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Tuesday, May 14
 

8:00am PDT

Registration Open and Networking Breakfast
Welcome to all Rising Stars! We will have a designated area for all our rising stars to meet up and connect prior to the conference kicking off, a great way to build your network!

Tuesday May 14, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am PDT

8:45am PDT

Welcome & Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Benz

Michelle Benz

Conference Production Director, Fierce Pharma
Michelle Benz joined Questex, Fierce Life Sciences in 2021 as a senior conference producer and works on several events annually including Fierce Biotech Summit, Fierce Leaders in Life Sciences, Fierce Pharma PR & Communications Summits East and West, Fierce Pharma Meeting Professionals... Read More →
avatar for Wendy Lund

Wendy Lund

Chief Client Officer, HEALTH@WPP
Wendy rejoined WPP in a newly created role to ensure strong, global, WPP-level support for clients around the world and further differentiate, diversity, and expand WPP’s footprint in the transforming health sector.  With ongoing transformation in the healthcare sector, her goal... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

9:00am PDT

Opening Keynote: AI Unleashed: Revolutionizing PR & Communications in Pharma and Biotech
Embrace the transformative power of AI and new tools designed to elevate your daily work life, opening doors to unprecedented possibilities. This invigorating session aims to empower professionals to push the envelope further, sparking excitement and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape.
  • Summarize the recent AI revolution and the game-changing impact of AI on the landscape and how AI is reshaping traditional approaches and ushering in a new era of possibilities
  • Highlight practical applications that enhance efficiency, streamline workflows, and amplify creativity and discuss real-world examples of how AI has enabled groundbreaking campaigns and communication strategies
  • Encourage a mindset shift toward embracing AI as a collaborative partner, not a replacement and demonstrate how AI can inform strategic decision-making and enhance communication outcomes
  • Assess how AI can be a catalyst for creative thinking, opening avenues for groundbreaking campaigns and challenge professionals to push beyond their comfort zones and explore new frontiers with AI

Speakers
avatar for Chad Latz

Chad Latz

Chief Innovation Officer, BCW
As BCW’s Chief Innovation Officer, Chad Latz is everyone’s go-to guy for trendspotting technology innovations that fuse the digital and physical world and inspire the creation of new opportunities for engagement between consumers and brands. Under his leadership, the agency has... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

9:30am PDT

From Visibility to Value: Positioning Leaders to Drive Reputation
This year, leaders of healthcare organizations will be called upon more than ever to weigh in on our industry’s biggest hot-button issues – from pricing to social justice to stock value. While executive visibility has always been a vital component of a proactive corporate communications strategy, it’s more complex than ever in today’s dynamic and volatile environment. In this panel, we will share how to best equip senior leaders for proactive and reactive media engagement and showcase best practices for showing up authentically in every scenario.
  • Learn how to cultivate a proactive executive presence that’s impactful and drives stakeholder value.
  • Discover the benefits of building a diversified bench of executive thought leaders to appeal to a variety of audiences.
  • Explore strategies to prepare executives to take control of the narrative and meet the moment when asked to comment on challenging topics.
Presented by uncapped

Moderators
avatar for Alex Canale

Alex Canale

Executive Vice President, Managing Director, uncapped communications
With nearly 20 years of experience in marketing communications, public relations, and business strategy, Alex has helped numerous companies articulate their corporate brand, establish thought leadership and drive stakeholder engagement. Her expertise spans various health and healthcare... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Elliot Levy

Elliot Levy

Former Director of Corporate Communications, Global Blood Therapeutics
Elliot Levy brings nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare communications with a passion for advancing science to improve health equity. He was most recently Director of Corporate Communications at Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), where he spearheaded all facets of corporate... Read More →
avatar for Crystal Muilenburg

Crystal Muilenburg

Chief Commercial Officer, Acorn Biolabs
Crystal Muilenburg has nearly two decades of experience in marketing, corporate communications and public relations for mid-cap and start-up enterprises in the U.S. and internationally. She’s Chief Commercial Officer for Acorn Biolabs, a regenerative medicine company. Prior to joining... Read More →
avatar for Sherry Pudloski

Sherry Pudloski

Former Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Seagen
Sherry Pudloski is a senior executive with experience in communications, corporate affairs, healthcare policy, social responsibility, and sustainability. Most recently she was Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Seagen, a biotechnology company acquired by Pfizer. Sherry has spent her... Read More →
avatar for Raquel Cabo

