Target audiences for educational programs developed/conducted by the Division of Pharmacy Professional Development include: pharmaceutical industry scientists worldwide; and practicing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians throughout the U.S. For each audience, DPPD conducts ongoing marketing surveys in an attempt to determine desired program themes/content as well as preferred delivery formats, and then develops educational programs accordingly. If these surveys suggest a preference which runs counter to our experience, further examination is required.

Case in point is a recent survey that targeted pharmaceutical industry scientists and showed that online webinars are the most common type of professional development that respondents have participated in over the past two years. Certainly growing interest/participation in webinars and other forms of distance education are not unique to the pharmaceutical industry audience. This has been an ongoing trend in professional development/continuing education for the practicing pharmacist for years.

However, many industry scientists are “bucking” this trend and participating in live programs conducted by DPPD on the UW-Madison campus. Now through early Fall is “peak time” for our Campus industry programs – obviously a great time/venue to not only visit Madison but to learn as well! During this time period, approximately 10 highly focused educational programs/conferences will be conducted attracting over 300 attendees from throughout the US and internationally. Some of the Division’s longest running programs include the four “Land O’Lakes Conferences”: 57th Annual June Research & Development Conference; 16th Annual July Bioanalytical Conference; 55th Annual August Analytical Conference; and 18th Annual September Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Conference.

These four LOL Conferences – as well as some of the other industry programs conducted on campus during this time period – share common characteristics which are hallmarks of live programs conducted by the division, e.g., formal presentations (podium, panel, interactive discussions) by industry experts complemented by facilitated networking (mini-discussions, hosted/sponsored social activities, posters). DPPD strongly believes that attendees can learn important information/skills not only from hand-picked faculty experts but also through facilitated and informal discussions with colleagues from other companies. The importance of networking at live programs was highlighted by the industry marketing survey mentioned earlier in which 50% of survey respondents indicated networking was important to their decision to attend. Opportunities afforded through networking at live conferences–particularly those that are highly focused, have small/manageable size relative to attendees, and that build networking opportunities into the program design–are meaningful and cannot be quantified. While it may be unpopular among meeting planners to admit, experience suggests that live program attendees may learn just as much from networking with peers and one-on-one conversations with program faculty as they do from the planned, scheduled presentations.

Reflecting on your own experiences with professional development and recalling meaningful conversations you have had with colleagues, think about the positive impact those conversations may have had. DPPD believes that live programs are an important part of our program mix. Take a look at our program catalog – hopefully there is a live program of interest to you. Hope to see you soon at one of these programs! And, not to ignore the survey results referenced above, DPPD will continue to expand our on-line program options to provide a balance of both live and distance programming.