Building Relationships in Austin

If you had to sum up the 2016 MPO Summit in one word, it would be “relationships.” That’s the theme that runs through many of the sessions planned for this year’s event.

First, and perhaps foremost, visitors will enjoy the relationship building that will happen at the actual event. The opportunity exists to speak directly with the editorial team and the publisher (ignoring for a moment that we’re always open to your e-mails, calls, tweets, Facebook messages, or some other preferred form of communication). There will be plenty of time to build a relationship with a representative from one of the 20-plus sponsors who will be ready to discuss potential ways in which they can resolve a challenge or provide a much needed service. The opportunity will exist to even develop a relationship with a local contact from the Austin or Texas region tied to a city, state, or life science organization. All of these entities have been lending valuable support to the event planning and organization, and many will be present to speak with those interested in exploring the region, perhaps as a potential location for a new facility.

“Austin is rapidly gaining momentum in the biotech, medtech, and life science industries. With BioAustin’s networking, education, and collaboration events working to transform the excellence seen in entrepreneurial internet startups to the life sciences; recent IPOs (Mirna Therapeutics and Aeglea Biotherapeutics); a growing medtech focus at the annual international SXSW conference; and the formation of the first medical school in nearly 50 years from the ground up at a top tier research university (Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin), we look forward to becoming the recognized leader of biotechnology innovation in the next several years,” stated Scott Collins, Ph.D., board member of BioAustin.

Additionally, on hand will be the superb line-up of speakers, many of whom will not only have the theme of relationships as part of their presentation, but will remain at the event for a period of time as their schedule permits for attendees to speak with about their specific concerns.

Regarding those sessions, as mentioned previously, the theme of relationships and its importance between several parties within medtech will run throughout a number of sessions. One such focus will be the relationship between OEMs and their suppliers. One of the panel discussions will look at this specifically. Four executives—two from the OEM side and two from the supply side—will sit down with MPO’s publisher, serving as moderator, to address a variety of issues and challenges. Topics will include how OEMs can assess the value they gain from suppliers at the price paid, when to buy (or outsource) and when to build (or bring in-house), and the transformation from supplier to true development partner. Another session will look specifically at the liability risk that can emanate from an OEM’s supply chain.

Another relationship focus is that of the OEM and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Three afternoon sessions on the first day are focused on regulatory issues, with two maintaining, in part, the relationship theme. One session looks at strategies for staying abreast of the changes that are occurring at the FDA. While not every change or guidance issued impacts every device maker, it is paramount that OEMs ensure they are aware of those that affect their business and the products they produce. Another session will critically examine the FDA and its oversight of the industry. Does this agency truly have the public’s best interests in mind, or is it overbearing to the point that medtech innovation suffers? Further, how might the future improve this sometimes turbulent situation?

The sessions on that first day should hopefully give attendees plenty to discuss during the evening reception scheduled immediately after the last speaker wraps up. The reception offers yet another opportunity for attendees, speakers, and sponsor representatives to network and explore potential business relationships.

Rounding out the conference schedule on the first day is a “State of the Industry” panel discussion with several industry consultants and a representative from the Medical Device Manufacturers Association. MPO’s editor will moderate what should be a lively discussion, with topics that include a look at the upcoming presidential election and its impact on the medtech and healthcare industries, predictions on the fate of the device excise tax, the reported improvement of FDA review times, and trends in consolidation.

Following up this packed, “relationship-centric” agenda, the second day is more of a look at innovation. With two single speaker sessions and a panel discussion, Day 2 will highlight innovation that’s happening in early development. While one session highlights the university and R&D occurring in that environment, another session specifically focuses on the challenges of developing point-of-care technology for the home. Finally, a panel discussion will examine the influence of the tech industry on today’s medical device development.

The 2016 MPO Summit will maintain a focus on key concepts critical to ensuring the success of today’s device makers. From providing a platform for building stronger relationships through networking opportunities and education to providing a unique view of technology innovation, this event will be a can’t miss for medtech executives. The team at MPO looks forward to meeting with you in person at the event and hearing your own impression of the Summit, while furthering your relationship with us.

Get further details on the conference sessions and find out more about the 2016 MPO Summit at www.mposummit.com.