Why We Chose to be In-Person for AMCP Nexus 2021

Since March 2020, our organization and our industry have made the conscious decision to focus on virtual meetings, remote learning, and digital networking to safeguard attendees, staff, and the communities in which we normally meet. But as vaccines have become available across the country and the CDC has amended guidelines for group gatherings, the team at AMCP and our Board deliberated what was best for our members, our staff, and our profession. With increased safety measures put in place, I’m pleased to confirm the decision for Nexus 2021 to be an in-person meeting.  

As part of the decision-making process, we decided that it’s time for us to reunite as an AMCP community, joining together so we can fully appreciate and underscore the power, capabilities, and insights of our members. Likewise, we must forge and strengthen our relationships with our peers and colleagues.  

Confronting the challenges facing health care today — disparities among races, barriers to access, hesitancy to accept new medications, and more — requires our collective ideas and experiences. While these dilemmas aren’t new, they revealed themselves in a harsher light during COVID-19. And we must now work quickly and diligently to overcome them. 

Likewise, the pandemic showed the strength of AMCP members — a willingness to serve on the frontlines to provide vaccines, drug manufacturers working together to produce life-saving medications, government agencies operating alongside health care providers to ensure all Americans had access to vaccines, and countless other examples highlight the power of managed care pharmacy. These triumphs should, and will, be celebrated in Denver this year. 

But we are not going into this blindly. We are aware that COVID-19 still poses a risk and are increasing safety measures in accordance with CDC recommendations, local health authorities, and the Gaylord Rockies Resort. All attendees must be vaccinated before attending unless prohibited by medical or religious reason, and face masks will be recommended for those who wish to wear them. Additionally, hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the meeting space, and attendees can opt to wear ribbons indicating their comfort level with social distancing and physical contact. 

Nexus 2021 will point us toward our dynamic future, with educational sessions, keynote presentations, faculty chats, The Exchange, and more. You don’t want to miss this opportunity. 

With a hopeful heart, I look forward to seeing you in Denver.