Day Two | November 6, 2025
8:30 am Conference Registration & Networking
Understanding & Adapting to the Current Geopolitical Climate for Business Stability
9:10 am Discover: “Silver Linings Playbook” in the Age of Immigration Enforcement
Synopsis
- How are immigration enforcement and increased scrutiny impacting talent strategies, and what can employers do now?
- Why record-high green card wait times can benefit employers by extending retention windows—and how the PERM process is reemerging as the reliable path amid stricter EB-2 NIW and EB-1A scrutiny
- How now is the ideal moment to revisit immigration policies, make strategic hires, and build programs that attract and retain top global talent
9:30 am Opening Panel Discussion & Q+A: Navigating the Volatile News Cycle/Geopolitical Landscape
Synopsis
HR leaders in. pre-commercial biopharma must navigate the geopolitical landscape to manage global talent, supply chain risks, and regulatory uncertainty. Current concerns we will discuss include: U.S.–China tensions, shifting immigration policies, DE&I and global election impacts on workforce planning and business continuity.
10:10 am Action: How Are You Going to Plan Your Workforce for Business Continuity in This Time?
Synopsis
(This is a roundtable discussion time to put together an action plan to take back to your respective organization).
10:30 am Speed-Networking & Refreshment Break
Constructing Resilient HR Systems for Long Term Growth
11:00 am Discover: Building a Best-in-Class HR Infrastructure to Support Rapid Growth in Biotech
Synopsis
- How can HR leaders design scalable systems that support rapid growth while keeping employees engaged and supported?
- Focus on structured compensation, engaging in-office experiences, and standout benefits
- How CAMP4 Therapeutics built a high-performing HR function, from job architecture and promotions to wellness programs and company-wide shutdowns, whilst overcoming productivity concerns and championing employee-centric practices
11:20 am Discover: Navigating Talent Development Challenges to Improve Retention Rates for the Long Term
Synopsis
- How can we effectively implement talent reviews and nine-box talent assessments in a global diagnostics company?
- Explore the journey of Menarini Silicon Biosystems in introducing talent reviews and nine-box talent assessments which has reduced regrettable turnover, including the initial success and subsequent challenges faced
- Learn about the strategies used to address underperformance, the impact on employee development, and the lessons learned from the leadership team’s reactions
11:40 am Discover: Building a Positive Culture and Engaged Workforce During Rapid Growth
Synopsis
- How can companies maintain a strong, values-driven culture while scaling rapidly?
- Focus on authentic leadership, effective onboarding, and feedback-driven improvements
- How Kura Oncology evolved from a clinical-stage organization to preparing for commercial launch, by fostering an engaged workforce aligned with its mission and purpose
12:00 pm Develop: Building a Best-in-Class HR Infrastructure
Synopsis
This interactive Q&A session will delve into the practicalities of designing scalable HR systems that support rapid growth while keeping employees engaged and supported. Learn from industry leaders who have successfully built high-performing HR functions in fast-growing biotech companies.
Themes to Explore:
- Structured compensation and standout benefits
- Engaging in-office experiences
- Overcoming productivity concerns
- Championing employee-centric practices
12:20 pm Action: Navigating Talent Development Challenges
Synopsis
This roundtable discussion will focus on the strategies and challenges of implementing talent reviews and nine-box talent assessments in a global diagnostics company. Collaborate with peers to explore how these tools can improve retention rates and address underperformance.
Discussion Prompts:
- Effective implementation of talent reviews and nine-box talent assessments
- Strategies to reduce regrettable turnover
- Addressing underperformance and its impact on employee development
- Lessons learned from leadership team reactions
Takeaway: Leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate talent development challenges in your organization, along with practical strategies and insights from Menarini Silicon
Biosystems’ journey in introducing talent reviews and nine-box talent assessments.
12:40 pm Networking Lunch
1:40 pm Speed Learning
Synopsis
In this quick-fire session, each table will be hosted by an HR leader who will share the secrets of their most high-impact leap; you then get the opportunity to question the host before moving on to your next table.
Leveraging AI for Productivity
Leighette Smith
Senior Director - People & Culture People and Culture
Providence Therapeutics
How to Promote Healthy Teams
Anna Goranson
Chief People Officer
Terray Therapeutics
Building Long Lasting Culture in a Start Up
Tricia McCall
Chief People Officer
Delix Therapeutics