2024 Distribution Management Conference and Expo

March 10-13, 2024 | JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

2024 Distribution Management Conference and Expo

March 10-13, 2024 | JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Sunday, March 10, 2024

  • 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Springs Ballroom Foyer - South Counter

    Registration

  • 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Exhibitor Setup

  • Description

    California Casual attire. We encourage attendees to wear color!

  • Description

    California Casual attire. We encourage attendees to wear color!

Monday, March 11, 2024

  • 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM - Springs Ballroom Foyer - South Counter

    Registration

  • Sponsors

  • 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Sinatra Ballroom Salons 7

    Opening General Session

  • Speakers

    • Chester "Chip" Davis, Jr.

      Chester "Chip" Davis, Jr.

      President and Chief Executive Officer

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • 8:20 AM - 8:30 AM - Sinatra Ballroom Salons 7

    Distribution Management Award Presentation

  • Description

    Welcome to the home of the BNP Paribas Open, where Stacey Allaster will share leadership strategies for cultivating resilience, health, wellness and connections. Having navigated unprecedented challenges in the C-Suite throughout her years in professional sport, she will share powerful stories that recognize the difficult parts of life and work — and provide concrete examples of how to emerge more resilient than before.

    Speakers

    • Stacey Allaster

      Stacey Allaster

      Chief Executive of Professional Tennis

      United States Tennis Association

  • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Expo Grand Opening and Morning Break

  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Concurrent Education Sessions A

  • Description

    This session will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the Agency for a brief overview of the DSCSA, a highlight of recent guidances and other efforts, and a discussion of expectations for the pharmaceutical supply chain efforts during the stabilization period.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Abha Kundi

      Abha Kundi

      Team Lead in the Office of Drug Security, Integrity and Response

      U.S. Food and Drug Administration

  • Description

    Join us for an illuminating session poised to empower and equip advocates with the tools necessary to drive meaningful change. Crafted for those eager to delve into effective advocacy, this session will explore grassroots engagement and demystify the intricacies of political action committees (PACs). Participants will learn the art of tailoring messages to resonate with lawmakers — and ensure maximum impact in legislative arenas. Additionally, gain invaluable firsthand insights through an interview with a former Capitol Hill staffer, who will provide unique perspectives and strategies for navigating the political landscape.

    Speakers

    • Kristen L. Freitas

      Kristen L. Freitas

      SVP, Federal Government Affairs and Alliance Development

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    This session will dig into the current trends around biosimilars in the United States. We’ll look at recent biosimilar introductions and how well they are performing against the original biological product.

    Speakers

    • Scott Biggs

      Scott Biggs

      Director, Supplier Services

      IQVIA

  • Description

    The session will look at several recent industry logistics security breakdowns, discussing how they occurred and proposing solutions to prevent similar situations from occurring again.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Charles H. Forsaith

      Charles H. Forsaith

      Vice President, PCSC

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

    Movement Break

  • 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

    Concurrent Education Sessions B

  • Description

    Hear from state boards of pharmacy on DSCSA compliance. Speakers will also highlight some of their concerns, gaps in information and views on FDA guidance documents.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Josh M. Bolin

      Josh M. Bolin

      Associate Executive Director for Government Affairs and Innovation

      National Association of Boards of Pharmacy®

    • Kim Grinston

      Executive Director

      Missouri Board of Pharmacy

    • Mark J. Hardy

      Mark J. Hardy

      Executive Director

      North Dakota Board of Pharmacy

    • Mark Klawitter

      Mark Klawitter

      Board Inspector

      Montana Board of Pharmacy

  • Description

    Learn about the range of policies legislators are addressing on issues related to: drug shortages, PBM reform and prescription drug pricing and how the upcoming elections will impact those discussions. Bring your political knowledge, win fun prizes, and impress your peers!

    Speakers

    • Kristen L. Freitas

      Kristen L. Freitas

      SVP, Federal Government Affairs and Alliance Development

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

    • Kirsten Wing Foster

      Kirsten Wing Foster

      Director, Federal Government Affairs

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    This session will provide an update on current guidance and initiatives related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program as well as top-of-mind operational issues for distributors and manufacturers.

    Speakers

    • Heather Easterling

      Heather Easterling

      Senior Managing Consultant, 340B Solutions, Health Systems

      McKesson Corporation

  • Description

    Learn how to identify unconscious bias and address it through the lens of an inclusive leader. Participants will reflect on how they manage, influence and lead others, so their teams feel valued and respected with a sense of belonging. Gain tools for individual action and practical application of concepts to day-to-day work.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Stacey Gordon

      Stacey Gordon

      CEO

      Rework Work

  • 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM - Springs Ballroom Terrace

    General Luncheon

  • 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Expo and Dessert Break

  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Concurrent Education Sessions C

  • Description

    This session will highlight the lessons learned by industry stakeholders during the condensed phase-in for stabilization and what’s next for the next three quarters, what should be happening during the stabilization period. A panel of distributor and manufacturer experts will discuss where the industry is now, while highlighting real-world challenges. This session will also review reports from HDA’s Data Exchange Benchmarking Survey and other pertinent industry findings.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Ashley Y. DeFlice

      Ashley Y. DeFlice

      Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist

      Henry Schein, Inc.

