Archives: Agenda

ASK THE EXPERTS! Biotech Unlocked: Solving Clinical Operations Challenges Through Peer Insight

Biotech clinical operations teams face constant pressure – limited resources, tight timelines, and increasing complexity. This interactive session creates an open forum to share challenges, learn from peers, and uncover practical solutions that work in lean environments. 

Led by expert facilitators, the discussion will focus on real-world issues submitted anonymously by attendees. From operational bottlenecks to vendor management and resourcing, this is an opportunity to learn from others, avoid common mistakes, and leave with actionable ideas to drive progress. 

How the Session Will Work:

  • Scene Setting: Experts frame key challenges and trends
  • Anonymous Input (Slido): Attendees submit questions and challenges live
  • Peer Discussion: Open, honest sharing of experiences and solutions, with attendees also able to contribute answers and insights via Slido
  • Expert Takeaways: Key insights and practical actions to implement

Outcome: A candid, solution-focused discussion designed to help teams move faster and smarter.

 

Tufts 50 Years of Impact Breakfast Roundtable’s

8:00 – 8:45 AM | Exhibition Hall

Start the day by joining colleagues for an informal breakfast roundtable’s celebrating 50 Years of Impact from Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. These interactive discussions will bring together industry peers to reflect on the evolution of clinical research, share lessons learned over the past five decades, and explore the innovations shaping the future of drug development.

With continental breakfast served in the exhibition hall during registration, this is an excellent opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and be part of the conversation before the main conference begins.

Roundtable 1 

Roundtable 2 

Roundtable 3

WORKSHOP Clinical Trial Negotiation & Budgeting: Securing the Right Deal Without Overspending

For many biotech companies, clinical trial costs spiral beyond initial projections due to ineffective negotiation, unclear contracts, and overly optimistic budgeting. This practical, interactive workshop is designed to equip attendees with the tools and confidence to negotiate stronger contracts, build realistic budgets, and maintain financial discipline throughout the trial lifecycle. 

Through real-world examples and peer discussion, participants will learn how to secure value from CROs and vendors, avoid hidden costs, and ensure they only commit to spend that aligns with available funding, protecting both timelines and long-term viability. 

Key Learning Points

  • How to build a robust, realistic clinical trial budget that reflects true operational costs
  • Practical strategies to negotiate favourable contracts with CROs and vendors
  • Identifying and managing hidden costs, scope creep, and change orders
  • Techniques to ensure financial discipline – spending within available capital, not projections
  • How to align finance, clinical operations, and procurement for stronger decision-making

Moderators will split the room into small groups, assign real-world tasks, guide discussions, and reconvene the audience to share key insights and approaches.