Royal College of Pharmacy to mark new chapter at first annual conference as a royal college

A speaker at RCPharm's annual conference 2024 surrounded by large white screens with blue boxes while members of the audience watch in the conference hall
(Source: The Like Minded/ RCPharm annual conference 2024)

Royal College of Pharmacy to mark new chapter at first annual conference as a royal college

Published: 30 July 2026

The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharm) will bring together pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from across Great Britain and beyond this November for its first annual conference since becoming the UK’s newest royal college.

Taking place on Friday 6 November 2026 at Convene, 133 Houndsditch, London, with the option to attend online, the conference marks an important milestone for the College and the profession, providing an opportunity to celebrate progress, share expertise and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of pharmacy.

Inspired by this year’s theme, Leading Excellence in Pharmacy – Collaboration, Innovation and Impact, the conference will focus on how pharmacy professionals can work together to advance practice, strengthen professional leadership and improve outcomes for patients.

Opening the conference, RCPharm President Tase Oputu and Interim Chief Executive Karen Baxter will reflect on the College’s progress and ambitions, while exploring how pharmacy can work in partnership with patients, colleagues and wider healthcare systems to maximise its impact. The opening plenary will focus on patients at the heart of practice and will set the agenda for a day focused on leadership, collaboration and excellence in practice.

The programme brings together leading voices from across pharmacy, healthcare, academia and technology to explore the issues shaping the profession. Across four themed streams, delegates will discuss patient safety, pharmacist prescribing, workforce development, medicines shortages, artificial intelligence, genomics, science-led practice and the role of partnership in driving innovation and improving patient care.

The conference’s closing keynote will be delivered by Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, one of the UK’s leading voices on technology and innovation. At a time of rapid technology change, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE will equip delegates with curiosity, confidence and knowledge to embrace new ways of working, build digital capability, strengthen collaboration across teams, and champion excellence not as more technology, but as better, safer, more patient-centred care supported by technology.

New for this year’s conference is an interactive Education Zone, delivered in collaboration with the United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy Association. Through practical, hands-on workshops, delegates will have the opportunity to enhance their consultation skills, develop new techniques and build confidence in applying them in practice.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore the conference’s research poster display, showcasing the latest developments in pharmacy research and to connect with presenters from across the profession.

(Source: The Like Minded/ RCPharm annual conference 2024)
(Source: The Like Minded/ RCPharm annual conference 2024)

Tase Oputu, President of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said:

“Our first Annual Conference as the Royal College of Pharmacy represents an important moment for our profession. As pharmacy continues to evolve, this conference will bring together pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists from across Great Britain and beyond to share best practice, learn from one another and explore how collaboration, innovation and professional leadership can help us deliver even greater impact for patients and the public.

“This conference reflects our commitment to supporting excellence in pharmacy and creating opportunities for pharmacy professionals to come together, exchange ideas and help shape the future of pharmacy.”

Registration for the Royal College of Pharmacy annual conference 2026 is now open. Find out more about the programme and register.

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