workshops & speakers
Our 2024 main stage sessions. 2025 information coming soon!
MAIN STAGE SESSIONS
REMARKS FROM U.S. DEPT. OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Speaker:
- Shannon Jackson | Director, U.S. Dept. of HHS - The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
Transforming Healthcare: The Digitalization Pathway in Life Sciences
In the fast-evolving world of healthcare, life science organizations are at a crucial nexus of innovation and necessity. Join Dr. Sanaz Cordes for a dynamic session where she will unpack the transformative digital forces propelling these organizations towards a new era. Focusing on key challenges and the strategic embrace of digital solutions, Dr. Cordes will highlight the foundational importance of data management and infrastructural integrity. This insightful journey promises a glimpse into how digitalization is not only addressing current issues but also paving the way for future growth and efficiency in the life sciences.
Speaker:
- Brian Sharpless | Director, Diversity Business Development, Global Enterprise Sales - World Wide Technology
Brian Sharpless
USING A.I. FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Unlock the Potential of A.I. for Your Business: Insights from Industry Leaders – Dive deep into the transformative power of artificial intelligence with Ampcus top visionaries. Join Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO, alongside Barbara Wilson, Vice President of Technology Programs, and John Sudduth, Chief Information Security Officer, as they share groundbreaking strategies and real-world applications of A.I. in enhancing business operations, security, and innovation. This session promises to equip diverse suppliers and pharmaceutical companies with the knowledge and tools needed to harness A.I. for driving business success and competitive advantage in today’s fast-paced market.
Speakers:
- ANN RAMAKUMARAN | Founder and CEO - Ampcus
- BARBARA WILSON | Vice President of Technology Programs - Ampcus
- JOHN SUDDUTH | Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) - Ampcus
BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 1: Law Smart: BUSINESS SUCCESS STRATEGIES
Part 1: Master Service Agreement 101
FOLLOWED BY
Workshop 3: Law Smart: Business Success Strategies
Part 2: Practical Tips & Case Studies
Understand the importance of Master Service Agreements (MSAs) to Corporations and streamline your business contracts and protect your interests. This workshop will teach you the essentials of MSAs and how to negotiate them effectively and how to position yourself to win the business.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this session is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed are those of the panelist and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the panelist’s employer.
Speakers:
- DEXTER GOULD | Sr. Director, Legal Counsel Operations, R&D and IT - Dexcom
- FRANCESCO PRANDONI | CEO - Doc Events
- CINDY TOWERS | President & CEO - JuriSolutions
Workshop 2: TURNING CONNECTIONS INTO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
“Turning Connections into Business Opportunities” is an engaging workshop designed for both corporate entities and diverse suppliers keen on transforming professional interactions into valuable business prospects. This dynamic session will feature a panel of five successful small and diverse suppliers who will share their personal experiences, practical advice, and actionable strategies on navigating the business landscape to convert connections into meaningful opportunities. They will delve into the dos and don’ts of networking, relationship building, and leveraging contacts for business growth. Moderated by Nicole Van Valen, CEO and Founder of Keane Insights, the workshop promises an insightful exploration of effective networking techniques, fostering a deeper understanding of how to create and capitalize on business opportunities in diverse and competitive markets. Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to turn their next interaction into a potential business breakthrough.
Moderator:
- NICOLE VAN VALEN | CEO and Founder - Keane Insights
Panelists:
- LISA MILLER | Government Compliance Manager - AstraZeneca
- CARLTON ONEAL | President - LightSpeedEDU
- MONICA MOCKUS | Founder & CEO - Mock5 Design
- DAVID RICCIARDI | CEO - Proximo
- JENNIFER WILLEY | Founder and CEO - Wet Cement
Moderator
Workshop 4: Forward Together: AMPLIFYING IMPACT THROUGH ECOVADIS & ENERGIZE
As the conversation around sustainability within the healthcare sector evolves, it’s imperative to delve deeper into how organizations can collectively enhance their environmental and social impact through programs such as EcoVadis, Energize and “Lead in Sustainability” Accelerator. Moderated by Barry Kull of AstraZeneca, this session will feature a distinguished panel comprising representatives from EcoVadis, the Energize program, DA4S suppliers who have triumphed in the AstraZeneca-DA4S Sustainability Accelerator Program, and corporate partners who lead in sustainability.
By focusing on practical examples of success and the frameworks that supported them, this session is designed to be of immense value to both corporate participants and small, diverse suppliers. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into how they can contribute to a more sustainable future in healthcare procurement and beyond, ensuring that the sector’s supply chains are not just resilient but also responsible and forward-thinking.
Moderator:
- BARRY KULL | Sr. Director, Global Procurement - AstraZeneca
Panelists:
- JOHN BYS | Executive Leader - EcoVadis
- AMANDA MORTIMER | Managing Member - Innovative Development
- PEGGY DELFABBRO | President - M. Davis & Sons
- JASON WYKOFF | Sr. Client Development Mgr, Energy & Sustainability Service - Schneider Electric
- JOYCE EGGERS | Global Lead, Supplier Diversity - Takeda
- AMEDEO PINETA | Sr. Director, Global Procurement - Teva
- ROBIN WHITSELL | President - Whitsell Innovations
Moderator
