Frequently Asked Questions
PLC Labour Submission
Independent Contractors should invoice for the hours at PLC following the same daily total of hours as outlined in the attached memo. Invoices should reflect the following hours for conference days;
- Monday, April 27th (Travel Day) - 8 hours
- Tuesday, April 28th (Full Day Workshops) - 8 hours
- Wednesday, April 29th (Workshop/Travel Day) - 8 hours
We understand that travel arrangements to the PLC vary for each attendee. To ensure all attendees are treated equally, we have decided to compensate everyone with a standardized 8 hours of travel pay each way.
If you feel your weekly earnings are significantly impacted by this decision, please contact your DD, who will escalate to the committee.
The pharmacy leadership conference is an exciting opportunity for professional development. We are providing these instructions to ensure consistency and fairness of hours paid to attend the conference. This process will ensure we are able to track and report hours correctly, as well as ensure your hours do not impact your pharmacy or front store labour budget.
The same total guidance of 24 hours from April 27th to April 29th applies to all attendees of the conference who are paid hourly. Excellence Award winners, who are not in a management position, should ensure their leader submits their 24 hours following the same process outlined in the Job Aid.
Please note that salaried employees should follow the same process of coding their hours to external meetings in DF as outlined for hourly employees.
Attendance
PLC attendance is required for all invited team members. If you are not able to attend, please speak with your Direct Manager as approval will be required.
PLC is an important professional development opportunity. While at PLC all attendees must participate in every aspect of the event. This is a wonderful opportunity for social networking and connecting through the workshops and social events.
Yes, attendees will receive their regular pay for time associated with the conference. A total of 24 hours will be paid at your regular hourly rate, which covers travel time and participation in the scheduled workshops: 8 hours on Monday, April 27 (travel day), 8 hours on Tuesday, April 28 (full day workshops), and 8 hours on Wednesday, April 29 (half-day workshop and travel). Overtime will not apply, as the conference includes both business and leisure components. Any time spent outside of the scheduled conference dates will be considered personal time and must be taken as vacation. Please report your work hours with a maximum of 8 hours per day. For any specific questions, please contact your District Director or, for Support Centre team members, your direct leader.
A registration link has been sent to all attendees in the first week of December. Please look out for an email from Event Concierge. Registration is set to close on January 15, 2026.
All Store Operators, Pharmacy Managers, Partners, District Directors, Regional Vice Presidents, Regional Operations Directors, and select Front Store Managers, as well as Support Centre Directors and above have been invited to attend the PLC. Other team members may be invited on an exception basis. This includes team members who are planning or presenting at the PLC or will be required on-site to help with a smooth and efficient conference.
Canceling a confirmed PLC registration should be avoided whenever possible. Once your registration is confirmed (i.e., you have received your flight itinerary), cancellations without a Senior Leadership-approved reason may result in personal repayment of any cancellation fees incurred.
Payment and Expenses
Neighbourly will cover the cost of airfare, hotel, and most miscellaneous travel expenses (e.g. Uber to airport). Personal expenses such as car rental and parking or any additional activities are not covered. If you have questions for what is covered, please contact supportcentre@nbly.ca
Food and beverages will be provided during the conference. Any additional premium dining experiences or excursion outside of what is provided will be considered personal expenses.
Please pay for all expenses personally (cash, debit, or credit) and submit using an expense report in Chrome River. Expense submission without detailed receipts will be disallowed. Please note PLC2026 in the description of your expense report.
Airfare, if applicable, is covered by Neighbourly Pharmacy only using our central booking. Please do not make your own flight arrangements. You will not be reimbursed for any first class, business class, seat upgrades or expenses due to extension of dates outside of the conference timeline, including deviation costs for extending. Booking will take place via the event management team, and the registration process.
The purpose of PLC is to provide our leaders with learning, development, networking, and recognition opportunities. Investing in leadership development is crucial for our long-term success and we believe that by equipping our leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are investing in the future of our Neighbourly.
We want to assure you that we are carefully balancing cost-control measures with investment in our leaders and would also like to emphasize that most of the conference expenses are covered by our generous sponsors, which significantly reduces the financial impact for Neighbourly.
We value your input and are open to suggestions on how we can balance cost-containment with necessary investments. Your feedback is important to us, and we appreciate you sharing your thoughts and concerns.
Booking & Registration
No, we have negotiated preferred rates with select airlines and all bookings will be managed by the event management team.
No, we have negotiated preferred rates at select hotels and all bookings will be managed by the event management team.
No, all team members will be booked in their own private room.
This would be treated the same as any vacation and all additional expenses would be considered personal, including deviation costs due to extension. There are a limited number of extended stay options due to relief coverage. Extended stay planning will need to be communicated to your Relief Coordinator and District Director. Based on capacity, extended stay approval from your District Director will be necessary.
No, however spouses/partners are permitted before or after the conference. Team Members are expected to have full attention at the conference. All costs for extension and spouse/partner are considered a personal expense.
The main goal of our leadership meeting is professional development. Family members may divert attention away from the conference sessions and networking opportunities. Limiting our attendees to team members only will help ensure that everyone gets the most out of the conference with no distractions, and capitalize on all opportunities to grow skills, knowledge, and professional relationships. We appreciate your understanding.
Best Practices
Employees may accept gifts or entertainment (but never cash) with a value no greater than $200 from customers, contractors, agents, or suppliers of the company. These gifts must not be of the nature that might suggest they are a bribe, incentive, or payoff. All gifts must be reported to head office.
- Daily Wear: Business casual attire appropriate for a business setting, such as collared shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, and dresses.
- Comfortable Footwear: Choose professional yet comfortable shoes suitable for both conference activities and evening events.
- Event-Specific Requirements: Evening event attire should be business casual to cocktail - a theme will be released in February.
- Moderation: Drink responsibly and in moderation to maintain a professional demeanor throughout the event. There will be 2 drink tickets provided to each team member at the welcome event and gala - cash bar to follow.
- Personal Limits: Be mindful of your own alcohol tolerance and avoid overconsumption.
- Respect Others: Be considerate of others' preferences and boundaries regarding alcohol.
- Adhere to Guidelines: Follow any specific rules or guidelines set by the event organizers concerning alcohol.
- Active Participation: Engage fully in all scheduled meetings and sessions.
- Advance Preparation: Review the agenda and relevant materials ahead of time to contribute effectively.
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for all meetings and adhere to the schedule to ensure smooth transitions.
- Professional Networking: Utilize meetings as opportunities to network and connect with peers, while maintaining a professional attitude.
We are looking forward to seeing you at the Pharmacy Leadership Conference 2026, should you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to supportcentre@nbly.ca
