Why Summits

25th American Pharma and Biotech PPM Conference

11–12 Jun 2025 | Burlingame, United States

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:

  • Dive into vibrant, interactive discussions with leading experts and peers.

  • Uncover cutting-edge solutions and strategies to address today’s pharma challenges.

  • Create meaningful connections with fellow executives and thought leaders.

  • Access exclusive insights, tools, and best practices to enhance your decision-making.

  • 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

  • Optimizing the Utilization of AI Tools in PPM

  • Leading the Future: Strategy, Innovation & Transformation

  • Mastering Cross-Functional Team Strategies & Collaboration

  • The Winning Formula: Identifying & Implementing the Right Tools and Methods

  • Small & Big Pharma: Growth, Leadership & Best Practices

  • Innovative Approaches to Contemporary Challenges in Pharma & Biotech PPM

  • Workshop: The Psychic Role of the PM/PMO in Preparing for Due Diligence: Syncing Expectations

  • Workshop: Converting Asset Strategy into an Actionable Plan Using a Clinical Development Plan

Reasons to attend

  • Friendly and highly stimulating atmosphere in a smaller circle

  • Workshops and Roundtables for a deeper dive into important topics in the Pharma industry now

  • Fun ice-breaking social events every evening with delegates, speakers, and sponsors of the event

  • Sharing new ideas and building strong connections

  • A creative and inspiring platform for fruitful discussion

  • Big & SME Pharma and Biotech companies

In The Chair

DAY 1 | Dave Penndorf

PPM Advisor, Groundswell Pharma Consulting LLC

🔵 LinkedIn

DAY 2 | Courtland (Corky) LaVallee

Biopharmaceutical Program Management Expert

🔵 LinkedIn

Our Speakers And Panelists

Elise Brownell

Founder

Zephyr Biotech

Ira Brown

Founder and CEO

Project Widgets

Matthew Palicki

Andrea Espitia

Director Project Management

Synthego Corporation

Fabio De Martino

Michael Faia

Harry Georgiades

Gilbert Hausmann

Director, Program Management

Alamar Biosciences

Lauren Jackson

Ioannis Kagiampakis

Jennifer Kang

Chris Knight

Alejandro Martorell Riera

Elise Mascret

Wes McCoubrie

Senior Vice President

Rego Consulting

Tyler McKenney

Estelle Paysinger-Hill

Robert Secchi

Stephen Smith

Marie Spark

PM Educational Consultant

PMI San Francisco

Joe Stalder

Vice President Program Management

Zentalis Pharmaceuticals

Dave Zahora

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

Senior Project Manager

"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

Liza Zhaivoronok | General Inquiries

Kristína Šestáková | Speaking

Srihari Kamban | Sponsoring