Streets of ‘Pharmadelphia’: A sneak peak at CPhI North America
This month, Philadelphia has played host to the inaugural CPhI North America, where attendees can access the full spectrum of the North American pharmaceutical supply chain. Here, Felicity Thomas previews some of the meeting’s highlights.
The first CPhI North America is about to take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Infamous for its role as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers in the American Revolution, cheesesteak and of course ‘that scene’ from Rocky on the steps before the Philadelphia Museum of Art — the streets of Philadelphia will soon be pounded by thousands of pharma professionals.
Taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from 16–18 May, attendees have access to the complete North American pharmaceutical supply chain through an exhibition, conferences and educational sessions.
Fostering relationships
Designed to bring key business leaders together, CPhI North America’s inaugural show fosters business relationships spanning the full pharmaceutical eco-system. Dubbed as the hub of North American innovation for the pharmaceutical industry, attendees have access to the latest technological innovations as well as industry movers and shakers.
The event playsd host to more than 6000 attendees and over 450 global companies. Additionally, the North American event features the matchmaking services that has been successful on the world stage over the last few years. This complimentary online tool allows badge holders to set meetings prior to reaching the event. Meeting requests can be sent based on individual business needs and the dedicated CPhI Matchmaking Area can offer an easy way of making connections.
On Tuesday 16 May, Expo Plus pass holders were invited to the Welcome Reception. Located at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, those attending were able to meet with prospective suppliers and partners in a casual setting.
On the show floor
In the same way that the worldwide event is laid out, the North American exhibition show floor is organised into zones, allowing visitors to navigate the exhibition according to their business objectives and interests. Covering drug development, packaging, manufacturing ingredients and finished drug products, these zones provide micro-communities in which like-minded people can gather.
At this inaugural event, there are several features aimed at assisting with attendee engagement and education as well as facilitating navigation of the exhibitor booths:
Exhibitor Showcases: These succinct presentations are accessible to all attendees and are delivered by solution providers housed on the exhibition floor, providing an open platform to interact face-to-face with developers.
Insight Briefings: Offering visitors more of an in-depth view on technical and business topics, such as accelerated drug approval programmes, the digital transformation of the pharmaceutical industry and supply chain security advancements.
Innovations & Product Gallery: A free-to-attend area that concentrates on the latest product developments and advancements for the future.
Supplier Finder: Touchscreen, interactive floorplans allowing users to search for specific products or solutions and navigate the show floor effectively.
BOND — Exclusive Meeting Service: A tool to facilitate meetings between solutions providers and solutions seekers based on compatible needs and capabilities.
Additionally, as a part of the CPhI Global Event Network, CPhI Online is a tool available that helps pharma suppliers and buyers connect.
Women in Leadership Forum
The North American edition of the forum offers a relaxed and open platform for female executives from across the global pharma network to share experiences, trade knowledge and build a community. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to hear strategies for leadership and advice on overcoming workplace challenges from industry speakers.
Connecting through conferences
This show introduces the Connect Conference. Featuring two complete programmes, CPhI Connect and InformEx Connect, attendees have access to more than 80 hours of educational content.
CPhI Connect: These sessions cover drug development, drug manufacturing, quality and regulatory affairs as well as outsourcing. Featured sessions will include, ‘Innovative Breakthrough Technologies for Drug Targets and Emerging Pathways’, ‘Case Studies in API Continuous Processing’ and ‘Economies of Capability vs Economies of Scale — Advancing CMO Decisions’. The opening keynote presentations for CPhI Connect was ‘Partnering for Quality: A New Era’ by Ronald T. Piervincenzi, PhD, CEO of the US Pharmacopeial Convention, and ‘Discovery of Innovative Therapeutics — Today’s Realities and Tomorrow’s Vision’ by Magid Abou-Gharbia, PhD, FRSC, associate dean for research, Laura H. Carnell Professor of Medicinal Chemistry & director of the Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, School of Pharmacy, Temple University.
InformEx Connect: This educational programme has been specifically designed for executives from the fine and speciality chemicals industry who are focused on innovations in their field, regulatory affairs and the future of the chemicals business. Featured sessions include, ‘Discover the Latest Innovations in Green Chemistry’, ‘Mega Mergers and the Impact on Global Agricultural Sourcing — Managing Supply Chain Thru Consolidation’ and ‘Plant Operations to Efficiently Meet Regulatory Requirements for Multiple Markets’.
To ensure the issues facing both the pharmaceutical and fine and speciality chemicals industries are addressed the event organisers have partnered with the American Chemical Society (ACS), the US Pharmacopeial Convention and the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) in the development of the conference schedule.