Raquel Cabo

Head of Corporate Communications and Patient Engagement, Ovid Therapeutics


Tuesday May 14, 2024 9:30am - 10:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

10:00am PDT

Networking Break
Location: Ballroom Terrace

Tuesday May 14, 2024 10:00am - 10:30am PDT
Ballroom Terrace Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

10:30am PDT

Panel: Crafting a Dynamic Corporate Brand in Biotech: Building Reputation, Engaging Audiences, Driving Value
Join our expert panel as they delve into the multifaceted world of branding and reputation within life sciences. This session will explore the importance of fostering a strong and reputable corporate presence to position your firm as an industry leader and the benefits of a cohesive brand strategy. Gain insights into cultivating a strong social media presence, integrating industry trends, synergizing corporate and employer brand initiatives, and leveraging employee advocacy. This session provides timely, actionable strategies to enhance your company's profile and reputation as an innovator in the biotech and pharma landscape.
  • Demonstrate the importance of aligning corporate and employer brand initiatives to create a cohesive experience for stakeholders, including employees, investors, advocacy groups, and patients, highlighting how these strategies can synergize to attract and engage target audiences, ultimately driving value creation.
  • Develop a compelling value proposition that reflects your organization’s unique qualities and resonates with your organization's values, leveraging employee engagement as brand champions to enhance recruitment, retention, and overall business performance.
  • Describe strategies in digital, social and thought leadership initiatives to elevate your company's profile and enhance reputation, and to showcase your firm's culture and projects, thereby enhancing brand visibility and engagement with your target audience and stakeholders.
  • Evaluate methods to recognize and capitalize on organic opportunities within the company's lifecycle to strengthen your brand's foundation as a strategic catalyst, enhancing communications across all channels and touchpoints.
  • Stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends and evaluate opportunities integrate your brand to showcase your firm as an innovator and thought leader.

Moderators
avatar for James R Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP

James R Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP

Chief Strategy Officer, Tulane University, School of Medicine
James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP returned to Tulane in 2015 after establishing the open science functions for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus, one of the most innovative experiments in scientific research. His career also includes functioning as a chemist... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Kelley Yoder

Kelley Yoder

EVP, Chicago Corporate & Healthcare Practice Lead, Weber Shandwick
Kelley has nearly two decades of experience developing and executing highly effective communications programs and managing multi-million-dollar PR budgets for global organizations across the healthcare, pharma, biotech, finance, manufacturing and professional services sectors, as... Read More →
avatar for Angela Bitting

Angela Bitting

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Chief ESG Officer, Twist Bioscience
As a senior communications executive with over twenty-five years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, Angela excels in crisp messaging and consistent communications, increasing visibility among key stakeholders, as well as carrying culture and communication throughout... Read More →
avatar for Kimberly Kraemer

Kimberly Kraemer

CEO and Chief Brand Strategist, Waterhouse Brands
Kim founded Waterhouse in 2017 to bring her passion for brand strategy, culture-building and corporate communications together into an integrated service offering to help life sciences companies become extraordinary brands. Using her exclusive ALIGN Methodology to spark organizational... Read More →
avatar for Geoff Curtis

Geoff Curtis

Former Chief Communications Officer, Horizon Therapeutics
avatar for Johnny Smith Jr.

Johnny Smith Jr.

Vice President of Communications, Roche Diagnostics Corporation
Johnny Smith Jr. MA is the Vice President of Communications for Roche Diagnostics Corporation. In his role, Johnny oversees the PR, media relations, internal communications, community engagement, creative services and digital communications functions. He is accountable for the overall... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • QTAG featuredsessionv2

11:15am PDT

Changing the Conversation About Women’s Health Through Next-Gen Social Intelligence
In the last few years, we’ve seen a surge of interest, innovation, and investment in women’s health, yet underlying challenges persist. Below the surface of all this positive momentum, too many women still struggle to be taken seriously about their symptoms, and too many face unnecessary barriers to appropriate diagnosis and care. By harnessing the vast insights from social conversations and individuals’ online behavior, this session aims to illuminate the often-overshadowed challenges women face in accessing comprehensive care for conditions like post-partum depression, endometriosis, and menopause. This session aims to equip attendees with actionable strategies and tools to drive meaningful change and improve outcomes in the realm of women's health.
  • Learn the value of next-gen social listening techniques, including video and audio-based analyses, to hear and see what you might otherwise miss
  • Illustrate the importance of synthesizing insights to fluidly inform segmentation, messaging, and activation
  • Establish the necessity of sophisticated measurement analytics to increase both agility and impact

