Awards Evening is the premier social event of IPA Member Summit 2026, bringing together members, suppliers and industry leaders for a night of celebration, recognition and entertainment.
Join us as we honour the winners of the IPA Pharmacy Excellence Awards and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams and pharmacies from across the IPA network. Enjoy a three-course dinner before Furnace and the Fundamentals take the stage with their high-energy performance, delivering an unforgettable night of live entertainment.
Whether you’re cheering on finalists, celebrating with colleagues or dancing the night away, the Gala & Awards Evening promises to be a highlight of the Member Summit experience.
Recognising Excellence in Community Pharmacy
The annual IPA Pharmacy Excellence Awards honour outstanding individuals and teams that elevate the standard of community pharmacy across Australia.
These prestigious awards will be presented at the Gala and Awards Evening, celebrating the innovation, dedication and commitment of IPA members who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional healthcare and strengthening their local communities.
Congratulations to our 2026 Award Finalists. We are proud to recognise this year’s outstanding individuals and pharmacies, selected from an exceptional field of nominations across Australia.
2026 Award Categories
- Pharmacist of the Year
- Retail Manager of the Year
- Professional Services Innovation
- Community Engagement
- State Group Pharmacy of the Year (NSW/ ACT, QLD/NT, VIC/TAS, WA/SA)
- National Pharmacy of the Year
- Here for Good Award
Program
| Monday 14th Sept | Tuesday 15th Sept | Wednesday 16th Sept | Thursday 17th Sept | Friday 18th Sept |
| Pre-arrivals Optional activities: – Kuranda Half Day Tour – Green Island Half-Day Tour – Jet Boating – Calm Water Estuary Fishing Tour – Golf 18 Holes at Cairns Golf Club | 8.30pm Chemist Discount Centre Pre-Summit Session 12.00pm Registration and Lunch 1.00pm Welcome 1.15pm Steven Kastrinakis – Managing Director & Pharmaicst, IPA 2.00pm Trent Twomey – National President, Pharmacy Guild of Australia 2.45pm Break 3.15pm Julian Moore – AI Specialist 4.15pm Sandy Mellis – Chief Commercial Officer, DBG 5.15pm Day 1 End 7.00pm Partner Village Welcome Function | 8.30am Conference Sessions commence 8.40am George Vatousios – General Manager Sales, IPA & Nader Mitri – General Manager CDC, IPA 9.10am Barry Thatcher – Thatcher Finance 9.25am James Reid – Head of Pharmacy Catalyst, IPA 10.00am Morning Tea and Partner Village 10.55am Paul Cross – Founder at Daily Dispatch | Health Policy & Political Analyst | Pharma Media Publisher 12.00pm Lunch and Partner Village 1.00pm Steven Kastrinakis in Conversation with Greg Hunt – Former Federal Member for Flinders/Minister for Health at Parliament of Australia 2.00pm Sandy Mellisb – Chief Commercial Officer – DBG & Adam Dubrich – Chief Marketing Officer – Arrotex 3.00pm Afternoon Tea and Partner Village 4.00pm Panel Session 5.00pm Day 2 End 6.30pm Tropical Night Safari Cocktail Party | 8.30am Conference Sessions commence 8.40am Tracey Cooper – IPA 9.40am Jeff Froud – IPA 10.35am Morning Tea and Partner Village 11.05am Mike Da Gama – DBG EGM Customer Solutions 11.30am John Kardis – Buy IT Right Manager, DBG 12.00pm Lunch and Partner Village 1.15pm George Vatousios – General Manager Sales, IPA & Nader Mitri – General Manager CDC, IPA 2.20pm Steven Kastrinakis – Managing Director & Pharmacist, IPA 3.00pm Day 3 End 6.30pm Member Summit 2026 Gala & Awards Dinner | Departures |
Please note: This is a preliminary program only. The full event program, including speakers, sessions and timings, will be released closer to the event date and is subject to change.
Location
Set against the backdrop of Tropical North Queensland, the Cairns Convention Centre is the perfect venue for IPA Member Summit 2026. Combining modern conference facilities with the relaxed atmosphere of one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, Cairns offers the ideal environment to learn, network and recharge.
Located in the heart of the city and just moments from the waterfront, delegates can enjoy easy access to accommodation, dining and local attractions while connecting with pharmacy owners, industry leaders and partners from across the country. From insightful conference sessions to memorable evening events, Cairns provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable Summit experience.
This year’s Summit is proudly supported by Tourism Tropical North Queensland. For further information on Cairns and the surrounding Tropical North Queensland regions click HERE
Accommodation
We have secured a range of accommodation options across Cairns. Your specific hotel allocation will be confirmed closer to the event.
Should you wish to extend your stay before or after the conference, you can request additional accommodation through the registration platform.
For more information email: ipasummit@eventuate.com.au or phone: 03 9116 5644.
Registration & Activities
REGISTER NOW for a chance to WIN a Tropical Getaway to Hamilton Island for 2 for 5 nights, valued at $7500.
The winner will be drawn at the Summit and you must be in attendance to win. (T&Cs apply).
Special Member Registration Packages
We’re excited to offer special registration packages that include accommodation and return flights, making it easier and more affordable for members to attend Summit.
To ensure every member pharmacy has the opportunity to attend, the Special Member Registration Packages are limited to two Full Member Delegate registrations per pharmacy.
