Experience EPSA Annual Congress 2026

EPSA, Annual Congress, Bydgoszcz (Poland), 13–19 April 2026

Jomay Bootsma, L.P.S.V. „Aesculapius”, 3rd-year Bachelor’s student

Communication and motivation
In the summer of 2025, I took part in an IPSF congress, which was an incredibly enjoyable and special experience. This made me particularly interested in other international activities organised by the K.N.P.S.V. So when the opportunity arose to take part in the 46th EPSA Annual Congress, my interest was immediately caught. I enjoy travelling abroad and meeting new people. The K.N.P.S.V. board assisted with the registration process by sending the correct information and registration links in good time and sharing important messages from the organisers with us.

Transport and accommodation
We travelled by train to Bydgoszcz, Poland. No transport had been arranged from the train station to the congress venue, but we were able to reach it easily by public transport. During the conference week, participants were also able to use public transport free of charge with their conference badge. Two hotels near the conference venue had been arranged for accommodation. Both hotels were within walking distance and were of a good standard.

Visa/ETA
Not applicable

Content
The theme of the conference was “Redefining the Role of Pharmacists in Health Prevention and Education”.
Throughout the week, I attended various symposia and workshops on topics such as women’s health, advocacy and the role of social media in public health. What I liked about the programme was the balance between content-focused sessions and interactive workshops. 
Of all the workshops, the one on misinformation particularly stuck in my mind. Of course, everyone knows that there is a lot of incorrect information circulating on the internet, but I had never really stopped to think about what this means for the pharmacy profession. During this session, we discussed how misinformation and disinformation can influence the choices patients make, and what role healthcare professionals play in recognising and countering this.
Although the educational programme was very interesting, meeting other students was perhaps the most valuable part of the week for me. During shared meals, evening activities and informal conversations, you learn a great deal about how pharmacy education and healthcare are organised in other countries.
My favourite evening was, without a doubt, International Night. On this evening, each country brought food, drinks and other typical products to share with the rest of the participants. This gave me the chance to try all sorts of new snacks and drinks from various European countries. Of course, we also handed out Dutch stroopwafels, which everyone enjoyed.
The week ended with a gala, where everyone had put on their finest suits or dresses. We danced, caught up with one another and looked back on everything we’d experienced during the week. After the conference, I received a certificate as proof of participation.

Tips
Bring a puzzle book or some other form of quiet entertainment with you. During some talks or on long days, it can be nice to take a brief break without disturbing others. 

Costs
The conference fee was around €350. This included accommodation, almost all meals and the full educational and social programme. I also spent money on snacks, an evening out for dinner with the Dutch delegation and a few souvenirs. Travel costs to and from Poland were not included in the conference fee.

Conclusion
Looking back, the EPSA Annual Congress was an incredibly valuable experience. I learnt a great deal during the various sessions, but just as much from the conversations with students from other countries. It was my first EPSA congress and certainly an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.
For students who are unsure about attending an international congress, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. It is a unique opportunity to spend an educational week abroad, often in a place you would not otherwise be likely to visit. You meet students from all over Europe who share the same interests, make international contacts and develop yourself both professionally and personally.