Speakers
avatar for Allison Marshall

Allison Marshall

Group Director, Integrated Intelligence, Real Chemistry
Allison Marshall is a Group Director within the Integrated Intelligence team at Real Chemistry, where she helps oversee marketing measurement reporting and analytics. She combines her experience with commercial data integration and analytics with a deep knowledge of pharmaceutical... Read More →
avatar for Brittany McKone

Brittany McKone

Senior Group Director, Integrated Intelligence, Real Chemistry
Brittany McKone has a passion for translating data to actionable insights that drive impact for her clients in healthcare communications. At Real Chemistry, Brittany leads analytics strategy for top 10 pharma companies and has experience across therapeutic areas from dermatology to... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

11:45am PDT

Thriving as an N of 1: Unlocking the Power of One in Biotech Communications
In an industry where wearing many hats is the norm, this session is designed to empower individuals operating as an N of 1 – a one-person powerhouse in the communications team. Discover practical strategies, insights, and success stories to not just survive, but thrive in this dynamic environment.
  • Uncover the versatility needed to handle diverse responsibilities and wear multiple hats and understand the mindset required to excel as a solo professional
  • Develop skills to navigate media relations and build strong connections with journalists and review strategies for maximizing media coverage and making the most of limited PR resources
  • Identify how to leverage creativity and innovation to make a big impact on a smaller scale and how to prioritize tasks and responsibilities effectively
  • Examine tools and techniques to leverage social media and digital platforms for maximum reach

Speakers
avatar for Aron Feingold

Aron Feingold

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Geron Corporation
Aron Feingold has over 15 years of experience in biotech and pharmaceutical strategic communications. She is currently the VP of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Geron, a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company pursuing therapies with the potential to extend... Read More →
avatar for Melinda Hutcheon

Melinda Hutcheon

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc
avatar for Victoria “Tori” Fort

Victoria “Tori” Fort

Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs, Frontier Medicines
As the Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Frontier Medicines, Tori leads investor relations, corporate affairs and strategy and counsels the C-suite as a member of the leadership team of a clinical-stage bi-coastal biotech focused on precision medicines.Tori... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • QTAG featuredsessionv2

12:15pm PDT

Networking Lunch
Tuesday May 14, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Ballroom Terrace Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

1:15pm PDT

Panel: M&A Communications: From the Inside
  • Uncover how effective communication strategies can mitigate challenges and maintain stakeholder confidence during M&A deals
  • Understand the timelines, considerations, and challenges faced during the M&A process
  • Review how to align internal communication efforts with organizational goals and values and effective strategies for communicating to internal teams, including messaging and transparency
  • Uncover the importance of maintaining employee engagement during the uncertainty of M&A and explore strategies for conducting successful town halls, addressing concerns, and fostering a positive company culture
  • Discuss the complexities of managing external communications during M&A, including stakeholder engagement, media relations, and regulatory compliance
  • Gain insights into handling communication challenges with the FTC and other regulatory bodies

Moderators
avatar for Erica V. Jefferson

Erica V. Jefferson

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, ReCode Therapeutics
Ms. Jefferson has more than 20 years of broad communications and external affairs experience working in the federal government and the biotechnology sector.She joined ReCode Therapeutics in June 2024 as senior vice president, corporate affairs. In this role, Ms. Jefferson is responsible... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Sherry Pudloski

Sherry Pudloski

Former Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Seagen
Sherry Pudloski is a senior executive with experience in communications, corporate affairs, healthcare policy, social responsibility, and sustainability. Most recently she was Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Seagen, a biotechnology company acquired by Pfizer. Sherry has spent her... Read More →
avatar for Megan Humphreys

Megan Humphreys

Head of Corporate Affairs Mirati, Bristol Myers Squibb Company
Megan Humphreys is a proven integrated communications and brand management leader with 15 years’ experience in media relations, go-to-market communications strategy development, strategic planning, corporate brand identity development and management, and communications channel alignment... Read More →
avatar for Geoff Curtis