    • Blair Korman

      Blair Korman

      Sr. Director, Digital Identification & Traceability

      Johnson & Johnson Supply Chain

    • Michael J. Mazur

      Michael J. Mazur

      Director, Trade Operations

      Pfizer Inc.

    • Scott A. Mooney

      Scott A. Mooney

      Vice President Distribution Operations, Traceability

      McKesson Corporation

    • Jaidalyn Rand

      Jaidalyn Rand

      Director, Industry Relations

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    This session will provide a comprehensive review of both state legislative and regulatory issues affecting the wholesale distribution industry . Discussion will touch upon state action related to healthcare affordability, prescription drug pricing, state licensure, controlled substance regulations, and more.

    Speakers

    • Leah D. Lindahl

      Leah D. Lindahl

      Vice President, State Government Affairs

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    The U.S. pharmaceutical cold chain is a story of success with opportunities for growth and improvement. How will the cold chain's success continue over the next five years as more temperature-sensitive medications come to market?

    This session discusses HDA Research Foundation and Two Labs’ report, The Future of the Cold Chain. With the rapid development of cold-chain products and more in development, this investigative research project identifies current challenges and opportunities across the U.S. pharmaceutical cold chain and potential strategies to address current and future product growth. Attend to hear practical, expert-level advice for those involved in cold chain distribution as the sector works together to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency in delivering lifesaving medications to patients.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Chris J. Anderson

      Chris J. Anderson

      Director, Quality Management

      Cardinal Health, Inc.

    • Scott Brown

      Scott Brown

      Two Labs Pharma Services

    • Jason Chou

      Jason Chou

      Vice President - Pharmacy

      Ochsner Health

    • Rena K. Goins

      Rena K. Goins

      Executive Director, Global Trade & Distribution

      Regeneron Healthcare Solutions

    • Courtney Johnson

      Courtney Johnson

      Vice President, Specialty Distribution

      Two Labs Pharma Services

  • Speakers

    • Brandy Porter

      Brandy Porter

      Assistant Center Director - Enforcement Pharmaceuticals, Health, and Chemicals Center of Excellence and Expertise

      U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  • 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

    Movement Break

  • 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

    Concurrent Education Sessions D

  • Description

    This session will delve into the potential uses and business opportunities currently under consideration by the supply chain for DSCSA data beyond compliance.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Randy V. Bradley

      Randy V. Bradley

      Assistant Professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management

      University of Tennessee

  • Description

    This session will explore recent changes in state and federal reimbursement policy and what impact they have on the pharmaceutical supply chain.

    Speakers

    • Stephanie Trunk

      Stephanie Trunk

      Partner

      ArentFox Schiff LLP

  • Description

    FDA will one day run out of new manufacturer labeler codes to assign to new drugs and biologics introduced into the market. Hear how the proposed NDC rule change will further expand the number of labeler codes available to assign to new products. The proposed barcode rule change will also be covered.

    Speakers

    • Tim Donelon

      Director of Serialization & Manufacturing IT Systems

      Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC

    • Tracy Nasarenko

      Tracy Nasarenko

      Vice President of Community Engagement, Healthcare

      GS1 US

    • Leon Nevers

      Leon Nevers

      Senior Director, Procurement and Business Development

      H-E-B

    • Steven Noetzel

      Steven Noetzel

      Senior Director, Trade Strategy & Distribution

      Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc.

    • Tim  Stearns

      Tim Stearns

      Senior Director, Industry Relations

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    Can you remember a time in your career when you struggled to have a courageous conversation with your boss or colleagues? These situations tend to come up when the people you work with have goals, perspectives, opinions, or interests that are very different from your own.

    During this session, you will learn how to state your opinions without shutting down conversations; effectively share alternate ideas in a way that promotes collaboration; keep your composure when your initial response is to feel defensive or angry; and more.

    Becoming skilled at having courageous conversations doesn’t magically happen as we progress in our careers. This single skill will elevate you as a thought leader, attract the right mentors in your professional journey, and allow you to confidently share your ideas in the most challenging situations.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Carla Howard

      Carla Howard

      Mentor

      The Professional Woman's Mentor LLC

  • 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Expo Reception and Raffle

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

  • 7:15 AM - 6:15 PM - Springs Ballroom Foyer - South Counter

    Registration

  • 7:15 AM - 8:15 AM - Sinatra Ballroom Foyer

    General Breakfast

  • Speakers

    • Perry L. Fri

      Perry L. Fri

      Executive Vice President, Industry Relations & Member Services and COO, HDA Research Foundation

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    As a young graduate researcher, Dr. Sammy Ramsey looked at an age-old question — “What’s happening to the honeybees?” — through a new lens to make a breakthrough discovery that turned the field of bee research on its head.

