5:30 - 6:00 pm

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Networking Dinner and Guest Speakers

Welcome
Ben Bradford, Head of External Affairs, Mass Bio
Allison Madden, MBA, President, AURP; Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, University of South Florida (USF) Research Foundation

Presentation of the AURP Vision Award
Peter Pellerito, Biotechnology Innovation Organization 

Fireside Chat
The Boom in Bio and Pharma Manufacturing: What States Need to Know
Billions of dollars in new bio and pharma manufacturing hubs are being announced weekly as corporations respond to reshoring manufacturing spurred by tariffs, presidential executive orders and global supply chain realignment. Learn how regions are planning and incentivizing bio and pharma manufacturing in their states in this interactive panel. 

Speakers:
Monique K Mansoura, PhD, MBA, Global Health Security & Biotechnology, Strategic Advisor
Ben Bradford, Head of External Affairs, Mass Bio
Laura Gunter, President, North Carolina Life Sciences Organization
Eddie Pauline, President and CEO, Ohio Life Sciences
Vince Wong, President & CEO, BioCrossroads Indiana
Geoffrey Gallo, Head of Corporate and State Government Affairs, AstraZeneca
Moderator: Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

7:30 - 8:00 am

Check-In & Networking | Continental Breakfast

8:00 - 8:15 am

Welcoming Remarks

Speakers:
Vickie Palmer, CEO, AURP
Sara Merriman, Director, Member Engagement & Strategy NIIMBL

8:15 - 8:45 am

Headwinds in Bio Research and Protecting Bio Innovations
Explore challenges in funding bio research, IP protection, the role of the Bayh-Dole Act in fostering innovation, and policy aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of regions in the biotechnology sector. Steve Susalka will address strategies to strengthen IP frameworks and support regional innovation ecosystems. Vinit Nijhawan will discuss challenges coming from proposed changes in facilities and administration rates in federally funded research, expected reductions in fundamental research supported by the federal government and other emerging headwinds in building vibrant bio ecosystems.

Speakers:
Steve Susalka, CEO, AUTM
Vinit Nijhawan, Managing Director, MassVentures
Whitney Hastings, Chair, Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC)
Moderator: Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

8:45 - 9:30 am

Life Science Labs of the Future
Focus on the evolving design and infrastructure of life science laboratories. These experts will discuss innovative approaches to lab development, sustainability, and collaboration, plus features experiences and insights from IU Labs.

Speakers: 
Tzveta Panayotova, Principal, HDR
Aaron Kazam, Executive Vice President, Acquisitions & Development, Breakthrough Properties
Moderator: Patrick Duffy, PE, LEED AP, President/Principal, BR+A

9:30 - 10:00 am

Bio Manufacturing in Space: The Future of New Drugs and Devices
The “skies the limit” with the potential of space-based bio-manufacturing to revolutionize the development of new drugs and devices. Joining us virtually, Donna Roberts will highlight advancements and opportunities in accessing space for cutting-edge biomanufacturing. 

Speaker:
Donna Roberts, Deputy Chief Scientist, CASIS International Space Station National Lab
Moderator: Brian Darmody, Chief Strategy Officer, AURP

10:00 - 10:30 am

10:30 - 11:00 am

Bio Hubs Across the Country: What's Hot and What's Not?
Learn emerging trends in life sciences hubs across the U.S., highlighting the regions that are thriving and those facing challenges. Our informed and entertaining authorities will provide insights into the factors driving success and the evolving landscape of life sciences innovation. 

Speakers:
Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor, GEN News
Matt Gardner, Head of Life Sciences, Americas, CBRE
Rachel Rath, MBA, MPH, Head, JLABS DC
Moderator: Nicolai Shuman, Senior Director of Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Development, Activation Capital, Virginia Bio+Tech Research Partnership Authority

11:00 - 11:30 am

Navigating the New Normal and Life Science Workforce
Recruiting a robust life science workforce always been difficult, but emerging bio funding uncertainties, international tensions and rapidly changing technologies present new challenges.  Will familiarity with AI and quantum tech overtake the need for fundamental biology research experience? Will labs on a chip eliminate the need for workforce used to working with vivaria and animal models? Hear from experts on how regions should prepare for the life science workforce of the future.

Speakers:
Brian Gaines, Chief Executive Officer, Learning Undefeated
Randall Ribaudo, Co-Founder, Human Workflows and SciPhD
Amrita Madabushi, PhD, Co-Vice Chair, Women In Bio–Capital Region and CEO, EmpowerBio
Moderator: Matthew Cimino, PhD, Senior Manager, Business Development, Maryland Department of Commerce

11:30 - 11:55 am

Bio R&D and Manufacturing Headwinds in an Uncertain Macro Environment
Funding for life sciences is facing massive challenges, from the slashed federal funds in Trump’s latest budget proposal to the tariffs that threaten the influx of cash from biopharma investors. How will drug development evolve?

Speakers:
Jef Akst, Managing Editor, BioSpace
Lori Ellis, Head of Insights, BioSpace
Heather McKenzie, Senior Editor, BioSpace
Moderator: Mark Romney, Senior Vice President, Blue Rise Ventures

11:55 am - 12:00 pm

Closing Remarks

Speakers:
Chris Rooney, Senior Director, Office of Research & Innovation, Trent University
Allison Madden, MBA, President, AURP; Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, University of South Florida (USF) Research Foundation

12:30 pm 

Informal Lunch & Learn (no host gathering)
Organic sharing of best practices in life science