Geoff Curtis

Former Chief Communications Officer, Horizon Therapeutics


Tuesday May 14, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • QTAG featuredsessionv2

2:00pm PDT

Panel: From Lab to Market: Navigating the Transition from Clinical to Commercial
Join our expert panel discussion as we unravel the intricacies of launching a company's first drug and seamlessly transitioning from the clinical stage to commercial success. This session will provide invaluable insights into what is needed to succeed during this critical phase, with a focus on the crucial role that communications and PR teams play in the journey.
  • Discuss the key elements of a successful drug launch plan and strategic considerations, including market positioning, target audiences, and the reimbursement landscape
  • Understand the role of effective communication in maintaining transparency and building trust with regulatory bodies and stakeholders
  • Emphasize the significance of patient-centric communication strategies and ways to effectively communicate with patients, caregivers, and advocacy groups, ensuring a patient-focused approach
  • Explore strategies to align internal teams, from R&D to marketing, ensuring everyone is on the same page for a successful commercial launch and express the importance of internal communication and employee engagement during the transition

Moderators
avatar for Charlotte Smith

Charlotte Smith

Senior Vice President, Head of Public Affairs, Travere Therapeutics
Charlotte Smith serves as the senior vice president of public affairs and is a member of the executive team at Travere Therapeutics. She has over twenty years of experience in the healthcare industry as a senior corporate affairs executive focused on internal and external communications... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Tom Jones

Tom Jones

Managing Partner, FINN Partners
avatar for Jim Baker

Jim Baker

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Blueprint Medicines
Jim Baker brings more than 15 years of experience as a biopharmaceutical communications leader building entrepreneurial, science-driven companies from discovery to commercialization, across global markets and through collaboration ecosystems. Since joining Blueprint Medicines as Vice... Read More →
avatar for Christina Chan

Christina Chan

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Regeneron
Christina Chan joined Regeneron in 2021 and serves as senior vice president, corporate affairs, leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for external & internal communication, patient advocacy, corporate responsibility, ESG strategy & reporting, and social impact. Before joining... Read More →
avatar for John Lacey, MS, MBA

John Lacey, MS, MBA

Head of Corporate Affairs, BioLineRx Ltd.
John has over twenty-five years of life sciences communications experience, including in-house, agency and journalism.  He has successfully implemented communications and investor relations programs across multiple industries, including bio/pharmaceutical, consumer, medical device... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • QTAG featuredsessionv2

2:45pm PDT

Does Corporate Reputation Impact Share Price in the Pharma & Biotech Sector?
We’ve all seen the incongruous growth of enterprise value in other sectors. Why was WeWork worth so much before the crash? Why is Tesla one of the world’s most valuable companies when so many other car makers offer electric vehicles? Do the same perceptions that increase institutional and retail investor willingness to pay for a company’s stock apply in life sciences? And, most importantly, does corporate or above brand communications influence those perceptions?

We’re glad you asked.

Delivered with the typical flair and provocation that’s become his calling card, this presentation from WSJ best-selling author, Paul Dyer, will debut original research looking at the relationship between investor willingness to pay and factors like reputation and trust, as well as perception of innovation, vision, and leadership.

Speakers
avatar for Paul Dyer

Paul Dyer

CEO, /prompt.
Paul is CEO of /prompt. the platform company for Lippe Taylor and twelvenote. Under his stewardship, the agency has been named agency of the year for five years and counting, while producing some of the most awarded work in the industry. Paul himself is a former PRWeek 40 Under 40... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

3:15pm PDT

Networking Break
Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm PDT
Ballroom Terrace Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

3:45pm PDT

Case Study: Micro Influence, Macro Impact: Arcutis’s Social Media Strategy
This case study focuses on leveraging social media influencers, encompassing both branded and unbranded approaches, including patient and healthcare professional (HCP) digital influencers. The study outlines the foundational work undertaken over the past year to establish an influencer program, predominantly featuring micro and nano influencers. The discussion will delve into the complexities and compliance considerations associated with working with influencers, emphasizing the importance of aligning with company values when selecting the right influencer for the brand. 
  • Summarize the strategic approach taken to develop a foundational social media strategy, including the utilization of multiple social platforms and the optimization of content for maximum engagement and reach. Gain insights into strategic considerations for choosing the most suitable approach based on organizational goals and budgetary constraints.
  • Discuss considerations about working with influencers, the process of selecting the right influencer for the brand and the importance of aligning with the company's values.
  • Outline the complexities surrounding working with influencers in the biotech industry and considerations for working with your compliance team to get approval