As part of the Early Bird incentive, flights must be booked by 17 August to ensure travel arrangements can be confirmed. Flights will not be arranged after this date. Any changes or amendments after booking may incur additional fees.
All prices are inclusive of GST. For more information email: ipasummit@eventuate.com.au or phone: 03 9116 5644.
| Registration Options | Early Bird ends 17 August | After 18 August Flights not included |
| Full Member Delegate + Spouse – Includes flights and accommodation* Inclusions 1 Full Member Delegate registration Access to all Summit sessions over 2.5 days Entry to all evening events, including live entertainment 1 Spouse registration Access to evening events only, including live entertainment Accommodation 3 nights’ accommodation (15-17 Sept) at a preferred hotel Twin/King Room, subject to availability 2 x return flights Return economy airfares are included up to a maximum value of $800 per person and must be booked by 3 August. Flights will not be arranged after this date. Where the cost of return flights exceeds $800 per person, the additional cost will be payable. Standard checked baggage inclusions apply. Oversized baggage, including items such as golf clubs, is not included. Members travelling from Hobart, Launceston, Perth and Adelaide will depart on 14 September. Any changes or amendments after booking may incur additional fees. One additional night’s accommodation will be arranged where required. | $1,205 | $1,205 excludes flights |
| Full Member Delegate – Includes flights and accommodation* Inclusions Access to all Summit sessions over 2.5 days Entry to all evening events, including live entertainment Accommodation 3 nights’ accommodation (15-17 Sept) at a preferred hotel Twin/King Room, subject to availability 1 x return flight Return economy airfares are included up to a maximum value of $800 per person and must be booked by 17 August. Flights will not be arranged after this date. Where the cost of return flights exceeds $800 per person, the additional cost will be payable. Standard checked baggage inclusions apply. Oversized baggage, including items such as golf clubs, is not included. Members travelling from Hobart, Launceston, Perth and Adelaide will depart on 14 September. Any changes or amendments after booking may incur additional fees. One additional night’s accommodation will be arranged where required. | $765 | $765 excludes flights |
Additional Delegate Options
If more than 2 delegates per pharmacy wish to attend, we have the following options.
Please note that accommodation and flights are not included for these options.
For more information email: ipasummit@eventuate.com.au or phone: 03 9116 5644.
| Registration | Early Bird Ends 17 August | Standard From 18 August |
| Full Member Delegate (Conference Only)* Inclusions: Access to all Summit sessions over 2.5 days Entry to all evening events – complete with live entertainment | $545 | $545 |
| Member Day Delegate + Evening Function* Inclusions: Wednesday or Thursday Summit Session One evening function – complete with live entertainment | $435 | $435 |
| Guest Delegate (Children Under 12)* Inclusions: Evening functions only – Tuesday and Wednesday – complete with live entertainment. | $121 | $121 |
Activities
If you are arriving on Monday, 14 September we have curated a range of optional pre-conference activities, perfect for those travelling with family or looking to explore the region before the conference begins.
These activities are available at an additional cost and can be selected and booked via the registration platform.
Please note that some activities require a minimum number of participants to proceed. If the minimum booking requirement is not met, the activity will be cancelled, your payment will be fully refunded, and you will be notified accordingly.
For more information email: ipasummit@eventuate.com.au or phone: 03 9116 5644.
| Activity | Cost |
| Kuranda Half-Day Tour Delegates can enjoy a scenic half-day journey to and around Kuranda, travelling through lush rainforest aboard a historic train and exploring the charming village before returning. Members will have 2 hours of free time in Kuranda Village plus entry to either Kuranda Koala Gardens or Birdworld. Pickup from Cairns hotels from 11.45am, return to Cairns by 5.30pm | $160.00 per adult |
| Green Island Half-Day Tour Depart Cairns Marina on the Big Cat and head to picturesque Green Island. There is approximately 2.5 hours free time to explore the island and partake in a choice of either a glass-bottom boat tour of the surrounding coral, or snorkelling. Price of glass bottom boat or snorkelling is included in the price. Depart Cairns Marina at 12.45pm, returning at 5.00pm | $122.00 per person |
| Jet Boating Participants will experience the thrills of jet boating along the Cairns waterfront with spins, slides and incredible speed Jet Boat departs Marina at 2.00pm (35 minute ride) | $95.00 per person |
| Calm Water Estuary Fishing Tour Passengers enjoy a relaxed fishing experience on calm estuary waters, perfect for all skill levels, with the chance to reel in a variety of local species, including barramundi, mangrove jack, threadfin salmon, or Trevally. Departs Marina at 12.30pm for 4 hours. | $150.00 per person |
| Golf 18 Holes at Cairns Golf Club Join us for an afternoon of golf at the stunning Cairns Golf Club, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members and suppliers ahead of the conference. Your golf package includes return hotel transfers, 18 holes of golf, shared cart hire, food and beverages throughout the day, and post-golf drinks from 5:00pm. Please note: Golf clubs are not included in the package. Club hire is available directly through Cairns Golf Club at an additional cost. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own clubs; however, any airline oversized luggage charges associated with transporting personal clubs will be at the attendee’s expense. | $150 per person |
This year’s Summit is proudly supported by Tourism Tropical North Queensland. For further information on Cairns and the surrounding Tropical North Queensland regions click HERE
