Bio tech and pharma conferences are among some of the largest professional events there are. Some are hosted by organizations, specifically for their employees, to share recent developments, inspire innovation, and align their teams. Others are hosted by groups looking to gather industry professionals in a variety of disciplines so that they can share new information, run workshops, and even offer certification courses.
Of course, with so many bio tech and pharmaceutical events taking place, it becomes even more challenging to stand out in the crowd. We’ve come up with 10 great ideas to elevate your bio tech & pharma events so that your conference shines. Check them out below!
1. Offer Hands-On Labs and Workshops
One of the big benefits to an in-person event, vs. a virtual event or a webinar, is the opportunity to engage in hands-on labs and workshops.
These practical experiences allow attendees to see firsthand how different concepts or practices work and give them a chance to participate, helping them gain a deeper understanding than simply hearing about it or watching somebody else do it.
Of course, moving a full-scale, realistic lab into an event venue may not be realistic (or even possible!). By using virtual or augmented reality, the experience can be simulated pretty accurately, still giving the attendees that valuable hands-on experience, as well as an unforgettable session.
2. Host an Innovation Challenge
Regardless of whether your attendees are engineers, marketing professionals, or part of a sales team, innovation is critical to high-tech industries like bio tech and pharma. In order to really let the attendees show off their creativity and encourage them to think outside the box, host an innovation challenge that can run throughout the conference or during a specific time.
From pitch competitions in the style of shark tank to hackathons and more, innovation challenges can be geared towards a variety of job functions and disciplines. And, who knows? Somebody may just uncover the next game changing idea, application, or invention.
3. Provide Opportunities to Interact with Industry Experts
Hearing from a keynote speaker is often a high point of a conference for attendees, especially when that speaker is well-regarded in the industry. However, you can make the experience even more impactful by giving attendees the opportunity to interact directly with their idols.
Perhaps the easiest way to do this is through a Q&A at the end of the keynote speech, where attendees can ask questions and get insight into subjects they’re particularly interested in or passionate about. However, there are always ways to take it a step further.
Consider having a keynote speaker host a workshop for a limited number of attendees so that they’re able to interact with the industry leader more casually and gain hands-on knowledge from them. Alternatively, you can ask that the keynote speaker attend small group breakouts or networking events open to select attendees, giving them the opportunity to meet and talk.
4. Do a Live Case Study
Those in the bio tech and pharmaceutical fields are already very well-versed in case studies. However, they’ve likely never had a chance to participate in a live one.
During these interactive sessions, a company or industry leader can present a real, complex challenge they either faced recently or are currently facing. The audience will then be part of creating the solution.
Whether the entire group works together as a team to analyze the challenge and propose solutions or breaks into smaller groups to discuss and come up with a plan that they can present to the entire room, this highly collaborative format allows attendees to be part of creating solutions to real issues.
If the issue presented truly is unresolved, there’s an extra bonus – a possible solution could be created.
5. Provide Structured Networking Opportunities
Nobody (or at least, very few people) liked when their teacher selected teams for a group project. And yet, that’s exactly what we’re suggesting you do!
The common trap organizations often fall into with structured networking opportunities is that people tend to interact the most with people they already know, spending more time with established connections than building new ones. Of course, unlike the seemingly random teams we were put on in school, these pairings can be created with intention.
Use AI-powered matchmaking to pair up attendees who likely don’t know each other but have similar job functions, common interests, or could learn from each other. Then, have them participate in a structured activity.
Gamified networking and engagement activities, like a themed escape room, digital scavenger hunt, or some other type of game, will help guide the conversation, reducing initial awkwardness and helping participants forge connections.
6. Utilize Interactive Screens & Walls
Interactive screens and walls are great for live events in general, but when they’re used in ways that attendees really have the opportunity to interact with them, the impact is even bigger.
If the conference has a trade show or exhibit hall, consider having an interactive LED floor or wall where attendees can complete some kind of activity or competition.
They can also be used in common areas where attendees can complete micro competitions, explore information or a case study in between sessions, or as part of an interactive workshop.
7. Create Wellness Areas
Pharma and bio tech events are notoriously jam packed with activities. From networking events to competitions that take place during every spare moment, galas, group dinners, and more, these conferences are known for being incredibly beneficial – but also for being busy and sometimes stressful.
Consider having a few wellness areas where the sole focus is on the well-being of the attendees.
One can focus on physical wellness, offering smoothies, healthy snacks, and yoga sessions at the beginning of the day or between sessions. A second area can focus on relaxation. Dim lighting, soft music, cucumber water, and even some chairs to get a massage can help attendees relax and recharge between sessions without the pressure of networking or socializing.
8. Use an Event App
Whether your event has 800 attendees with various sessions over two days or is a week-long event with over a hundred different sessions, keynotes, workshops, and more, it can be challenging to navigate. Make it easier on your attendees by offering a well-designed event app.
The event app can include general information, like venue maps, reminders for sessions that everyone is expected to attend, and course catalogues for breakouts or workshops. It can also house attendee specific information, like travel details, lodging information, and reminders for courses they’ve expressed interest in. Some apps are even able to store all contact information so that with one easy “tap” attendees are able to share their details while networking.
Another plus is that you can have attendees check in at different meetings, allowing you to understand which sessions garnered the biggest turn out and generated the most interest.
9. Utilize Pre-Event Content
If there are sessions where you’ll be talking through a case study, a specific upcoming innovation, or other in-depth topic, pre-event content is a great way to help your attendees get more bang for their buck.
By sharing content related to a specific breakout, workshop, or session ahead of time, attendees are able to enter the meeting with a deeper level of understanding, which gives the presenter the opportunity to dive deeper into the details and get more granular with what they share.
Pre-event content likely isn’t necessary for every single session. But for specific workshops or highly-advanced topics, it will allow your attendees to get more out of the session and for your presenter to impart more wisdom.
10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Bio tech and pharma events are so popular, not just because they provide great opportunities to network and learn, but because they’re fun. From sponsored parties to fun activities, trips to nearby attractions, private concerts, and more, one of the things attendees look forward to most at these events is having an opportunity to have a good time with the people they work with and getting to know the people in their industry in a more casual environment.
Are you planning an upcoming bio tech or pharma event? We’d love to help make it shine! Contact us to learn more about how you can elevate your upcoming conferences.