Speakers
avatar for Amanda McNulty Sheldon

Amanda McNulty Sheldon

Executive Director Corporate Communications, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Amanda Sheldon is the Executive Director, Head of Corporate Communications, at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a leading medical dermatology company bringing meaningful innovation to individuals with serious skin diseases. Amanda is responsible for building the overall brand value and reputation... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:45pm - 4:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

4:15pm PDT

Roundtables: Interactive Small Group Discussions
Roundtables: Interactive small group discussions - 2 rotations (30 minutes each)
We will have several different topics that attendees can select between and have an open discussion with a group leader to help facilitate the conversation. Then after 30 minutes, we will rotate, and attendees can select another topic and small group and have an open discussion and network with peers.

1. Unleashing Creativity: Ideation Corner
  • An innovative brainstorming session for collaborative problem-solving, pushing boundaries, and exchanging fresh ideas in a dynamic peer-driven environment.
 Moderated by: Melinda Hutcheon, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc 

2. Showcasing Value: Metrics that Matter
  • Discover diverse measurement styles and tactics to effectively showcase the value your communication teams bring to the table.
 Moderated by: Aron Feingold, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Geron Corporation

3. Reputation Management
  • Gain valuable insights on navigating reputation management in the biopharma industry and rebuilding a brand's reputation after setbacks and stigma, from someone who experienced and overcame similar challenges.
 Moderated by: Nivi Nehra, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Travere Therapeutics 

4. Managing External Partners and Agency Relationships
  • Maximize success in agency relationships through clear communication, established expectations, and building trust to enhance efficiency and value.
 Moderated by: Susan Stein, Associate Vice President, US Communications & Public Relations, Allergan Aesthetics

5. The Path to Strategic Storytelling: Gilead's Editorial Approach
  • Learn how Gilead aligned enterprise-wide storytelling efforts to their corporate narrative and developed an editorial strategy to ensure consistent messaging across internal and external channels. Learn about problems solved, challenges faced and key insights gained during a time of transformation for the company.
 Moderated by: Michelle L. Brandt, Executive Director, Corporate Communications, Gilead Sciences

6. Leading Through Change and Controlling the Narrative
  •  Learn how to navigate and control the narrative, addressing negative news and communicating with internal and external stakeholders with tact and discretion.
Moderated by: Amanda McNulty Sheldon, Executive Director Corporate Communications, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.

7. Generative AI in Action: Bite-Sized Examples and Insights
  • Explore practical applications and results of generative AI in pharmaceutical and biotech communications through mini demonstrations, offering bite-sized examples and insights into current usage and potential benefits.
Moderated by: Lynnea Oliverez, Founder & Community Manager, Ticket to Biotech

Speakers
avatar for Susan Stein

Susan Stein

Associate Vice President, US Communications & Public Relations, Allergan Aesthetics
Susan Stein is the Associate Vice President of U.S. Public Relations and Influencer Partnerships at Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company. She leads a team of professionals overseeing PR and influencer strategic planning & development, crisis communications, and image-building strategies... Read More →
avatar for Melinda Hutcheon

Melinda Hutcheon

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc
avatar for Michelle Brandt

Michelle Brandt

Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Gilead Sciences
Michelle Brandt has more than 20 years of experience in medicine and health care, with expertise in external and internal communications, digital media, content strategy, message shaping and issues management.Michelle came to Gilead Sciences as Executive Director of Corporate Communications... Read More →
avatar for Nivi Nehra

Nivi Nehra

Vice President, Corporate Communications, Travere Therapeutics
Nivi Nehra serves as vice president and head of corporate communications at Travere Therapeutics and joined the company in 2020. In this role, she is responsible for leading the company’s corporate communications strategy spanning external, internal, executive, corpore reputation... Read More →
avatar for Aron Feingold

Aron Feingold

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Geron Corporation
Aron Feingold has over 15 years of experience in biotech and pharmaceutical strategic communications. She is currently the VP of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Geron, a late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical company pursuing therapies with the potential to extend... Read More →
avatar for Lynnea Olivarez

