Day Two | November 6, 2025
8:30 am Conference Registration & Networking
Building Engagement Strategies to Retain Talent During Difficult Times
9:00 am Panel: Building Engagement & Retaining Talent in Difficult Times
Synopsis
HR leaders in pre-commercial biopharma must prioritize employee engagement and retention during difficult times to maintain productivity, preserve institutional knowledge, and sustain momentum in critical R&D efforts. High turnover or disengagement can delay drug development, disrupt team cohesion, and increase costs; risks that are especially damaging in resource constrained, high-stakes environments.
9:40 am Discover: Navigating Crisis & Maintaining Engagement in Biopharma
Synopsis
- How can biopharma companies maintain employee engagement through disappointing news and mass layoffs?
- Learn how T-knife GmbH successfully navigated two major crises by preparing in advance, maintaining transparent communication, and creating a supportive environment
- Discover the blueprint for crisis management that led to high retention rates and a committed workforce, even after significant layoffs
10:00 am Develop: Crisis Management in Biopharma
Synopsis
This interactive Q&A session delves into the intricacies of managing crises within the biopharma industry. Building on the insights from the Discover session, this is your chance to explore the strategies and tactics that can help maintain employee engagement during challenging times. Learn from industry leaders who have successfully navigated crises and discover the best practices for transparent communication and creating a supportive environment.
Themes to Explore:
- Preparing for potential crises in advance
- Maintaining transparent communication during difficult times
- Creating a supportive environment for employees
- Strategies for high retention rates and a committed workforce
10:10 am Action: Implementing Crisis Management Strategies
Synopsis
This roundtable discussion is your opportunity to reflect, share, and strategize on implementing crisis management strategies within your organization. Building on the insights from the Develop session, you’ll collaborate with peers to explore how your organization can prepare for and navigate crises while maintaining employee engagement and retention.
Discussion Prompts:
- What proactive measures can your organization take to prepare for potential crises?
- How can transparent communication be maintained during challenging times?
- What strategies can be implemented to create a supportive environment for employees?
- How can your organization ensure high retention rates and a committed workforce during and after crises?
Takeaway: Leave with actionable strategies and a clearer understanding of how to implement effective crisis management within your organization. Gain insights from peers facing similar challenges and develop a blueprint for maintaining employee engagement and retention during difficult times.
10:30 am Networking Break & Refreshments 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 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
12:00 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.
12:20 pm Networking Lunch
1:20 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