11 June 2025 - 12 June 2025
94010 Burlingame, United States
835 Airport Blvd.
DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport
25th American Pharma and Biotech PPM Conference
Welcome to 25th American Pharma and Biotech Project, Program and Portfolio Management Conference!
Succeeding in the restlessly developing world of pharma demands top-notch skills in all aspects of Project, Program & Portfolio Management, including prioritization, capacity management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation. It also requires agility and flexibility to keep up with the innovations of the digital era.
The aim of our 25th Pharma and Biotech Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Conference in San Francisco is to empower and equip you to successfully tackle the challenges of the dynamic industry landscape.
Our two-day agenda is packed with insightful sessions, engaging discussions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Connect with industry leaders and peers at the cutting edge of science, business, and operations, as we explore advancements in Biopharma R&D, Business Analytics, and Strategic Decision-Making.
Here’s what you can expect at the conference:
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Dive into vibrant, interactive discussions with leading experts and peers.
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Uncover cutting-edge solutions and strategies to address today’s pharma challenges.
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Create meaningful connections with fellow executives and thought leaders.
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Access exclusive insights, tools, and best practices to enhance your decision-making.
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Advance your pharma R&D management skills and engage with key decision-makers.
Join us in San Francisco to uncover transformative tools, actionable insights, and innovative strategies. Elevate your decision-making, refine portfolio prioritization, and enhance your organization’s resilience, value, and capacity to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry.
Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of pharma and biotech excellence!
We look forward to seeing you in San Francisco!
What to expect
The 25th American Pharma and Biotech Project, Program and Portfolio Management Conference in San Francisco dives right into the cutting edge of project and portfolio management.
The event, which is part of our PPM World Tour, gathers 30+ industry leaders sharing their expertise, providing an exceptional space for networking and knowledge-sharing. From harnessing the power of artificial intelligence in PPM to mastering the balance between portfolio management and corporate strategy, the conference unpacks the latest innovations shaping the pharma industry.
Dive into sessions that reveal the future of managing cross-functional teams, hybrid project management models, and game-changing decision-making techniques. With a focus on bold solutions to modern challenges, the conference promises transformative insights that will redefine the way pharma drives progress and innovation. Join us in sunny San Francisco to connect with the best in the business and be part of the future of pharma PPM!
Main takeaways
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Optimizing the Utilization of AI Tools in PPM
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Leading the Future: Strategy, Innovation & Transformation
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Mastering Cross-Functional Team Strategies & Collaboration
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The Winning Formula: Identifying & Implementing the Right Tools and Methods
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Small & Big Pharma: Growth, Leadership & Best Practices
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Innovative Approaches to Contemporary Challenges in Pharma & Biotech PPM
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Workshop: The Psychic Role of the PM/PMO in Preparing for Due Diligence: Syncing Expectations
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Workshop: Converting Asset Strategy into an Actionable Plan Using a Clinical Development Plan
Reasons to attend
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Friendly and highly stimulating atmosphere in a smaller circle
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Workshops and Roundtables for a deeper dive into important topics in the Pharma industry now
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Fun ice-breaking social events every evening with delegates, speakers, and sponsors of the event
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Sharing new ideas and building strong connections
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A creative and inspiring platform for fruitful discussion
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Big & SME Pharma and Biotech companies
In The Chair
Our Speakers And Panelists
Sara Bender
SVP, Corporate Strategy & Transformation, Chief of Staff
iRhythm Technologies Inc.
