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7:30 am
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Breakfast
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9 am
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Welcome back remarks
Signature Keynote Address:
Macro Risk and the CFO: Navigating Volatility, Cycles, and Building Long‑Term Value
Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategies, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
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10:00 am
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Morning Breakout Sessions
1. Working with Analysts: How CFOs Shape the Narrative Without Over‑Promising
Leading analysts and CFO’s will discuss how to ensure they fully understand and amplify your company’s narrative. Learn when to engage analysts, how to communicate your science and strategy effectively, and how to build a feedback loop around investor questions.
2. Scaling the Finance Tech Stack: When Finance Teams Get the Timing Wrong
A discussion on selecting and scaling the right technology stack, including timing for ERP implementation. Hear how finance teams can leverage systems to improve efficiency and support company growth.
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11:15 am
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Late Morning Breakout Sessions
1. Compensation Trends, Equity, and Governance: What CFO’s need to know
Review current macroeconomic and industry dynamics affecting life sciences—covering inflation, market performance, headcount actions, and compensation trends—and how they are reshaping rewards and equity program structure strategy. We will also highlight key 2026 proxy season and SEC regulatory developments and discuss approaches to optimizing equity programs and balancing cost, dilution, and talent retention (the war for talent is alive and well) for biotech companies.
2. From VP Finance or Controller to CFO: Taking the Next Step
CFOs and executive recruiters will discuss career paths, critical experiences for advancement, and how candidates can position themselves for a first-time CFO or senior leadership role –especially when they haven’t “done it before."
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12:15 pm
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Lunch and Networking
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1:15 pm
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Featured Keynote Address:
Dr. Taryn Marie Stejskal, CEO & Founder of the Resilience Leadership Institute
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2:15 pm
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Afternoon Breakout Sessions
1. M&A Through the CFO Lens: Engagement, Positioning and Valuation
Hear from business development and search-and-evaluation leaders at large companies. Learn how to approach strategic partners, position your asset within their priorities, and understand how they assess alignment with existing or emerging strategic pillars.
2. IPO Readiness: Preparing the Organization for an IPO
Hear from experienced CFOs and advisors on the critical decisions, timing, and investments required on the path to an IPO. Learn best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how to influence and manage the transition from private to public.
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3:15 pm
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Late Afternoon Breakout Sessions
1. Strategic Financial Planning for CFOs
This session contrasts strategic planning with traditional budgeting, highlighting practical tools for operating effectively amid uncertainty. Learn to use disciplined scenario planning, define decision split points, set defensible base cases, and manage key constraints such as capital, headcount, and timelines.
2. Enterprise Risk and How to Mitigate It
Learn about emerging areas of risk, how to build a stage-appropriate insurance program, and the role insurance plays in IPO readiness. Gain practical insights on securing strong coverage and competitive rates as your company evolves.
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4:30 pm
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End of Day Closing Remarks
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6 pm
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Evening Social Event at the Franklin Institute
(Attendees may visit the Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition beginning at 5:30 pm.)
A group photo will be taken on the Franklin Institute stairs at 6:15 pm, followed by an evening of science, entertainment, food, drinks, and exploration.
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