Lynnea Olivarez

Founder & Community Manager, Ticket to Biotech
Lynnea Olivarez is a savvy life science communicator with experience spanning industry, agency and government. She recently founded the global biopharma communicator community Ticket to Biotech (T2B) after 15 years driving impactful communications across the drug development lifecycle... Read More →
avatar for Amanda McNulty Sheldon

Amanda McNulty Sheldon

Executive Director Corporate Communications, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc.
Amanda Sheldon is the Executive Director, Head of Corporate Communications, at Arcutis Biotherapeutics, a leading medical dermatology company bringing meaningful innovation to individuals with serious skin diseases. Amanda is responsible for building the overall brand value and reputation... Read More →


Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

5:15pm PDT

Networking and Cocktail Reception
Tuesday May 14, 2024 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
Bayview Room Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

6:15pm PDT

End of Day One
Tuesday May 14, 2024 6:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
 
Wednesday, May 15
 

8:00am PDT

Networking Breakfast
Wednesday May 15, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am PDT
Ballroom Terrace Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

8:45am PDT

Welcome and Day 2 Opening Remarks
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Benz

Michelle Benz

Conference Production Director, Fierce Pharma
Michelle Benz joined Questex, Fierce Life Sciences in 2021 as a senior conference producer and works on several events annually including Fierce Biotech Summit, Fierce Leaders in Life Sciences, Fierce Pharma PR & Communications Summits East and West, Fierce Pharma Meeting Professionals... Read More →
avatar for Wendy Lund

Wendy Lund

Chief Client Officer, HEALTH@WPP
Wendy rejoined WPP in a newly created role to ensure strong, global, WPP-level support for clients around the world and further differentiate, diversity, and expand WPP’s footprint in the transforming health sector.  With ongoing transformation in the healthcare sector, her goal... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

9:00am PDT

Day 2 Keynote: From Tokenism to Transformation: Realizing True DEI Commitment
Engage in a thought-provoking session that goes beyond performative gestures and explores the authentic commitment needed for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in organizations. Discover strategies to initiate meaningful change even before launching a product, emphasizing the importance of genuine commitment over tokenism. Gain insights into practical steps, learn from real-life examples, and explore the evolving role of DEI in shaping the future of organizations. Don't miss the opportunity to contribute to a shared way of working that integrates DEI values into the fabric of business objectives and organizational culture.
  • Explore how businesses can pivot to embed DEI throughout the organization, making it a shared way of working rather than a standalone initiative and ways to integrate DEI values into daily operations, making it an inherent part of the organizational culture
  • Emphasize the need for enterprise-wide ownership and accountability in achieving successful DEI outcomes
  • Discuss how leadership and employees at all levels can contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Speakers
avatar for Karen Boykin-Towns

Karen Boykin-Towns

Vice Chair NAACP National Board of Directors, Senior Advisor, FGS and
Karen Boykin-Towns is an accomplished strategic communications executive and advisor with deep experience working in complex business and government environments across a range of issues including public affairs, education, healthcare, diversity, equity and inclusion, crises and environmental... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

9:45am PDT

Power and Risks of Advocacy and Political Action in the Biopharma Industry
  • Examine the major advocacy issues currently impacting the biopharma community and how they will shape the industry's future trajectory
  • Consider strategies for agencies and internal communications teams to effectively support advocacy and communications outreach initiatives within their organizations
  • Delve into the balance between advocacy and potential risks, addressing questions such as "How much advocacy is too much?" and "Are DEI goals considered political?"
  • Outline the evolving landscape of advocacy skills and how professionals can build advocacy as a skill set, unlocking new opportunities and career paths within the industry

Speakers
avatar for Sabrina Martucci Johnson

Sabrina Martucci Johnson

President and CEO, Daré Bioscience, Inc.
Sabrina Martucci Johnson is a life sciences executive committed to advancing innovation in women’s health. She is the Founder and CEO of DARÉ Bioscience (NASDAQ:DARE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company driven by a mission to identify, develop and bring to market a diverse... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Jeffords

