From Lab to Launch:
De-Risking The Biologic Cold Chain
San Diego | June 9-10, 2026
Join Leading Industry Peers in California!
The Leading Minds Network powered by ELPRO and Cold Chain Technologies, invites you to a special collaborative learning experience in beautiful San Deigo, CA. Join leading pharmaceutical and life science, biotech, healthcare and logistics peers to network and share GxP-compliant best practices. This day-long relaxing, retreat-style setting is your opportunity to benchmark ideas, share challenges and gain valuable insights into a variety of today's pharma and life science logistics challenges.
This event is COMPLIMENTARY (no fee) to industry professionals. Pre-registration and confirmation are required. Hotel and travel costs associated with attending this event are not included. Seating is limited--reserve your spot today!
JUNE 8
Networking Kick-Off Reception & Cocktails (6:00pm - 8:00pm)
JUNE 9
Full Day Seminar & Networking Luncheon (8:30am to 5:00pm)
8:30am
Registration & Coffee
9:00
Opening Remarks and Welcome
Steve Popescu, CEO Americas, ELPRO; Anthony (TJ) Rizzo, Chief Commercial Officer, Cold Chain Technologies
9:15
INDUSTRY UPDATE: US Pharmacopeia (USP)
Chris Anderson, Director of Quality Management, Cardinal Health
10:00
Ultra Cold & Cryogenic Transport: Lessons from Cell & Gene Programs
Craig Vermeyen, Packaging & Labeling Director, Kite; Luis Hernandez, Logistics Director, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
10:45
Networking Coffee Break
11:15
Real Time Control Towers and Exception Management
Jeff Lander, Director Global Logistics Engineering, Moderna; Kunal Punjabi, Director Pharma & Healthcare, DSV; Juan Howlet, Logistics Specialist, Direct Relief
Noon
Navigating Complex Logistics in Radiopharmaceutical Supply Chains
Leila Safavi, Founder & CEO, Purist Inc.; Jessica Cravens, Senior Director, Supply Chain & Planning, Eli Lilly
12:45pm
Networking Luncheon
1:45
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS: Regulators & Risk Leaders: What FDA Looks for in 2026
Kevin Hickman, Former Director Global Logistics Mirati Therapeutics (BMS)
2:30
Direct‑to‑Patient Logistics: Opportunities & Risk Matrix
K. Nicole Harter, Senior Director, CT Materials Supply & Centralized Services, Eli Lilly
3:15
Networking Coffee Break
3:45
Cold Chain Readiness in the Era of Biologics and Advanced Therapies
Ryan Oppel, Chief Commercial Officer, Life Science Logistics; Chris Armstrong, Vice President and General Manager, McKesson Third Party Logistics
JUNE 10
Tour of Cold Chain Technologies Hub (9:00am - Noon)
Includes light breakfast and lunch
Past Seminar Attendees:
Amgen, AbbVie, Biogen, Pfizer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Kite/Gilead, Lilly, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Novo Nordisk, AstraZeneca, Bluebird Bio, GSK, Bristol-Myers Squibb, PCI Pharma, Illumina, Genentech, Bayer, Merck/MSD, Roche, Lundbeck, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, Catalent, and more.
Venue Location & Accommodations
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego CA 92109
(858) 488-1081
www.catamaranresort.com
Directions/Google Map
BOOK YOUR STAY ONLINE HERE
The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is an ideal coastal setting for the Leading Minds Network seminar. Located on Mission Bay, its Polynesian-style blend of tranquility and convenience makes it the perfect setting for focused learning, collaboration, and networking.
