Explore the Agenda
7:00 am Check In & Coffee
7:50 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Optimizing Vendor Management to Drive Efficiency, Compliance, & Strategic Value in R&D Procurement
8:00 am Aligning R&D, Procurement, & Operations to Improve Supplier Transparency & Cross-Functional Efficiency
- Discover how integrated sourcing and category management can reduce friction between R&D and procurement functions
- Learn how shared data visibility enhances supplier accountability and speeds up vendor qualification and onboarding
- Examine internal collaboration models that improve decision-making and reduce cost leakage
8:30 am Presentation Reserved:
9:00 am Optimizing Supplier Relationship Management to Drive Transparency, Efficiency, & Lasting Performance
- Implementing structured SRM frameworks that enhance visibility, communication, and accountability across suppliers
- Leveraging data and shared performance dashboards to identify bottlenecks and improve process efficiency in real time
- Embedding continuous improvement practices to transform supplier relationships into long-term, innovation-focused partnerships
9:30 am The Nova Framework: Evolving From Preferred Provider to Strategic Partner: Building Long-Term Governance Models for Sustainable CRO Collaboration
- Exploring the shift from transactional outsourcing to strategic, value-driven CRO partnerships that enhance collaboration and mutual growth
- Demonstrating how cross-functional leadership can simplify operational complexity and create a scalable, innovative-focused partnership model
- Showcasing approaches to embed ethical and environmental responsibility into CRO alliances to drive sustainable R&D excellence
10:00 am Morning Break & Speed Networking
Join our speed networking session tailored for procurement leaders, like yourselves, to connect with industry peers & facilitating rapid yet meaningful exchanges of insights & expertise. Elevate your networking experience during this session designed for impactful connections among procurement leaders
Track A: Leading Procurement
Strengthening Strategic Procurement to Navigate Risk, Influence Innovation & Build Resilient Partnerships
11:00 am Navigating Geopolitical Risks to Ensure Continuity in Global R&D Procurement
- Identifying emerging political, regulatory, and market risks that disrupt supplier networks
- Implementing proactive strategies to mitigate interruptionsm and maintain research timelines
- Leveraging risk intelligence to strengthen supplier resilience and ensure uninterrupted R&D operations
11:30 am Embedding Strategic Procurement to Align with Business Goals, Influence R&D Decisions, & Accelerate Innovation
- Aligning procurement with clinical, scientific, and business priorities to drive informed decisions
- Shifting from transactional processes to strategic sourcing for higher-value outcomes
- Enhancing R&D speed and quality by integrating supplier insights into decision-making early
12:00 pm Maximizing Value in CRO Partnerships: Smarter Budgeting, Cost Optimization & Contract Negotiation Strategies
- Implementing effective budgeting frameworks to forecast study costs accurately and identify hidden savings opportunities
- Applying data-driven approaches to negotiate stronger terms with existing CRO partners while maintaining collaboration and quality
- Leveraging long-term relationship management to drive continuous cost reductions without compromising scientific or operational outcomes
Track B: Executing Procurement
Optimizing Procurement Operations to Maximize Efficiency, Compliance & Supplier Performance
11:00 am Optimizing R&D Contract Frameworks to Accelerate Delivery & Strengthen Supplier Partnerships
- Streamlining legal, procurement, and operational touchpoints to reduce delays and improve cross-functional alignment
- Designing contract structures that balance innovation needs with clear risk, cost, and performance expectations
- Implementing proactive governance and supplier engagement models to ensure adaptability and sustained value throughout the project lifecycle
11:30 am Navigating Contracting Challenges to Secure Favorable Terms & Reduce Operational Friction
- Identifying common bottlenecks and pitfalls in R&D procurement contracts
- Applying proven strategies for faster negotiations and smoother approvals
- Ensuring contracts support flexibility, compliance, and value realization across complex projects
12:00 pm Maximizing Limited Resources in Biotech Procurement Teams to Drive Operational Efficiency
- Prioritizing high-impact sourcing activities when team capacity is constrained
- Leveraging streamlined workflows and tools to achieve more with fewer resources
- Building scalable processes that support growth without adding headcount
12:30 pm Lunch & Networking
Track A: Leading Procurement
Evolving Procurement’s Identity to Drive Innovation, Agility & Strategic Impact in R&D
1:30 pm Earning a Seat at the Table: How to Influence R&D Decisions & Three Strategic Levers to Drive Cost-Efficient Innovation
- How to earn a seat at the table through strategic insights, collaboration, and developing a track record of delivering high-impact results
- Elevating procurement’s role from transactional to strategic to lead informed decision making and value creation
- Three strategies to accelerate innovation while delivering impactful cost reductions
2:00 pm Presentation Reserved for:
Track B: Executing Procurement
Streamlining Procurement Processes to Enhance Consistency, Value & Risk Management
1:30 pm Operationalizing Category Strategy Across Functions & Geographies to Achieve Consistency & Value
- Translating strategic category plans into actionable operational steps
- Coordinating cross-functional teams and global suppliers to ensure alignment
- Driving measurable cost savings, quality, and process improvements across all regions
2:00 pm Simplifying R&D Procurement Processes to Maintain Agility & Compliance in Complex Environments
- Discussing best practices for streamlining operational workflows
- Exploring trade-offs between process simplification and risk management
- Sharing real-world insights from pharma, biotech, and CRO leaders on delivering operational excellence
2:30 pm Afternoon Break & Networking
Tracking Internal & External KPIs to Solidify Procurement Teams & Supplier Relations
3:30 pm Roundtable: Defining Internal KPIs That Drive Credibility & Strategic Impact in Procurement
- Identifying meaningful metrics that go beyond savings to demonstrate procurement’s value to R&D and leadership
- Linking KPIs to organizational goals, scientific outcomes, and stakeholder satisfaction
- Using performance data to strengthen procurement’s position as a strategic business partner
4:00 pm Presentation Reserved for:
4:30 pm Roundtable: Building the Next Generation of Procurement Leadership & Transforming for Long-Term Success
- Exploring what defines a world-class procurement organization in today’s R&D and sourcing landscape
- Developing future-ready leaders equipped to balance innovation, compliance, and strategic impact
- Sharing best practices for driving procurement transformation through culture, capability, and collaboration
5:00 pm Balancing Vendor Consolidation and Aggregation to Optimize Performance and Minimize Risk
- Identifying when to consolidate suppliers versus maintaining niche partnerships
- Implementing governance models that maximize efficiency without sacrificing innovation
- Reducing management overhead while improving supplier accountability and service quality