Elizabeth Jeffords

CEO & President, Iolyx Therapeutics
Elizabeth Jeffords, President & CEO of Iolyx Therapeutics, is a team-focused executive and director with cross-lifecycle expertise including company formation & fundraising, clinical development, commercial launches, a >$9B+ global P&L, and M&A.  She has launched more than a dozen... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:45am - 10:15am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

10:15am PDT

Networking Break
Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
Ballroom Terrace Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

10:45am PDT

Panel: From Branding to Results: Crafting a Comprehensive Clinical Trial Communication Plan
Whether you represent a nimble biotech or a larger biopharma, this session provides fresh ideas and inspiration to elevate your organization's R&D initiatives through effective communication strategies around clinical trials. Hear from leaders as they share practical advice on leading the planning and execution of high-value communication strategies throughout the clinical trial journey – from branding and patient advocacy to timeline management and scenario outcomes.
  • Tackle the complexities of clinical trial timelines and discover how to align your organization around consistent messages, ensuring clarity from trial initiation to result preparation
  • Establish the integral role of patient advocates and learn effective strategies to engage these advocates, building awareness, enhancing enrollment, and managing expectations in areas of severe medical needs
  • Illustrate the importance of branding clinical trials and learn how to partner with internal stakeholders to develop new approaches and roll out a trial name. See how branding a clinical trial with a memorable name can help increase engagement across stakeholders

Moderators
avatar for Ami Celeste Knoefler

Ami Celeste Knoefler

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Adagene

Speakers
avatar for Synim Neona Rivers, MPH

Synim Neona Rivers, MPH

Senior Director, R&D Communications, Amgen, Inc.
Synim N. Rivers currently serves as senior director, R&D communications at Amgen, Inc. where she is the corporate affairs lead for communications strategy and activities for the company’s R&D pipeline. She previously held this role at Horizon Therapeutics (acquired by Amgen, Inc... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith

Senior Director, Early Pipeline Communications, Gilead Sciences
Jessica is a strategic and seasoned communications leader who has dedicated her career to health, medical, and science communities.Currently, she is the Senior Director, Early Pipeline Communications at Gilead Sciences. In this role, she is accountable for establishing and executing... Read More →
avatar for Erin Murphy

Erin Murphy

Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Erin Murphy currently serves as Executive Director and Head of Global Corporate Affairs at Mirum Pharmaceuticals, a rare disease company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this role, she oversees the global communications programs as well as patient advocacy. Erin cut her teeth... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:45am - 11:30am PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • QTAG featuredsessionv2

11:30am PDT

Panel: Navigating Financial Communications and Investor Relations
  • Review the unique landscape of financial communications in the sector and understand the critical role of investor relations in shaping external perceptions
  • Explore strategies for aligning financial messages with the company's broader narrative and goals learn to articulate financial information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner
  • Outline the regulatory requirements governing financial communications in the pharmaceutical industry and establish best practices for transparent and compliant disclosures
  • Discover strategies for engaging with diverse stakeholders, including investors, analysts, and financial media and understand the nuances of tailoring financial communications for different audience segments
  • Gain insights into best practices for presenting financial results and making announcements and how to maintain effective investor relations during periods of market uncertainty the challenges of balancing transparency with strategic communication
  • Delve into key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring the impact of financial communications and how to gauge and shape investor perceptions over time

Moderators
avatar for Lynnea Olivarez

Lynnea Olivarez

Founder & Community Manager, Ticket to Biotech
Lynnea Olivarez is a savvy life science communicator with experience spanning industry, agency and government. She recently founded the global biopharma communicator community Ticket to Biotech (T2B) after 15 years driving impactful communications across the drug development lifecycle... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for Tyler Marciniak, MSc, MBA

Tyler Marciniak, MSc, MBA

VP of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications & Advocacy, ACELYRIN, INC
Over a biopharma career spanning more than 20 years and multiple continents, Tyler has developed a strong track record of establishing and leading high performing teams in investor relations, corporate communications and stakeholder engagement, including patient advocacy and industry/government... Read More →
avatar for Eamonn Nolan

Eamonn Nolan

Senior Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, MorphoSys
Eamonn is a strategic communications and investor relations leader with extensive experience across the pharmaceutical, biotech and healthcare non-profit sectors. He specializes in advising C-Suite leadership, building corporate reputation, promoting a company’s value proposition... Read More →
avatar for Greg Mann

