Agenda

September 30, 2026

Registration & Networking 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Registration will remain open throughout the conference.

Welcome Remarks 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Miguel Motta

Sr VP, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, San Diego, Biocom

Beyond the Deal: The Executive Role of HR 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Miguel Motta

Sr VP, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director, San Diego, Biocom

Mike Paolucci

Vice President, Human Resources, Mainstay Medical

Interactive Lunch: Conversations that Matter 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Life Science Legal Update 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

In this informative session, Jim Fessenden, Fisher Phillips partner and renowned expert speaker, will discuss the critical legal developments affecting HR practices in life science companies, including compliance requirements, emerging regulations and updated best practices. Join us to stay up-to-date with the evolving legal framework and ensure your HR strategies align with the changing demands of our industry.

Jim Fessenden

Employment Partner, Fisher Phillips

Networking Break 2:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

AI’s Impact on HR & the Future of Work 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Anushka Arellano

Founder & Strategic HR Leader, Elysian HR Consulting

Pat Leckman

Chief People Officer, Illumina

Dana Mix, M.A., SPHR

Head of Human Resources, Iambic Therapeutics

Eddy Nicolas

Executive Director, Talent Acquisition & Executive Recruitment, Beren Therapeutics

Danya Norton

Founder & Managing Principal, Agate Partners

Life Science Compensation Trends: A Town Hall Discussion 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Join our expert speakers from Marsh McLennan Agency as they delve into market benchmarks, salary structures, incentives and emerging trends shaping compensation strategies in the current landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into designing competitive compensation packages that attract, retain and motivate top talent in life science organizations.

Heidi Casey

Director of Compensation, HR Consulting, Marsh McLennan Agency

Erin Schultze

Senior Vice President, Life Science Programs, Marsh McLennan Agency

M&A Readiness: Preparing HR for What’s Next 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Our program will conclude with an insightful discussion between leaders from AmpersandPeople, Callio Therapeutics, Cidara Therapeutics and Crinetics Pharmaceuticals on navigating growth transitions and amplifying your impact as a strategic partner. This conversation will explore HR’s evolving role in fundraising and investor readiness, M&A and cultural integration, build vs buy decisions in biotech scaling, and more.

Adriana Cabré

CHRO, Crinetics Pharmaceuticals

Allison Lewis

Senior Vice President, People & Culture, Cidara Therapeutics

Samantha Schneider

CEO & Principal, AmpersandPeople

Meredith Wesley

Fractional CHRO, Callio Therapeutics

Networking Reception 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Alexandria Torrey Pines

Unwind from a day of insightful presentations and dynamic panel discussions with an evening of delicious food and drinks and continued conversations with industry peers. This reception provides an excellent opportunity to network with attendees and speakers one final time before the conference concludes.