Archives: Speakers

Scott has extensive experience having predominantly worked in senior positions for large multi-national corporations, mostly as an R&D Sourcing professional. His varied industry experience with both sponsors and CROs includes R&D Sourcing & Procurement, Supplier Relationship Management, and Business Development, with sponsor companies Centessa Pharmaceuticals, ADC Therapeutics, Adare Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Aventis, and CROs Crovelis, Syneos Health, and Covance.

Chris Walker is the Senior Director of Clinical Data Sciences at Alimentiv, where he has cultivated a 12-year career dedicated to advancing clinical research through data-driven solutions. With a strong foundation in Clinical Data Management, his expertise lies in the successful implementation and optimization of eClinical technologies to drive efficiency and insights within the clinical trial process.

Mark Laney has more than 20 years of experience with software in the Life Sciences industry focused on delivering the right solutions for customers. As Sr Director, Sales Engineering & Partnerships, he is tasked with solving customer challenges using the breadth of functionality and flexibility of Zelta’s unified clinical data management solution while facilitating partnerships with complimentary industry leading vendors to offer customers a robust technology solution for their clinical needs.

Dennis Velasquez is the Chief Commercial Officer at Biorce, where he helps pharmaceutical and biotech companies transform how clinical trials are designed and executed using AI. With a background in biochemistry, microbiology, and specialization in Pharmacology and a PhD in pharmacokinetics, Dennis brings over 17 years of experience bridging science, technology, and commercial strategy. At Biorce, he leads global partnerships and sales strategy for the first ever AI-powered assistant built to streamline protocol development, feasibility assessments, and operational planning. His work focuses on reducing protocol amendments, improving trial timelines, and helping sponsors make smarter decisions earlier in the R&D process. Known for his sharp scientific and strategic thinking, direct communication style, and deep passion for innovation, he is helping reimagine the future of clinical trials, supporting the pharmaceutical industry in delivering treatments to patients faster.

Over 13 years industry experience in clinical research, leading strategic planning, feasibility, oversight and delivery of global studies and trial portfolios for Phase I, II and III clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas and treatment modalities.
I advise and collaborate with biotechs and small pharma companies on strategizing their clinical development pipelines, bringing new medicines to the clinic, and ultimately to the patients who need them.
My deep rooted passion for clinical trials originates and has developed from my strong academic background, which has provided me with a solid platform on which to build knowledge, versatility and a holistic approach to strategic planning and management of clinical programmes.

Max Schütz works at König Ludwig International GmbH & Co. KG, where he focuses on international business development, brand strategy, and global partnerships in the hospitality and beverage industry. His work centers on expanding heritage brands into international markets while maintaining authenticity and long-term brand value.

Operating within a company rooted in Bavarian tradition but active worldwide, Max works at the intersection of international market expansion, strategic partnerships, and premium brand positioning. He is particularly interested in how historic brands can scale globally while staying culturally relevant and commercially successful.

As a speaker, Max shares insights on global brand building, international growth strategies, and the role of strong partnerships in scaling premium brands across diverse markets. His perspective is shaped by hands-on experience in international brand management and cross-border business development.

Russ has been doing business development and strategic partnerships work in the Alberta technology sector for nearly 30 years. Having built successful global sales, marketing, and business development teams at organizations such as Calgary-based tech companies SMART Technologies and Nureva, he now leads the Partnerships team at Amii – responsible for Amii’s industry partnerships driving AI adoption and commercialization in Canadian business.

Amii is a non-profit research institute and one of the three national AI institutes, part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy.  We are committed to invention, innovation and diffusion through investing in AI research and creating partnerships with businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprise.

Richard, Innovation and Technology Business Development Director at CCL Label, brings over 25 years of technical and operational expertise to the packaging industry. A chemist by training, his career has evolved from R&D and technical management to leading technical partnerships with major international brands, working globally,  implementing tailor made solutions to meet local requirements.

He is focussed upon the development and implementation of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions for multiple container types, providing balanced legislative compliant solutions whilst maintaining brand identity and impactive shelf impact.