Greg Mann

Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Investor Relations, Nkarta
Greg Mann oversees and supports Nkarta’s corporate strategy and leads the corporate affairs function with a focus on engaging Nkarta’s stakeholders across patient and caregiver communities, clinical investigators, media, and investors. Greg has worked for more than 25 years in... Read More →
avatar for Michael Levey

Michael Levey

Director, Global Media Relations, Merck
Michael is a corporate communications leader with more than two decades of in-house and agency experience in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. He has a proven track record in leading integrated communications plans and media engagement strategies that drive measurable... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663
  • QTAG featuredsessionv2

12:15pm PDT

Networking Lunch
Wednesday May 15, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Ballroom Terrace Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

1:15pm PDT

Case Study: Mastering Pharmaceutical Product Communications
This session offers a comprehensive overview of pharmaceutical product communications, providing PR & Communications leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of managing branded communications in the pharmaceutical industry. Leaders will gain insights into crafting compliant and transparent messages, understanding the stringent regulatory landscape, and tailoring communication strategies for diverse stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, patients, and regulatory bodies. Don't miss this opportunity to grasp the unique dynamics of pharmaceutical product communications and equip yourself with the strategies needed to effectively navigate this specialized field.

Speakers
avatar for Deb Kazenelson Deane, MSPH

Deb Kazenelson Deane, MSPH

Executive Director, Corporate Communications, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Deb Kazenelson is the Executive Director, Corporate Communications Lead at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading neuroscience company developing and commercializing therapies to address unmet need in neuropsychiatric disorders. She has more than 25 years of experience working with... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 1:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

1:45pm PDT

Panel: Engage to Excel: Crafting a Culture of Excellence in PR & Communications
In an era where a people-first culture is paramount, discover how to create a workplace that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of your team. Join us for this comprehensive session where industry leaders will share their experiences, insights, and practical tips on elevating employee engagement in the dynamic world of PR & Communications. Don't miss the opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to lead your team towards success.
  • Explore the latest trends and strategies in fostering employee engagement in a fragmented work environment and understand how fostering a people-first culture can enhance collaboration, productivity, and overall job satisfaction
  • Evaluate innovative benefits, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave, mental health days, initiatives to address burnout, support for student loan payments, and flexible working arrangements, designed to attract top talent, reduce turnover, and foster employee happiness
  • Examine innovative approaches to employee recognition that go beyond traditional methods, fostering a positive and motivated work environment
  • Consider the necessity of upskilling and re-skilling employees to meet the evolving needs of the business and hear about successful programs and initiatives designed to prepare your team, ensuring they remain at the forefront of industry developments

Moderators
avatar for Michelle Benz

Michelle Benz

Conference Production Director, Fierce Pharma
Michelle Benz joined Questex, Fierce Life Sciences in 2021 as a senior conference producer and works on several events annually including Fierce Biotech Summit, Fierce Leaders in Life Sciences, Fierce Pharma PR & Communications Summits East and West, Fierce Pharma Meeting Professionals... Read More →

Speakers
avatar for James R Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP

James R Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP

Chief Strategy Officer, Tulane University, School of Medicine
James Zanewicz, JD, LLM, RTTP returned to Tulane in 2015 after establishing the open science functions for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus, one of the most innovative experiments in scientific research. His career also includes functioning as a chemist... Read More →
avatar for Myesha Lacy

Myesha Lacy

Chief Investor and Communications Officer, Arcellx
avatar for Deb Kazenelson Deane, MSPH

Deb Kazenelson Deane, MSPH

Executive Director, Corporate Communications, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Deb Kazenelson is the Executive Director, Corporate Communications Lead at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading neuroscience company developing and commercializing therapies to address unmet need in neuropsychiatric disorders. She has more than 25 years of experience working with... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

2:30pm PDT

Closing Remarks
Speakers
avatar for Wendy Lund

Wendy Lund

Chief Client Officer, HEALTH@WPP
Wendy rejoined WPP in a newly created role to ensure strong, global, WPP-level support for clients around the world and further differentiate, diversity, and expand WPP’s footprint in the transforming health sector.  With ongoing transformation in the healthcare sector, her goal... Read More →


Wednesday May 15, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand Ballroom (A) Balboa Bay Resort | 1221 West Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663

3:00pm PDT

End of Conference
Wednesday May 15, 2024 3:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
 
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