Elise Brownell
Zephyr Biotech
Ira Brown
Project Widgets
Matthew Palicki
Rego Consulting
Andrea Espitia
Synthego Corporation
Maithili Dalvi
Associate Director, Global Commercial Project Management
Gilead Sciences
Fabio De Martino
Kite Pharma
Michael Faia
Head of R&D Portfolio Management
Harmony Biosciences
Harry Georgiades
Gilbert Hausmann
Alamar Biosciences
Graham Howe
Lauren Jackson
Dexcom
Ioannis Kagiampakis
Astra Zeneca
Jennifer Kang
Formation Bio
Chris Knight
Formation Bio
Alejandro Martorell Riera
Elise Mascret
Planisware
Wes McCoubrie
Rego Consulting
Tyler McKenney
Emendo
Nina Orike
Estelle Paysinger-Hill
Director, Nonclinical Project Management
Sangamo Therapeutics
Madhavi Pokkuluri
Gary Ryan
Senior Director, R&D Portfolio Strategy & Analytics
Gilead Sciences
Tanya Roberts
Robert Secchi
Wouter Schul
Stephen Smith
Senior Program Director, Oncology
Corcept Therapeutics
Marie Spark
PMI San Francisco
Joe Stalder
Vice President Program Management
Zentalis Pharmaceuticals
Maya Thomas
Executive Director, Program Management & Governance
Stanford Health Care
Phil Wolf
Philip M. Zack
Dave Zahora
Planisware
Mohan Vemulapalli
Testimonials
Adeline Luciano
Head of Project Management Operations | Sanofi
"I recently had the privilege of attending the PPM Biopharma Why Summit, a 2-day conference in San Francisco focused on Project, Program, and Portfolio Management (PPM) within the Biopharma industry. It was the perfect opportunity to learn from and network with my peers, share challenges, and discuss fresh approaches. Well done WhySummit!!! Looking forward to more such opportunities!"
Dave Pendorf
PPM Advisor | Groundswell Pharma Consulting
"Always a fun time MCing the Why Summits conferences! It’s the intersection of a topic I’m so deeply passionate about (PPM), the industry I know so much about (life science in general, pharma in particular), and the people who - dare I say it - have become my friends."
Lulu Yang
People, Growth & Transformation Leader | Genentech
"It was a pleasure co-presenting with Laura Grebene last week at the Why Summit on “Strategies to Address Common Failure Points on Projects and Programs”. I loved to engaging dialogue during the workshop!"
Noel Decker
VP and Head, Science & Development Project Management, Strategy and Business Operations | Emergent BioSolutions
"Reflecting on my participation in the 22nd American Pharma and Biotech Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Conference in San Francisco last week, I am inspired by the wealth of knowledge shared and the incredible community of experts and lifelong learners I had the pleasure of working with and connecting to."
Marie Spark
PM Educational Consultant | PMI San Francisco
"I love being part of this conference every year. While I do not come from the #biopharma industry, we PMs speak the same language and have the same challenges. I learn so much and it’s also a wonderful community! So great to see old friends and make new connections!"
Zane Zaleska
"The Why Summit conference touched not only my mind, but also my heart. So many presenters emphasized the people skills and common sense in PPM which aligns with my personal values. At the core of every project are people and their wellbeing"
Emmanuel Happe
Senior Leader, Global Director
"Thanks to Why Summits and the Great Speakers and Panels. Very inspiring. So many great things to do to to provide a better Life for our patients"
Maithili Dalvi
Associate Director, Project Management | Gilead Sciences
"It was exciting to speak on this panel at the 22nd American PPM conference! We work in multi-generational teams. Understanding each generation’s foundational values and unique strengths are critical for project and organizational success. We focused our panel on the emerging wave of Gen Z in our workspace and how we can coach and develop them to be successful project managers.
#GenZ #ProjectManagement #DiverseTeams"
Dhawal Upadhyay
General Manager - Global Program Management | Intas Pharmaceuticals (Biopharma division)
"It was an honor to be part of such a prestigious event and to contribute to discussions. Thanks Why Summits for the opportunity to engage with such a knowledgeable audience and networking with industry leaders !!"
Peter C. Luke
Project Corporate Vice President - API Expansion | Novo Nordisk
"Thanks for the opportunity to share lessons learned at the conference. Also, very well planned and managed event with great speakers and highly relevant network. Big thanks to Radoslava Gregová and Tomas Rendek for their very professional support."
FLOOR PLAN
Contact us
Miro Hornak | Founder of Why Summits
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e-mail: miro@whysummits.com
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LinkedIn: Miro Hornak
Liza Zhaivoronok | General Inquiries
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e-mail: liza.zhaivoronok@whysummits.com
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LinkedIn: Liza Zhaivoronok
Kristína Šestáková | Speaking
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LinkedIn: Kristína Šestáková
Srihari Kamban | Sponsoring
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e-mail: shk@whysummits.com
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LinkedIn: Srihari Kamban