The Bill Burke Student Pharmacist Leadership Conference is organized by IPA, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. The conference began in 1995 to develop student pharmacist leaders through discussion and activities on leadership skills, professional values, and pharmacy practice issues. 

In 2008, the conference was named in honor of Bill Burke, pharmacist and founder of Main at Locust Pharmacy Clinic and Medical Supplies in Davenport, Iowa, recognizing the generous support of the conference provided by his daughters and current co-owners, Lisa Ploehn and Ann Cypher.