DAY 2 ✦ 4 Nov 2025 - CET (Central European Time, GMT+01:00)
- Lily Nagy - Conference Producer, Informa Connect
- Misha Berger - Director, International Lead, Global Meetings & Events, Global Medical Strategic Operations (GMSO), Gilead
Delve into the potential impacts on our industry brought about by global developments and the reintegration of experienced planners into the workforce. Topics will cover economic and regulatory effects on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, market shifts in the hotel and travel sectors, and emerging technologies. Each of these areas will be examined to understand how they could influence the future of meetings and events.
The session will also explore practical strategies for managing event budgets in a challenging economic climate, techniques for adapting event timelines to meet evolving demands, and insights into mitigating the impact of inflation on event planning. Additionally, approaches to navigating political uncertainties and ensuring event success, as well as best practices for handling travel restrictions and advisories in international events, will be discussed.
- Suzanne Mulligan - Head of Engagement, IMEX Group &, MPI Regional Council Chair, EMEA & APAC
- Zoltan Konsanszky - Senior Director Central & Eastern Europe, Marriott International Global Sales
- Ashley Williams, MBA, LSSBB - Senior Vice President, Global Life Sciences Center of Excellence, BCD Meetings & Events
Do you ever have FOMO (fear of missing out) that every other Pharma company must have it figured out? During this session, we will cover some of the hot topics within Pharma events and examine how organizations are leveraging data and AI, redefining their delivery models, and integrating in broader HCP engagement strategies. We will focus on multiple event types from congresses to peer-to-peer events to advisory boards, recognizing each provides unique opportunities. The goal at the end of this session is for you to have three ideas to take back to your organization to elevate your congress and events program.
- Robert Tegge - Associate Principal, ZS
In this dynamic session, leaders will guide discussions on the comprehensive strategy for Congress planning and execution. The session will feature a panel followed by a roundtable discussion, offering a deep dive into best practices for Congress development and collaboration across all stakeholders.
Panel: Congress Framework Assessment and Strategic Direction
- How do we build strong partnerships that create valuable, lasting business relationships?
- How can we transform engagement into results by tracking HCP and KOL interactions?
- What makes meetings unmissable and productive for all participants?
- What are the essential components of an effective HCP engagement strategy that leverages congress participation as a key element?
- Is there room for DEI and Wellness at congresses?
Roundtables: Optimizing Congress Design and Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Commerical and Medical Team Dynamics
- Omnichannel Strategy Integration
- Compliance regarding Congresses
- Analyzing ROI
- Alastair Cotton - Director, Global Meetings Management & Technology - Global Congresses & Events, Gilead Sciences
- Louise Kjaertinge - Account Director, Meetings Management & Life Sciences, BCD Meetings & Events
- Julie Young, CMP - Snr. Manager, Global Congresses & Events, Gilead
- Andrew Moore - Client Engagement Director, Emota
In today's dynamic environment, managing a workforce presents a range of multifaceted challenges. This session delves into the complexities of modern workforce management, offering valuable insights and practical strategies to ensure your team remains productive, motivated, and resilient. Key topics include:
- Showcasing Team Accomplishments: Learn how to highlight your team’s achievements, from meetings held and cost savings to demonstrating the ROI of your department
- Addressing Workforce Shortages: Discuss creative hiring strategies and methods to combat burnout amidst the shortage of experienced pharma planners
- Maintaining Team Motivation: Discover strategies to keep your team motivated and satisfied despite budget constraints
- Adriano Souza - Global Congress & Engagement Strategy Lead, Roche
- Leanne Galea - Head of Meetings & Events, Emota
- Jenna Baker, DES - Vice President, Account Management, BCD Meetings & Events
Enhance your skills and well-being in this comprehensive session designed for medical meeting planners. This workshop combines professional development with health and wellness strategies to ensure you thrive both personally and professionally. Key topics include:
- Effective Meeting Planning: Learn advanced techniques for organizing and managing medical meetings, including best practices for logistics, communication, and stakeholder engagement
- Stress Management and Wellness: Discover practical methods to manage stress and maintain your health amidst the demands of event planning. Explore mindfulness practices, exercise routines, and nutrition tips tailored for busy professionals
- Building Resilient Teams: Develop strategies to foster a supportive and resilient team environment. Discuss ways to promote collaboration, motivation, and well-being among your colleagues
- Balancing Work and Life: Gain insights on achieving a healthy work-life balance. Learn how to set boundaries, prioritize tasks, and make time for self-care
- Avital Rosen - Vice President Business Development, Kenes Group
- Marcel Dekker - Director of Client Accounts and Business Development, Kenes Group
- Kerry Jackson - Team Leader & Project Manager, Global Meetings & Events, Global Medical and R&D, AstraZeneca
Join us for an engaging session designed to keep you at the forefront of compliance trends and practices. This session begins with an expert panel discussion, where distinguished compliance professionals will provide the latest updates on regulatory changes, industry standards, and best practices. Gain insights into how these developments impact your organization and learn strategies to stay compliant in an ever-evolving landscape.
Following the panel, attendees will break into smaller roundtable groups to work through real-world case studies. This hands-on approach allows you to apply the knowledge gained from the panel, discuss challenges, and brainstorm solutions with your peers. To conclude, all groups will reconvene to share their findings and insights, highlighting diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to compliance. Roundtable topics will include compliance regarding Food and Beverage, Hotel, AI and Travel & Visas
- Marlize Eckert, HMCC, HCCP - Lead Consultant, GCO Global
- Adriano Souza - Global Congress & Engagement Strategy Lead, Roche
- Martin Hess-Janorschke - Head Compliance Global Functions, Roche
- Yana Budel - Compliance Advisor, Life Sciences Team, GCO Global