Must-Attend Biotech and Pharma Conferences of 2026
Stefania Longo
on
December 10, 2025
It’s that time of year again — the crucial moment to strategically map out your 2026 conference calendar. The pace of innovation in biopharma never slows, and neither should your pursuit in securing key partnerships and gaining market intelligence. We understand that maximizing ROI and aligning conference attendance with your 2026 business strategy is complex. To help you focus your efforts and investment, here is our list of the must-attend biopharma conferences for your consideration that we think deserve a spot on your shortlist:
SOT
When: March 22-25, 2026
Where: San Diego, CA
At this conference, you’ll network with leading toxicologists, researchers and industry professionals while exploring the latest advances in toxicology. You will get the chance to connect with colleagues, build new connections and take advantage of the mentorship and career development opportunities that SOT offers.
AACR
When: April 17-22
Where: San Diego, CA
The AACR Annual Meeting stands as the premier global event for the cancer research field. It brings together a diverse community — including scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals, patients and advocates — to exchange the latest breakthroughs in cancer science. Topics include population science and prevention, cancer biology, translational and clinical studies, survivorship and advocacy.
DPW
USA
When: June 3-4, 2026
Where: New York, NY
EUROPE
When: September 29-Oct 1, 2026
Where: Amsterdam, Netherlands
The DPW conference is for the procurement and supply chain industry, connecting startups, tech leaders and enterprise businesses to drive digital transformation. It is a gathering place where founders and enterprise leaders, investors, political figures, academic thought leaders, and emerging talent, all come together to drive meaningful change.
R&D Procurement & Sourcing in Pharma
When: June 2026
Where: Boston, MA
The R&D Procurement & Sourcing in Pharma Summit brings together 130+ leaders shaping the future of pre-clinical and clinical procurement to discuss the frameworks, technologies and supplier strategies redefining the future of R&D innovation. Engage in collaborative workshops, case studies and practical sessions, to gain new strategies that will deliver measurable impact for your R&D pipeline.
ISPOR
USA
When: May 17-20, 2026
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Europe
When: November 8-11, 2026
Where: Vienna, Austria
If you are interested in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), ISPOR is the conference for you. At ISPOR, you will have the opportunity to convene with global healthcare leaders and learn from other experts in the field through cutting-edge research, multidisciplinary dialogue and real-world case studies. This conference will underscore the critical role of evidence in guiding policy while strengthening global collaboration to ensure innovations deliver value and are accessible to all patients and stakeholders worldwide.
ASCO
When: May 29-June 2, 2026
Where: Chicago, Il
The American Society of Clinical Oncology is the world’s leading professional organization for physicians and oncology professionals caring for people with cancer - making ASCO the biggest oncology event of the year. ASCO 2026 will feature over 200 sessions complementing Dr. Eric Small’s Presidential theme, The Science and Practice of Translation: Improving Cancer Outcomes Worldwide.
DPHARM
When: September 15-16, 2026
Where: Boston, MA
At DPHARM, you will hear from senior clinical operations executives and innovative thought leaders as they unveil the latest innovations on modernizing clinical trials. DPHARM combines TED-style talks with fireside chats, quick fires, panels and demos showcasing innovations from leading Pharma R&D practitioners and from other industries.
BIO International Convention
When: June 22-25, 2026
Where: San Diego, CA
The BIO International Convention is the largest event for biotechnology, representing the full ecosystem of biotech with 20,000 industry leaders from around the world.
J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
When: January 12-15, 2026
Where: San Francisco, CA
The JP Morgan Healthcare conference is the largest and most informative healthcare investment symposium in the industry, connecting global industry leaders, emerging fast-growth companies, innovative technology creators and members of the investment community.
Interested in attending a smaller in-person event?
Maybe you don’t have the budget to make an impactful presence at a large conference, or perhaps you prefer smaller, intimate gatherings where you can have more meaningful conversations with industry peers. Regardless of your reason, Scientist.com’s R&D Vendor Discovery Days are a wonderful opportunity to connect with top researchers, expand your network and elevate your brand’s visibility.
✓ Pharmaceutical researchers meet face-to-face with CROs to establish valuable connections
✓ Exhibiting organizations increase brand awareness of their services and/or products
✓ Meet potential new customers or vendors
✓ One-day event with minimal setup and tear down
✓ Engage informally with new partners over a catered lunch
Interested in attending or tabling at one of our upcoming vendor days? Find the one that’s nearest to you: https://info.scientist.com/vendor-days
Most Popular Swag Items of 2025
A visually appealing booth gets the initial glance, but a highly desirable swag item ensures attendees walk away with a lasting, positive impression of your brand. Based on trends from the 2025 conference circuit, the following items were the undisputed crowd-pleasers:
- Fanny packs
- Legos
- “Trader Joe’s” inspired tote bags
- Yeti insulated mugs
- Notebooks
Successfully navigating the conference landscape and ensuring your team makes an impactful presence is a strategically vital task. We hope that this list is a helpful resource as your team maps out your 2026 conference strategy. Use these insights to finalize your calendar, secure your registrations and begin scheduling the critical meetings that will drive your organization’s growth in the new year!