With limited time and budgets, I focus on events that offer the best learning opportunities. As funding becomes scarcer, more early-stage research takes place at start-ups with fewer resources. Webinars keep me updated, but in-person meetings have a special energy. Deciding which conferences to attend is not always easy. (1)
Major global biotech events like J.P. Morgan and the BIO International Convention still attract investors. Science-focused conferences such as ASCO, ESMO, AACR, and ASH draw thousands of attendees eager to hear about new discoveries. But with so many people, it can be hard to meet the top experts. Cancer research is a broad field, so large conferences like ASCO Breakthrough in Singapore in June 2026 matter a lot. Even though p53 was found many years ago, there are still many things we do not know, so small local meetings are also helpful.
Conferences are changing, with more focus on valuable in-person experiences. Like many others, I have been in the crowded halls of ASCO and BIO, as well as in the focused settings of smaller meetings. At big events, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and miss chances to connect. Smaller meetings make it easier to have one-on-one talks, though they may not cover as many topics. (2)
Mid-sized global meetings about brain diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia bring together hundreds or thousands of people. These events make it easier to learn about certain topics and meet others. Groups like the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) (3) and the Pharmaceutical & Bioscience Society International (PBSS) (4) now focus more on smaller, local conferences. They offer both in-person and online ways to take part.
A few years ago, I wanted a different kind of conference and found HubXchange in San Diego. The topics included using special cells for Parkinson’s disease and group talks on using a patient’s own cells or donor cells for therapy, as well as the possible use of living CAR-T cells. In fall 2025, HubXchange came to San Francisco, covering topics like using AI in drug development, Antibody ADC Therapeutics, Medical Technology Strategies, and Immunotherapies.
HubXchange brings together experts from medicine, biotech, and life sciences to solve big challenges and foster teamwork that drives breakthroughs. Each roundtable is led by a chosen expert, making sure every discussion is useful and relevant. The agenda includes important topics in life sciences, from new treatments and AI-driven drug discovery to antibody therapies and the latest gene-based advances. This platform is a great way to share your knowledge and help solve real-world problems. Participants are invited to share their solutions and make a real difference.
It May be Time for a Change: Mark Your Calendars
By uniting experts from medicine, biotech, and life sciences, HubXchange tackles big challenges and fuels the kind of teamwork that leads to breakthroughs. Each roundtable is guided by a handpicked expert, ensuring every discussion is both meaningful and practical. The agenda covers hot topics in life sciences, from cutting-edge treatments and AI-powered drug discovery to antibody therapies and the latest in gene-based innovations.
This platform offers a great way to share your expertise and address real-world problems:Participants are encouraged to share their solutions and make a real impactThese events give you more opportunities to network and exchange ideas
**1) Poster Presentations:** Each 30-minute session brings together 8 to 12 people in a private room. Choose the topic that interests you most, and the session leader will guide a discussion focused on your innovations.
**2) One-on-one Meetings:** This format lets you schedule meetings throughout the day with contacts you arrange before the event. There are no exhibition booths or passive interactions; instead, you have pre-arranged meetings and focused discussions.
**3) Speaking Opportunities:** You can also request to be a speaker and introduce your company, as well as discuss how you might collaborate with others.
The current 2026 program includes these cities:
**Boston in April:** Antibody Therapeutics, Antibody Manufacturing, Oligonucleotides & Peptides**Boston in May:** Advanced Therapies, CNS Discovery, AI in Drug Discovery**San Francisco in September:** Antibody Therapeutics, Antibody Manufacturing, Oligonucleotides & Peptides, Advanced Therapies, CNS Discovery, AI in Drug Discovery
Examples of Topics for Roundtable Discussions:
Gene Therapy Manufacturing and DevelopmentCell Therapy Manufacturing and DevelopmentTarget DiscoveryTarget IdentificationDisease Models Novel ModalitiesBlood Brain Barrier/Drug DeliveryData QualityLead Generation & OptimizationDrug Response Prediction
Cori Gorman, PhD, MBA