The past decade has not been an easy one for any company operating in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. Shareholders, the market and regulators have all created significant pressures for change within the industry. From thinning pipelines and skyrocketing operating costs to calls for lower prices and a greater regulatory burden, the industry is confronting unprecedented challenges that are expected to radically transform the business.

Biotechnology companies also face increasingly tougher choices about product development strategy, funding sources, collaboration arrangements and the competition for talent. To overcome these challenges, the industry will require a bold vision and leaders who have the willingness to embrace a fundamentally new approach to their business.

At the 2008 Biopharmaceutical Conference in Europe, we addressed some of the key issues facing companies today and provided a platform for discussion and idea generation about how businesses could address these increasingly difficult times and continue to succeed.

The Biopharmaceutical Conference in Europe has just held its 16th conference, which is a true mark of success for this unique, exclusive event and evidence that it continues to provide CEOs with a place for business discussions and learnings that rea truly relevant in today’s dynamic environment.

The 2008 conference program offered both formal keynote presentations as well as lively panel discussions which encouraged great audience interaction. A unique factor of this conference is that no advertorial presentations are given as part of the conference program.

In 2009 this meeting will continue to be an exclusive 'by invitation only' event, providing a unique setting for like-minded individuals, at the most senior level to meet and explore new business opportunities in a relaxed, informal setting away from day to day business distractions. The conference prohibits exhibitors, general company presentations, uninvited sales pitches, or intrusion from service providers, or the press.