The Midwest Social and Administrative Pharmacy Conference has a rich history that traces back to its inaugural event in 1985. The first gathering, known as the Midwest Pharmacy Administration Conference, was organized and hosted by faculty at Purdue University. This initial meeting took place at a pivotal time when the history of pharmacy administration as a discipline was coalescing. The conference stemmed from a recognition that pharmacy schools and graduate programs in the Midwest played a crucial role in shaping and fostering the early development of this discipline.

Purdue and Wisconsin were among the pioneers in establishing graduate programs in pharmacy administration. Notably, Bob Evanson and Bob Hammel, associated with Purdue and Wisconsin, trained a significant number of graduate students who played key roles in advancing the discipline in academic institutions and industry. The inaugural conference held in 1985 served as a homecoming for many alumni from these foundational graduate programs, creating a sense of connection and celebration.

The 20^th anniversary of the conference will be held at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. This will be Iowa’s 3^rd time hosting the conference and we are excited to welcome guests to our new College of Pharmacy building and the Iowa City community.