Annual Conference 2026
When From May 3, 2026 to May 6, 2026
Where Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal Street
New Orleans LA 70130
Bringing Canada’s healthcare leaders together to learn, collaborate, and power the bold ideas and partnerships driving Canada’s pharmaceutical supply chain forward.
A Vital must-attend event for healthcare executives
- Gain global and strategic industry insights along with actionable intelligence on today’s most pressing issues.
- Explore emerging trends and innovations shaping the future of Canada’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
- Build meaningful connections with industry leaders, trading partners, and innovators.
This dynamic event unites the distributors, manufacturers, and service providers whose collective efforts keep Canada’s pharmaceutical supply chain resilient, connected, and vital.
For information on Vital events or related sponsorship opportunities, contact Allison Chan at allison@vital.ca or (905) 265-1706 ext. 223.
Cost to Attend
Early Registration ends 11:59 PM ET on Friday, January 30, 2026.
| Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Registration | $4300 | $5100 |
| Regular Registration | $4800 | $5600 |
Agenda
Day 1
- 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Registration Location: Queen Anne Ballroom Mezzanine in Hotel Monteleone
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Networking Activity / Optional Tour Program
- 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Welcome Reception & Dinner Location: Riverview Room + Rooftop Poolside in Hotel MonteleoneDress: Dressy-casual (Outdoor, weather permitting)
Day 2
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Breakfast | Location: Queen Anne Ballroom
- 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM
- Vital Annual General MeetingLocation: Iberville A & B Ballroom
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Opening KeynoteWhat’s Next for You? The Good, the Bad & the Future from a Political InsiderPresented by: David Frum, Social & Political Commentator
- 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Networking BreakLocation: Iberville C & D
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- IQVIA Pharmaceutical Market Update: Shifts, Trends, and OutlookPresented by: Ryan Norman, General Manager, Supplier Relations & HIIS, IQVIA Canada
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- U.S.—Canada Cross-Border Pharma Trade & TariffsPresented by: Patrick Kelly, Chief Advocacy Officer, HDA – Healthcare Distribution Alliance
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
- Networking LunchLocation: Queen Anne Ballroom
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM
- Rise to New Dimensions: Innovations in Warehouse Robotics and AIPresented by: Matthias Dalkner, Vice President of Healthcare Solutions, KNAPP AG
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- Global Perspectives in Safeguarding Medicine Supply and Preventing Drug Shortages Moderator: Nancy Beshay, SVP, Industry and Regulatory Affairs, Vital Panel: Elizabeth Cuming, CEO, NPSA - Australia’s Medicine Distribution Network Kasper Ernest, Director General, GIRP - European Healthcare Distribution Association Dr. Nicolette Louissaint, Chief Policy Officer, HDA - Healthcare Distribution Alliance
- 6:00 PM
- Dining at Leisure
- 9:30 PM – 11:00 PM
- Networking Hospitality Location: Carousel Bar & Lounge + Criollo Restaurant Lounge in Hotel Monteleone Dress: Casual
Day 3
- 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Breakfast Location: Queen Anne Ballroom
- 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Solutions to Advance Resilience in Canada’s Health Supply Chain: Pivotal Opportunities for Implementation Presented by: Dr. Anne Snowdon, Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, and Scientific Director and CEO, SCAN Health
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Advancing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Integrity: The Product Trust Platform Presented by: James Gannon, VP, Product Development, PharmaLedger Association
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
- Networking Break Location: Iberville C & D
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Beyond the Last Mile: Rethinking Remote & Rural Servicing Moderator: Karl Frank, Strategic Advisor, Bayshore Specialty Rx Panel: Jean-Philippe Blouin, SVP, Pharmaceutical Distribution & Operations, McKesson Canada Elizabeth Cuming, CEO, NPSA - Australia’s Medicine Distribution Network Jason Zabransky, VP, Specialty Operations, Innomar Strategies (Cencora)
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
- Networking Lunch Location: Queen Anne Ballroom
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Vital Forward: Leading Canada’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Moderator: Daniel Chiasson, Chair of the Board, Vital, and SVP, Manufacturer Relations and Regulatory Affairs, Kohl & Frisch Limited Panel: John Ferguson, President and CEO, Purolator Inc. Sandra Heller, General Manager, Astellas Pharma Canada, Inc. Dimitris Polygenis, President, McKesson Canada Michel Robidoux, President and General Manager, Sandoz Canada
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Closing Keynote From Challenge to Catalyst: Leading with Purpose Presented by: Tyler McGregor, Four-Time Paralympian Medalist in Para Ice Hockey
- 3:00 PM
- Closing Remarks Presented by: Angelique Berg, President & CEO, Vital
- 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Closing Reception, Hospitality, and Dinner Reception Location: Float Den in Mardi Gras World (1380 Port of New Orleans Place) Hospitality + Dinner Location: Grand Oaks Mansion in Mardi Gras World (1380 Port of New Orleans Place) Dress: Dressy-casual
Day 4
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Breakfast Location: Criollo Restaurant in Hotel Monteleone
- 12:00 PM
- Checkout & Departure
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