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Key Points

• Thousands of independent community pharmacy professionals gathered in Denver for McKesson ideaShare 2026, McKesson's annual event for independent community pharmacy.
• Artificial intelligence was the central theme, with sessions and hands-on experiences exploring how technology can help independent pharmacies strengthen operations and prepare for the future.
• Advocacy remained a major focus, with applications now open for 2027 McKesson Amplify funding to support state pharmacy association efforts.
• Three honors were awarded: Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year, the Trailblazer Award and the Going the Distance Award.
• Save the date: will be held June 24-27 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Thousands of independent pharmacy professionals gathered in Denver for exploring interactive AI demonstrations, advancing advocacy efforts and celebrating the pharmacies and leaders shaping the future of community care.

Independent community pharmacies are navigating one of the most dynamic periods in their history. This premier annual event for independent community pharmacy delivered several days of education, networking and collaboration built around a single idea: that independent pharmacy customers foster connection, discover ways to innovate and thrive, and engage in informed advocacy on issues affecting the independent pharmacy community. 

For McKesson, the gathering reflected a broader enterprise commitment to community pharmacy and to advancing health outcomes for the patients these businesses serve.

"Independent pharmacies play a vital role in care delivery, with patients relying on them not only for prescriptions, but also personalized support with an increasing range of clinical services," said Crystal Lennartz, PharmD, MBA, President, Health Mart and Health Mart Atlas.

A Strategic Gathering for Independent Pharmacy

McKesson ideaShare has long served as a strategic resource for independent pharmacies rather than a conventional trade show. Its purpose is to equip pharmacy owners and their teams with the tools, strategies and connections they need to strengthen their businesses and elevate patient care. The 2026 program reflected that mission with a full mix of education sessions, an expansive product showcase, peer networking and the awards that close out each year's gathering.

A Focus on AI and Emerging Technology 

Artificial intelligence emerged as the central theme of McKesson ideaShare 2026. Jason Dorsey delivered a brand-new keynote on one of the biggest challenges facing independent pharmacy today: practical AI implementation. He dug into how different generations on their team approach, and resist, new technology. Attendees participated in tech-focused education sessions and explored interactive AI demonstrations designed specifically for independent pharmacy operations. On the show floor, pharmacy owners and staff explored new tools and met with technology vendors that are building solutions for community care.

The goal was to help show what’s possible through two interactive demonstrations: one centered on advocacy and the other on operational efficiency.

Amplifying the Independent Pharmacy Voice Through Advocacy

McKesson ideaShare 2026 underscored how advocacy is protecting and advancing independent pharmacy at the local, state and national levels. Central to that effort is McKesson Amplify, McKesson's ongoing commitment to funding state pharmacy association advocacy work. 

Applications for 2027 McKesson Amplify funding are now open, and eligible state pharmacy associations are encouraged to apply by June 30, 2026.

Recognizing Excellence

Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year

This annual honor recognizes excellence across patient care, business innovation, and community impact—culminating in a live, onsite attendee vote. This year, Mace’s Pharmacy was selected as the 2026 Health Mart Pharmacy of the Year from three outstanding finalists:

• Butterfield's Pharmacyin Port St. Lucie, Florida
• Latham's Pharmacyin Arab, Alabama
• Mace's Pharmacyin Phillipi, West Virginia

Trailblazer Award

Shahida Choudhry, PharmD, owner of Palms Pharmacy in Tampa, Florida, received the Trailblazer Award for redefining what is possible in independent pharmacy through innovative care delivery and advocacy. 

Going the Distance Award

CHCC Outpatient Pharmacy in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, earned the Going the Distance Award for expanding access to care and maintaining uninterrupted service despite geographic isolation, severe weather and supply chain challenges. 

McKesson ideaShare 2026 Product Showcase  

The McKesson ideaShare 2026 Product Showcase highlighted solutions designed to help independent community pharmacies strengthen their operations, expand patient care and meet evolving community needs. For the first time at McKesson ideaShare, attendees evaluated these tools and voted on the solutions they believe could have the greatest impact on their business and the patients they serve. Additional details including category winners and honored solutions can be 

Looking Ahead

The momentum from McKesson ideaShare 2026 carries directly into the work ahead for independent pharmacies as they innovate, advocate and serve their communities.