    In this talk, Dr. Ramsey spurs audiences to think outside the box as he shares the story of what led him to connect a family member’s health issues back to his bee research to arrive at a powerful conclusion on the parasitic pandemic plaguing the honeybees. You will walk through his process for using peculiar thinking that gets the brain processing ideas in new and unique ways, unlocking new outlets for pushing past stalls in thinking and productivity. Dr. Ramsey’s approach gives people the freedom to dig deeper into all the ideas that they’re told are “too crazy” and “will never work” as they figure out how to tackle complex problems and innovate with impact.

    Speakers

    • Dr. Samuel  Ramsey

      Dr. Samuel Ramsey

      Inspirational Changemaker in Science & Society; Cutting-Edge Communicator; Founder & Director

      Ramsey Research Foundation

  • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Expo and Morning Break

  • Description

    Pharmacy community panelists will share their current thinking, approaches and challenges regarding DSCSA implementation. Topics to be addressed will include dispenser implementation efforts during the stabilization period; cost considerations for compliance; and current and future communication strategies with trading partners and FDA.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Scott T. Hatakeyama

      Scott T. Hatakeyama

      Director, Inventory Management and Optimization

      Kaiser Permanente

    • Leon Nevers

      Leon Nevers

      Senior Director, Procurement and Business Development

      H-E-B

    • Lisa Schwartz

      Lisa Schwartz

      Senior Director, Professional Affairs

      National Community Pharmacists Association

    • Kala Shankle

      Kala Shankle

      Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    *This session is closed to media.

    Interact with DEA and discuss current topics in controlled substances regulation.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Melissa Kellstrom

      Executive Assistant, DEA Diversion Control Division

      U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

    • Thomas W. Prevoznik

      Thomas W. Prevoznik

      Assistant Administrator, Diversion Control Division

      U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

  • Description

    Work is under way to update HDA’s Product Catalog EDI 832 guideline to address DSCSA business requirements for sharing product information. The EDI 852 Product Activity Reporting guide is also being modified to report DSCSA quarantine quantities back to manufacturers. Hear about these forthcoming updates to the 832 and 852, as well as the potential changes to the association’s entire set of EDI and barcode guidelines stemming from FDA’s proposed change for the NDC and barcode rules.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Tim  Stearns

      Tim Stearns

      Senior Director, Industry Relations

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    When was the last time you felt deeply relaxed while also re-energized to sharpen your focus? In this session that combines mindfulness psychology and mindset coaching for results, you will learn skills to reach more of your personal and professional goals (“success lists” vs “to-do”" lists). You will leave feeling accomplished, but with a sense of ease.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Maria Shea

      Maria Shea

      Wellness Expert, Psychotherapist, Mindset Coach

      Awaken Counseling

  • 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

    Movement Break

  • 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

    Concurrent Education Sessions F

  • Description

    Industry leaders continue to participate in multiple workshops on exceptions handling as supply chain stakeholders seek to understand and systematically overcome persistent DSCSA-related data challenges. This session will focus on workshop recommendations, operational lessons learned and whether HDA guidance updates are expected.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Gregg A. Gorniak

      Gregg A. Gorniak

      VP - Manufacturer Operations & Data Services | Secure Supply Chain Lead

      Cencora, Inc.

    • David G. Mason

      David G. Mason

      Supply Chain Compliance and Serialization Lead

      Sandoz

    • Maryann Nelson

      Maryann Nelson

      Regulatory Manager

      Cardinal Health, Inc.

    • Senthil S. Rajaratnam

      Senthil S. Rajaratnam

      Senior Director, Global Serialization and UDI

      Lilly USA, LLC

    • Tim  Stearns

      Tim Stearns

      Senior Director, Industry Relations

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    *This session is closed to media.

    A panel of experts will discuss "suspicious orders" monitoring and other legal issues in the evolving controlled substances regulatory environment.

    Speakers

    • John A. Gilbert

      John A. Gilbert

      Director

      Hyman, Phelps, and McNamara, P.C.

    • Karla Palmer

      Karla Palmer

      Director

      Hyman, Phelps, and McNamara, P.C.

  • Description

    Hear the latest updates on United States Pharmacopeia Storage and distribution. Learn about the International Safe Transit Association Pharma update and cold chain challenges related to Covid-19 vaccine commercialization.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Chris J. Anderson

      Chris J. Anderson

      Director, Quality Management

      Cardinal Health, Inc.

  • Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Andrew Rahimi

      Andrew Rahimi

      Technical Lead

      True North Group LLC

    • Alex Soukhanov

      Alex Soukhanov

      Partner/Owner

      True North Group LLC

  • 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM - Springs Ballroom Terrace

    General Luncheon

  • 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Expo and Dessert Break

  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Concurrent Education Sessions G

  • Description

    FDA has had an active year, releasing a variety of guidance documents. HDA will review the key highlights from these activities and share their perspective on implications for compliance.

    Sponsors

    Speakers

    • Tish E. Pahl

      Tish E. Pahl

      Principal

      Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC

    • Kala Shankle

      Kala Shankle

      Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

    • Brian P. Waldman

      Brian P. Waldman

      Partner

      ArentFox Schiff LLP

  • Description

    Supply chain stakeholders will discuss the dynamics of current drug shortages in the U.S., how to tackle the surge and what opportunities exist for solutions.

    Speakers

    • Michael Ganio

      Michael Ganio

      Senior Director, Pharmacy Practice and Quality

      ASHP Foundation

    • Michelle L. Keller

      Michelle L. Keller

      VP Commercial Operations

      Teva Pharmaceuticals

    • Nicolette Louissaint

      Nicolette Louissaint

      Senior Vice President, Policy and Strategic Planning

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

    • Stephen Stalker

      Stephen Stalker

      VP, Drug Shortages

      McKesson - U.S. Pharma

    • Heather Zenk

      Heather Zenk

      President, US Supply Chain

      Cencora, Inc.

  • Description

    Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss current operational issues associated around contract and chargeback administration with their colleagues. Topics Include: 340B and EDI

    Speakers

    • Kevin  Cross

      Kevin Cross

      Contracts / Chargebacks Manager

      Mutual Drug

    • Tim  Stearns

      Tim Stearns

      Senior Director, Industry Relations

      Healthcare Distribution Alliance

  • Description

    This presentation focuses on the practical applications of AI in revolutionizing the healthcare distribution sector. It aims to debunk common misconceptions about AI, providing a clear understanding of how AI technologies contribute to optimizing supply chain processes, improving efficiency and enhancing service quality. The talk will explore examples to demonstrate AI's impact and effectively outline strategies for integrating these technologies into existing distribution frameworks. Insights into emerging trends, potential innovations and the critical balance between technology and human oversight in ensuring efficient and reliable healthcare delivery will be explored.

    Speakers

    • Ely  Colón

      Ely Colón

      Principal Director – AI Decision Sciences and NA Supply Chain & Operations Gen AI Lead

      Accenture

  • 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

    Movement Break

  • 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM - Sinatra Ballroom Salons 7

    Afternoon General Session

  • Description

    Specializing in analyzing information from IQVIA’s premier sales, prescription, promotional and medical databases, Scott will take a first look at the latest industry data and emerging market trends for branded and generic pharmaceutical and specialty product sales. He will offer his perspective on a range of vital pharmaceutical topics, including global market trends, industry forecasts, research and development, marketing practices, blockbuster drugs, patent expirations and generic trends, biotechnology and more. He also will analyze how emerging trends will affect strategic business plans in the coming year and beyond.

    Speakers

    • Scott Biggs

      Scott Biggs

      Director, Supplier Services

      IQVIA

  • 4:15 PM - 6:15 PM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Networking Reception and Expo Raffle

  • 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM - Springs Ballroom Salon F

    Exhibitor Move-out

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

  • 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Springs Ballroom Foyer - South Counter

    Registration

  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM - Springs Ballroom Terrace

    General Breakfast

  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Sinatra Ballroom Salons 7

    Closing General Session

  • Description

    Nearly all healthcare products travel by truck, and 80 percent of domestic freight transportation is spent on trucking. Andrew Boyle will describe the economic and regulatory factors that will affect your logistics networks in the coming years, from decarbonization to labor to lawsuits — and strategies for navigating them successfully.

    Speakers

    • Andrew Boyle

      Andrew Boyle

      Chairman, American Trucking Associations & Co-President

      Boyle Transportation, an Andlauer Healthcare Group company

  • Description

    Are you tired of feeling stuck in a vat of peanut butter? Do you yearn for a more interesting life but don’t know where to start?

    Join Deedre Daniel as she shares how she allowed fear, other’s expectations, and a limited point of view hold her back from living a more interesting life. She will open up about her struggles with depression, managing ADHD and losing her confidence — and reveals the steps she took to regain control and create the interesting life she loves.

    Speakers

    • Deedre Daniel

      Deedre Daniel

      Founder and Entrepreneur

      The Interesting Conversations Company

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Conference Adjournment

Event Contacts