Thank You for Making APEX 2026 Our Best Conference Yet!

Thank you for being part of APEX 2026! Your energy, engagement and commitment to independent pharmacy helped make this year’s conference one to remember. We are grateful to have shared this experience with our members, partners and guests, and we look forward to seeing you again at APEX 2027!

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American Pharmacies Team Honors President Laird Leavoy for His Courageous Leadership

The American Pharmacies team had the special honor of surprising President Laird Leavoy with a heartfelt tribute in recognition of his courage, leadership, perseverance and unwavering commitment to the people and mission of American Pharmacies. The team presented Laird with a framed portrait symbolizing the “Circle of Safety,” a leadership principle made widely known in Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last, which represents the environment great leaders create when people feel protected, trusted and supported.

The meaning also reflects a timeless lesson found in Aesop’s fables: true strength is found in unity. Just as those who stand together are harder to break, Laird’s leadership has helped protect and strengthen a company culture rooted in unity, trust, integrity and a robust willingness to act. The tribute was a sincere thank you for the way he leads — with heart, courage and purpose — and for serving as a protector of the values that keep American Pharmacies moving forward together.

U.S. Senator Ed Markey Honored with Champion of Pharmacy Award

American Pharmacies was honored to welcome U.S. Senator Ed Markey to APEX 2026. Senator Markey spoke directly to American Pharmacies members about the vital role independent pharmacies play in serving patients, families and communities. His remarks reflected his continued commitment to protecting access to pharmacy care, supporting independent pharmacies and fighting for patients’ right to affordable medications at the pharmacy of their choice. Recognizing the broad scope of pharmacists’ backgrounds and practice areas, serving every patient from every community in the country, he recognized the profession as the “Statute of Liberty in a white coat.” He urged pharmacists to advocate for the profession, pointing out that politics is a “stimulus-response system,” and that pharmacy owners must advocate with their representatives for the benefit of their patients and communities.

American Pharmacies proudly presented Senator Markey with the Champion of Pharmacy Award in recognition of his years of dedication to helping small businesses, advancing fair compensation and equity, and supporting a stronger future for family-owned pharmacies in Massachusetts and across the nation.

We sincerely thank Senator Markey for standing with small business independent pharmacies and for being a true champion for independent pharmacy.

State Pharmacy Leaders Join APEX 2026 in Support of Independent Pharmacy

American Pharmacies was honored to welcome leaders from the Texas Pharmacy Association, New Mexico Pharmacists Association, and Tennessee Pharmacists Association to APEX 2026. Their participation reflects the importance of collaboration across state and national pharmacy organizations as we continue working together to protect, defend, and strengthen independent pharmacy.

We sincerely thank these state association leaders for attending, engaging with our members, and supporting the shared mission of advancing pharmacy care, advocating for pharmacy owners, and serving patients in communities across the country.

• Jason Davis, RPh, President; Rannon Ching, PharmD, President-Elect; RoxAnn Dominguez, PharmD, CEO; Board Directors Chris Alvarado, PharmD, and Chris Hobart, PharmD; and Lisa Goerlitz, Director of Operations & Member Services, Texas Pharmacy Association
• Anthony Pudlo, PharmD, MBA, MSHIA, CEO, Tennessee Pharmacists Association
• Lex Garcia, PharmD, CEO, New Mexico Pharmacists Association

Women in Pharmacy Breakfast Brings Connection, Conversation and Support to APEX 2026

The inaugural Women in Pharmacy Breakfast brought together pharmacists, pharmacy owners, spouses, sales professionals, technicians and others connected to the pharmacy industry for a morning of networking, conversation and shared knowledge.

The event created a welcoming space for women across the independent pharmacy community to connect, exchange ideas and begin building a network of support.

American Pharmacies looks forward to continuing and expanding this initiative with the goal of creating an ongoing community where women in pharmacy can share resources, offer insight and support one another.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this inaugural event a meaningful start.

APEX 2026 Delivered Insightful Speakers, Engaging Presentations and Valuable CE Sessions

APEX 2026 featured a strong lineup of speakers, presenters and CE sessions designed to inform, inspire and equip independent pharmacy owners for the future. Throughout the conference, attendees heard from industry experts, pharmacy leaders and advocacy voices on the issues shaping the profession, from business growth and clinical opportunities to legislative updates, PBM appeals, medical billing and strategies for strengthening pharmacy operations.

American Pharmacies sincerely thanks all our speakers and presenters for sharing their expertise, insight and time with our members. Their contributions helped create meaningful discussion, deliver valuable education and provide practical takeaways to help independent pharmacy owners continue serving their patients, supporting their communities and building stronger, more resilient businesses.

Sponsors and Exhibitors Delivered Valuable Resources, Solutions and Connections for Attendees

This year’s sponsors and exhibitors helped create an outstanding experience for American Pharmacies members, attendees and guests through their generous support and participation. From the exhibit hall to educational sessions, networking opportunities and special events, their presence brought valuable resources, solutions and connections to attendees.

American Pharmacies is proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to independent pharmacy and support the success of our members. Their involvement helped make APEX 2026 a tremendous success, and we look forward to welcoming them and our attendees again to APEX 2027.

Celebrating Excellence in Independent Pharmacy: Congratulations to Our 2026 Award Winners

APEX 2026 was a time to celebrate the people and pharmacies making a meaningful impact on independent pharmacy. This year’s award winners represent outstanding leadership, service, advocacy and dedication to strengthening the future of pharmacy care in their communities and across the country. We are proud to recognize and congratulate the following honorees for their achievements and continued commitment to the profession.

• Michael Wright: Distinguished Service Award 
• Anthony Pudlo, PharmD, MBA, MSHIA: Advocacy Leadership Award
• Todd Pendergraft, Broken Arrow Family Drug (OK): Advocacy Leadership Award
• Walter M. Hughes III, Sadler Hughes Apothecary (SC): RxCompass User of the Year
• JoAnn Sanborn, RPh, Hudson Pharmacy (MI): RxCompass User of the Year
• Hudson Pharmacy (MI): RxCompass User of the Year

Celebrating the Future of Pharmacy: Congratulations to Our 2026 Scholarship Winners

We are proud to recognize our 2026 scholarship winners, whose dedication, hard work and passion for pharmacy reflect the bright future of the profession. These outstanding pharmacy students are preparing to serve patients, support their communities and help strengthen the future of independent pharmacy.

• Seun Lagbenro, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
• Mackenzie Reinert and Asha Oommen, Texas Tech’s Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy
• Isabella Luna from the University of the Incarnate Word’s Feik School of Pharmacy
• Logan Bishop, Texas Tech’s Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy

APEX 2026 Closes with an Americana Celebration Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

The conference ended on a high note with a Saturday night celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of America. Attendees enjoyed an Americana-themed evening filled with great food, music, games, costumes, entertainment and plenty of time to relax, connect and celebrate together. It was the perfect ending to a record-breaking APEX and a memorable weekend shared with members, partners, families and friends.

Relive the Magic of APEX 2026!

We’ve shared some of our favorite moments from APEX on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Be sure to check them out, tag your friends and let us know your favorite memories! Check out our complete APEX photo gallery to see even more highlights from this year’s event. https://photo.aprx.org/apex2026

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