McKesson ideaShare 2011 to Bring Together Thousands of Independent Pharmacy Owners and Pharmacists in San Francisco

"No one understands my business like other independent pharmacy owners, which is why the collaboration and peer interaction at McKesson ideaShare are so valuable in helping me identify strategies to not only successfully drive my business forward, but also network with fellow pharmacists and share in the future of our industry," said Seamus Kloos, pharmacist, Moody Health Mart, IL.

"For more than 30 years, McKesson has invited the best and brightest community pharmacists to come together to share the best practices and business-building strategies they need to compete and grow. Through this collaboration and McKesson's ongoing commitment to providing robust clinical, operational and technology solutions, independent pharmacies can focus on delivering care that is accessible, high quality and affordable," said Brian S. Tyler, president, McKesson U.S. Pharmaceutical.

Previously known as the McKesson Pharmacy Strategies Conference, this annual event has been renamed McKesson ideaShare to underscore its focus on facilitating the exchange of ideas, best practices and innovation among thousands of independent pharmacy owners from around the country. McKesson ideaShare 2011 will feature more than 35 expert-led sessions, including Continuing Education (CE) courses and a Public Policy Forum, as well as showcase the core retailing principles that have led to the continued growth and success of Health Mart®, including being ranked as a Top Pharmacy Brand in the May 2011 Consumer Reports Drug Store Report and recognized as a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion. Special guests Jim Carroll, world-renowned thought leader on business trends, idea generation and innovation, and Joe Flower, healthcare futurist, will join McKesson and other industry subject-matter experts on stage this year.

"With 95 percent of Americans living within five miles of an independent pharmacy, more and more value is being placed on the clinical expertise of community pharmacists. However, these critical community leaders continue to face economic and policy reform pressures. The key to McKesson ideaShare is to accentuate the entrepreneurial spirit of independent pharmacy owners, while giving them the tools they need to focus on what they do best - providing high-touch, personalized care," added Tyler.

Conference Highlights
Attendees will enjoy the following key events and sessions during the conference:

Opening General Session
McKesson senior executives and Jim Carroll, world-renowned thought leader on business trends, idea generation and innovation will inspire attendees to reframe the opportunities for growth in today's dynamic and highly competitive business climate.

Health Mart® Annual Meeting and Health Mart® University
Health Mart®, the nation's fourth-largest pharmacy network, will host its Annual Meeting where franchisees will come together to share and learn about the solutions, resources and best practices to help them grow their businesses by attracting more customers, maximizing profitability and enhancing operational efficiency. After the Health Mart Annual Meeting, Health Mart University will facilitate regional discussion and action-planning groups, as well as targeted interactive seminars on key topics to drive efficiency and profitability, with special emphasis on clinical services, marketing, technology and pharmacy operations.

Public Policy Forum
Healthcare futurist Joe Flower will keynote this year's Forum. With more than 30 years of experience, Flower is a premier thought leader on the deep forces changing healthcare in the U.S. Additionally, Ann Richardson Berkey, McKesson's SVP of public affairs, and a panel of policy experts and independent pharmacy owners will share their ideas and best practices to help attendees seize emerging opportunities and navigate change.

Continuing Education Courses
More than 35 accredited Continuing Education sessions will offer independent pharmacy owners and pharmacists the ongoing knowledge they need to ensure business success. McKesson ideaShare sessions will feature the latest thinking and best practices from experts in clinical services, new drug therapies, marketing, merchandising, financial management and succession planning.

Exhibit Floor
Some 200 exhibitors will display the latest solutions for retail pharmacy, including diabetes care and home healthcare products, retail accessories, and pharmacy technology and automation. Attendees can also take advantage of special deals.

Conference Registration

• Conference registration is still open at http://www.mckessontradeshow.com/registration.html
• Access to conference information such as a detailed schedule of events, CE session listings, exhibitor list, San Francisco city information and more will be available by going to www.tripbuilder.mobi/mpsc2011

Become a Fan

• Become a fan of McKesson ideaShare Conference on Facebook.

For more information about McKesson ideaShare, please visit www.mckessontradeshow.com.

About McKesson
McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 15th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to making the business of healthcare run better. We partner with payers, hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and others across the spectrum of care to build healthier organizations that deliver better care to patients in every setting. McKesson helps its customers improve their financial, operational and clinical performance with solutions that include pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management, healthcare information technology, and business and clinical services. For more information, visit http://www.mckesson.com.

PR Contact

Grow Marketing
Katie Sarro
Phone: 415.440.1265
E-mail: katie.sarro@grow-marketing.com