APhA2012 Pharmacy in the Big Easy Nearly 6,500 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians descended on New Orleans for the 2012 APhA Annual Meeting Exposition on March through 12, enjoying days of networking, learning, and honoring their peers. Attendees had their choice of doz- macy Forum at the Hilton Riverside was attended by about 250 federal pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as well as industry partners. Keynote speaker Don Yaeger, a sportswriter and author, discussed What Makes the Great Ones Great in his address. Yaeger focused on ensure that it does so. help people understand where they stand and what choices they can make nobody better poised to do that than Goetz said. Earlier during the Opening General Session, APhA President Marialice Bennett, BSPharm, FAPhA, delivered her State of the Profession speech. She told attendees that the new strategic plan will equip, and empower our She concluded her address with a call to the profession to me in this Bennett also ens of continuing pharmacy education sessions and networking events, as well as informative and exciting General Sessions and crucial policy debates. The weekend kicked off with Friday Opening Reception, held for the second straight year on the Exposition Attendees browsed booths, listened to an authentic New Orleans second line band, and caught beads thrown by costumed Mardi Gras on model streetcars. Student pharmacists had their own New style welcome that night at the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists Welcoming Social at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. Earlier on Friday, the Federal Phar- sports stars such as Michael Jordan and Walter Payton, whose lives illustrated his 16 consistent characteristics of greatness. In other sessions, federal senior leaders gave their perspective on the coming year and practicing pharmacists discussed transitions of care. Opening General Session featured a keynote address from Thomas Goetz, Executive Editor of WIRED magazine and author of The Decision Tree, a guide to personalized medicine. are at the center of the of health care, Goetz told attendees. He explained that personalized medicine is already poised to enter the mainstream of health care, and up to professionals such as pharmacists to recognized Remington Honor Medal winner William Evans, PharmD, Director and CEO of St. Jude Hospital. In addition, other honorees and the 16 2012 Fellows were introduced. The auditorium at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center crackled with enthusiasm and energy, as well as a booming pop music soundtrack, during Saturday Opening General Session. Keynote speaker Matt Bellace, PhD, a motivational speaker and comedian, called on student pharmacists to Lean on healthy people for support, Express yourself in a healthy way, Achieve natural highs, and be afraid to take a stand. Bellace told his audience that APhA2012 drives connections and transforms patient care in the Crescent City 56 PHARMACY TODAY APRIL 2012 www.pharmacytoday.org