WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE REASONS YOU WOULD TELL SOMEONE THEY SHOULD ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE?
Access to knowledge, networking, and innovation. The ISPE mission of “connecting pharmaceutical knowledge” is front and center during the annual meeting. It truly is a rare opportunity to meet with more than 2,000 peers from across the pharmaceutical industry, service partners, and regulators to share the knowledge that will take our industry forward. I am also proud that in addition to seeking solutions to future challenges, we always retain a committed line of sight to the patients that we serve.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THE CONFERENCE?
The educational opportunities are extensive—seek out something new. We can all become more effective as professionals by learning about part of our industry that might not be in our current sphere of expertise.
Help others maximize their opportunity. I really encourage engagement between people at all stages of their career and areas of responsibility. This year we will have another great cohort of students, young professionals, and Emerging Leaders attending. We can all benefit in spaces where inquisitive thought meets experience.
Last but not least, maximize your networking opportunities! ISPE offers us a huge opportunity to broaden our knowledge and experience not just from educational events and publications, but also from the relationships we build. The long-term benefits that we can gain from the knowledge and experience in our network are incredible.
THE CONFERENCE HAS A THEME OF ‘WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE’ THROUGHOUT. WHAT MAKES THIS SUCH A COMPELLING SUBJECT?
We cannot hold back the tide of technology and scientific discovery that will be disruptive to current drug development, manufacturing, and healthcare delivery. The treatments and technologies that our industry will develop over the foreseeable future is likely to significantly change the skills that our greatest asset—our workforce—requires.
If we are to meet the future needs of patients, we need a workforce ready for the future. This means ensuring that we continue to develop the skills and education of our current workforce and attracting professionals and students with new skills from other disciplines who may previously not have considered pharma in their career path.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO?
Firstly, the incredible diversity of educational material produced by our membership during workshops, presentations, and panel discussions. Beyond the conference agenda, I also look forward to the discussions and relationship building that benefit us far beyond the boundaries of the event.
WHY DID YOU ACCEPT THE INVITATION TO BE EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CHAIR?
I was delighted to accept the invitation to be the Executive Conference Chair and have the chance to work with Conference Chair Ciby Abraham’s fantastic team, the organizing committee, and ISPE staff to deliver the 2024 program.
The role of Executive Chair has given me the opportunity to share my view of our industry’s strategic needs and shape the conference themes to help our industry meet future technological, regulatory, and healthcare challenges. In particular, I appreciate the team’s willingness to align future workforce needs through the conference technical tracks, workshops, and Hackathon event, as I believe this to be critical for our future success in delivering for patients.
WHY DO YOU ENJOY BEING A MEMBER OF ISPE?
The education events, guidance documents, networking, and connection with global regulators that ISPE has offered me over the past 20 years have been a key element of my professional growth—and beyond that, I have formed many friendships among our members.
I find ISPE to be an inspiring community of individuals who, together, are working to solve some of the world’s biggest healthcare challenges. Being a member of ISPE, and volunteering in working groups, Communities of Practice, Affiliates, and Chapters is both professionally and personally rewarding to help achieve this mission.
