The 15th annual Pharmaceutical Meeting Professionals Summit, to be held November 6-7, 2019, at Harrah\u2019s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City, NJ, will blend innovation with tradition. Attendees can expect unique sessions focused on advancing industry trends and unparalleled opportunities to network with senior-level meeting planners in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Of course there\u2019s also a new location. At the same time, the Summit\u2019s renowned intimate setting remains untouched, giving attendees the ideal environment to engage with key industry leaders.<\/p>\n
Kristen Hunter, the Summit\u2019s senior event director, who\u2019s been involved with this event since its inception, recently addressed a few FAQs about the upcoming 2019 gathering.<\/p>\n
Q. What makes the Summit different from other conferences?<\/strong> Q. Why is a smaller, intimate gathering important?<\/strong> Q. Who is the ideal Summit attendee?<\/strong> Q. Industry news and innovations change with every year, but is there a consistent and overarching Summit mission statement?<\/strong>
\nA. This is not a trade show for 10,000 people who all have different concerns and goals. We\u2019re a smaller, intimate gathering of 200 people, where everyone is involved in some part of meeting planning within the pharma, biotech, and medical device industries. Since we don\u2019t have to be all things to all people, I think that allows us to keep a sharp focus. For example, our expert speakers are industry veterans and thought leaders who work with \u2013 and have often developed \u2013 the most effective strategies specific to medical meeting operations. This is information a meeting manager and planner can\u2019t get anywhere else.<\/p>\n
\nA. Since our first Summit 15 years ago, we\u2019ve always aimed for a high level of interaction between our educators and attendees. The goal is to inspire productive conversations packed with industry knowledge. To accomplish this, we schedule interactive panel discussions, roundtable discussions, and presentations that deliver research-based education. This level of conversation can only work with smaller groups. Attendees return year after year and expect this intimate learning experience. <\/p>\n
\nA. According to last year\u2019s stats, 65 percent of our attendees were meeting planners, including corporate planners directly employed by a pharma, biotech, or medical device company as well as third party planners. And 46 percent of our total audience had more than 15 years of industry experience. So, at our core, I\u2019d say the Summit is designed for the decision-makers \u2013 people who determine where meetings should be held, what technology needs to be available, and what structure will accomplish the desired goal. As our event continues to evolve, though, we\u2019ve seen our core expand. More mid-level meeting planners join us today along with hotel personnel and service providers who work with pharma meeting planners. <\/p>\n
\nA. This is a tough, fast-paced, high-stress field. On top of that, the medical and drug industries are even tougher. It all creates an extremely challenging environment. So our overarching mission has always been to give Summit attendees the insight, knowledge, and latest tools to meet these challenges. Our speakers and sessions will evolve every year but that overarching mission stays constant.<\/p>\n